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Loader callbacks are methods that are issued for loading and unloading application domains, assemblies, modules, and classes. These methods are arranged in LoadStarted/LoadFinished and UnloadStarted/UnloadFinished pairs with self-explanatory meanings.
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ads / cft correspondences provide a non - perturbative reformulation of string theory on anti - de sitter spacetimes in terms of a large @xmath18 gauge theory .
the original ads@xmath19/cft@xmath20 correspondence @xcite between type iib superstring theory on @xmath21 and @xmath22 super yang - mills ( sym ) theory has been the subject of extensive study . among the many remarkable features uncovered is an integrable structure which gives rise to an infinite tower of conserved charges associated with closed iib superstrings and their dual single trace operators @xcite .
integrable open iib superstrings require integrability preserving boundary conditions which are provided by certain supersymmetric d - branes , such as maximal giant gravitons , embedded into @xmath21 @xcite .
giant gravitons are a special class of supersymmetric probe d - branes , which are dynamically stable as a result of their angular momentum and their coupling to the supergravity background r - r potentials .
ads and sphere giant gravitons on @xmath21 were originally constructed in @xcite and shown to be @xmath23-bps .
these d3-brane giants have a microscopic description in terms of gravitational waves @xcite .
they are dual to schur polynomial operators @xmath24 in @xmath25=4 sym theory @xcite , built from @xmath26 of one of the three scalar fields @xmath27 which transform in the adjoint representation of the @xmath28 gauge group .
a general class of @xmath8-bps d3-brane giant gravitons embedded into and moving on @xmath29 was constructed in @xcite from holomorphic surfaces @xmath30 in the complex manifold @xmath31 . these are rigidly rotating 3-manifolds with non - trivial topology @xcite .
the dual operators are not known , but progress has been made @xcite in studying @xmath0-bps and @xmath8-bps operators in @xmath22 sym theory .
there has been considerable recent interest @xcite in integrable structures in the ads@xmath32/cft@xmath33 correspondence between type iib superstring theory on @xmath34 and a 2-dimensional @xmath35 superconformal field theory with two @xmath36 @xmath37-symmetry groups , which remains imperfectly understood .
@xmath38 is a @xmath23-bps type iib supergravity background containing a free parameter @xmath39 , which controls the relative size of the two 3-spheres .
the size of one or other of these 3-spheres goes to infinity in the @xmath40 and @xmath41 limits , in which the string theory ( after a compactification ) becomes type iib superstring theory on @xmath42 .
this @xmath23-bps type iib supergravity background @xmath42 arises as the near - horizon geometry of a stack of @xmath43 d1-branes coincident with a stack of @xmath44 d5-branes @xcite .
the worldvolume gauge theory on this stack of d1-branes is a 2-dimensional @xmath35 supersymmetric theory with one @xmath45 @xmath37-symmetry group which is thought to flow to a @xmath46 orbifold conformal field theory in the infrared @xcite .
this cft@xmath33 is conjectured to be the holographic dual of type iib superstring theory on @xmath42 .
this d1-d5 brane system can be generalized to a d1-d5-d5@xmath47 system consisting of a stack of @xmath43 d1-branes coincident with two orthogonal stacks of @xmath48 and @xmath49 d5-branes , which intersect only along the line of the d1s .
the near - horizon geometry is @xmath50 @xcite .
the worldvolume gauge theory on the d1-branes is a @xmath51 supersymmetric field theory @xcite containing two pairs of complex scalar fields , @xmath52 and @xmath27 , charged under different @xmath36 @xmath37-symmetry groups and transforming in the adjoint of the @xmath53 gauge group .
these scalars are associated with the directions transverse to the two stacks of d5 and d5@xmath47-branes .
the @xmath54 instead of @xmath5 factor in the near - horizon geometry was suggested in @xcite to be an artefact of the d1-branes being smeared over the transverse directions , and it was conjectured that this worldvolume gauge theory flows in the infrared to a cft@xmath33 with enhanced @xmath35 supersymmetry which is the holographic dual of type iib superstring theory on @xmath38 .
the goal of this work is to study d1 and d5-brane giant gravitons on @xmath55 .
our motivation is two - fold : while the integrability of closed superstrings on this background has been investigated extensively , open string integrability has not been considered , perhaps for lack of suitable d - brane boundary conditions .
maximal giant gravitons are good candidates for integrable boundary conditions for open iib superstrings on @xmath55 .
a better understanding of giant gravitons on @xmath55 is also likely to provide insight into the dual long operators in the unknown @xmath35 supersymmetric cft@xmath33 - which , being protected , it should theoretically be possible to build from the scalars @xmath52 and @xmath27 in the @xmath51 supersymmetric gauge theory of @xcite .
giant gravitons on @xmath42 were studied in @xcite and several oddities observed .
both d1 and d5-brane giant gravitons exist , wrapping a 1-cycle in @xmath56 , with the d1-brane point - like in the @xmath57 and the d5-branes wrapping the entire @xmath57 space .
the ads and sphere giant gravitons wrap a circle in the @xmath2 and @xmath58 , respectively , with angular momentum on the @xmath58 in both cases .
these @xmath23-bps giants have a flat potential with their energy independent of the size of the circle . these d1 and d5-branes
may be thought of as having separated , at no cost in energy , from the d1-d5-branes setting up the geometry .
the microscopic description of giant gravitons on @xmath42 in terms of gravitational waves was found in @xcite . a general class of @xmath0-bps giant gravitons wrapping 1-cycles in @xmath59 was shown to exist in @xcite .
we expect d1 and d5-brane giant gravitons on @xmath55 to interpolate between those on @xmath60 and @xmath61 in the @xmath40 and @xmath41 limits .
we thus expect these giants to carry angular momentum on both 3-spheres for intermediate values of @xmath39 . indeed
, we will show that the angular momenta on @xmath62 and @xmath63 are @xmath6 and @xmath7 , respectively , with @xmath64 the total angular momentum .
we begin , in section [ section - background ] , with a brief description of the type iib supergravity background @xmath55 with pure r - r flux . in section [ section - examples ] , we construct two examples of d1-brane giant gravitons wrapping 1-cycles in @xmath2 and @xmath4 , and one example of a d5-brane giant graviton wrapping a 4-cycle in @xmath4 and the @xmath5 . these will be shown to be @xmath0-bps d - branes by a study of the kappa symmetry conditions for worldvolume supersymmetry . in section [ section - holomorphic surfaces ]
we turn our attention to the construction of a more general class of @xmath8-bps d5-brane giant gravitons wrapping a 4-cycle @xmath9 in @xmath3 and the @xmath5 . here
@xmath9 is the intesection of a holomorphic surface @xmath11 in the complex manifold @xmath12 with the @xmath3 submanifold .
crucial to this holomorphic surface construction is our choice of holomorphic surface @xmath11 to be @xmath65 with @xmath14 and @xmath15 the @xmath66 and @xmath67 complex coordinates resembles the holomorphic surface in @xmath68 used in @xcite to construct d4-brane giant gravitons embedded into @xmath69 , which wrap a 4-cycle in the complex projective space . ] .
key also is our @xmath39-dependent choice of the preferred direction @xmath70 in @xmath71 along which @xmath9 is boosted into motion .
a discussion of our results is presented in section [ section - discussion ] .
technical details of the type iib supergravity background and d - brane supersymmetry analyses are included in appendices [ appendix - kses ] and [ appendix - kappa symmetry ] .
the @xmath23-bps type iib supergravity background @xmath55 with 3-form fluxes @xmath72 and @xmath73 , which mix under s - duality , preserves 16 of 32 supersymmetries ( see appendix [ subappendix - kses - 10d ] ) .
we shall focus here on the case of pure r - r flux @xmath72 . here
we summarize the relevant details of the @xmath55 background with pure r - r flux .
the metric is given by @xmath74 the axion and dilaton vanish , @xmath75 , and we set to zero the self - dual 5-form flux : @xmath76 = \ast \tilde{f}_{(5 ) } = 0.\ ] ] we take the ns - ns 3-form flux to vanish , @xmath77 , to obtain the background with pure r - r 3-form flux @xmath78 given by @xmath79 with hodge dual 7-form field strength @xmath80 computed to be @xmath81 we must insist that the charges . ]
@xmath82 are all integers @xcite
. we may then express the radii in the metric through these charges : @xmath83 the parameter @xmath84 controls the relative size of the two 3-spheres @xmath85 .
taking @xmath86 and interchanging the @xmath87 and @xmath88 leaves this type iib supergravity background invariant .
it will prove useful in subsequent sections to embed this 1 + 9 dimensional @xmath1 supergravity geometry into a 2 + 11 dimensional @xmath89 spacetime .
the complex @xmath90 coordinates are denoted @xmath14 and @xmath15 in terms of which the @xmath89 metric is @xmath91 with all dependence on @xmath84 shown explicitly for convenience .
let us exchange the @xmath92 coordinates of @xmath93 for the usual global coordinates @xmath94 of @xmath2 and an extra radial coordinate @xmath95 .
we use the radii and phases of the @xmath66 and @xmath67 complex coordinates @xmath96 and @xmath97 .
the metric of @xmath89 is then @xmath98 the complex coordinates of @xmath99 can now also be parameterized by @xmath100 in terms of which the @xmath89 metric becomes @xmath101 this reduces to the metric ( [ metric ] ) of @xmath55 when @xmath102 are constant .
we define new radial coordinates @xmath103 mixing the overall radial coordinates @xmath104 of the @xmath16 complex manifolds : @xmath105 which we shall need in section [ section - holomorphic surfaces ] .
note that these new mixed radial coordinates are orthogonal : @xmath106 we also define the mixed @xmath107 phases @xmath108 and @xmath109 in a similar way : @xmath110 @xmath111 which we use in section [ section - examples ] .
observe that @xmath112 and @xmath113 are the phases of the composite complex coordinates @xmath114 and @xmath115 , respectively : @xmath116
here we construct @xmath0-bps giant gravitons embedded into the type iib supergravity background @xmath1 with pure r - r flux .
these are probe d1 and d5-branes supported by their motion on both the 3-spheres , and by their coupling to the r - r potentials , @xmath117 and @xmath118 .
curiously , we shall observe for all our examples that the ratio of the angular momenta on the 3-spheres , @xmath6 on @xmath62 and @xmath7 on @xmath63 , must be fixed to be @xmath119 , which is a rational number as a result of the flux quantization condition ( [ charges+- ] ) . indeed
, all the d1 and d5-brane giant gravitons in this section will be moving in the direction @xmath120 in terms of the mixed phases ( [ mixed - phases - chi ] ) .
the total angular momentum is @xmath121 , with @xmath122 , when decomposed into components on each of the ( rescaled ) 3-spheres .
we construct two examples of d1-brane giant gravitons , both in motion along the @xmath124 direction in @xmath3 .
the giant graviton in @xmath2 will wrap the @xmath125 circle in @xmath2 , whereas the giant graviton in @xmath126 will wrap the @xmath113 path wound around a @xmath127 torus in @xmath10 .
these d1-branes couple to the 2-form potential : @xmath128 through the d1-brane action @xmath129 with @xmath130 the circle in @xmath2 or the curve in @xmath10 wrapped by the d1-brane .
the kappa symmetry condition is @xmath131 let us consider a d1-brane , with worldvolume coordinates @xmath132 , wrapping the curve @xmath130 in @xmath2 , which is the @xmath125 circle of radius @xmath133 with @xmath134 constant , and point - like in the compact space . here
we set @xmath135 and @xmath136 .
motion is along the @xmath124 direction in @xmath137 in terms of the mixed phases ( [ mixed - phases - chi ] ) .
hence @xmath138 and @xmath139 . in @xmath2 . ]
now , the induced metric on the @xmath140 worldvolume of this d1-brane is @xmath141 and the pull - back of the 2-form potential ( [ c2 ] ) is given by @xmath142 the d1-brane action is hence @xmath143 choosing the lower sign in the wz action associated with an anti - brane solution .
the momentum conjugate to @xmath112 is @xmath144 the energy @xmath145 of the d1-brane is given by @xmath146 we observe bps solutions when @xmath147 and @xmath148 .
these d1-(anti-)brane giant gravitons in @xmath2 ( with opposite directions of motion ) have energy and angular momentum @xmath149 = l^{2 } = \frac{q_{5}^{+ } q_{5}^{-}}{(q_{5}^{+ } + q_{5}^{-})}}\ ] ] notice that the energy and angular momentum are independent of the radius @xmath150 of the @xmath125 circle in @xmath2 ( the size of the 1-cycle @xmath130 ) .
the potential @xmath151 is flat when @xmath152 .
the kappa symmetry condition ( [ kappa - d1 ] ) can be written as @xmath153 imposed on the pullback of the killing spinor ( [ killing - spinor ] ) to the giant s worldvolume : @xmath154 with @xmath155 ( from the gravitino kses ) further satisfying @xmath156 where we define @xmath157 ( from the dilatino kse ) . here
the kappa symmetry condition becomes @xmath159 .
there is an additional consistency condition @xmath160 \ , \varepsilon^{\pm } = 0 $ ] needed for the dilatino condition to be consistent with worldvolume supersymmetry .
we show in appendix [ subappendix - kappa symmetry - d1 ] that these kappa symmetry , dilatino and consistency conditions imply the following three conditions on the constant spinor @xmath161 : @xmath162 we conclude that the weyl spinors @xmath163 and @xmath164 each contain 2 degrees of freedom which we may label by the @xmath165 eigenvalues of @xmath166 , where @xmath167 .
the d1-brane giant graviton in @xmath2 therefore preserves 4 of the original 16 supersymmetries and is hence @xmath0-bps . in the @xmath40 or @xmath41 limits ,
this d1-brane giant graviton has angular momentum @xmath168 or @xmath169 on only one 3-sphere .
there is now enhanced @xmath23-bps supersymmetry , since the consistency condition becomes trivial .
these limits therefore give rise to ads d1-brane giant gravitons on @xmath170 after a compactification .
let us consider a d1-brane , with worldvolume coordinates @xmath172 , wrapping the curve @xmath130 in @xmath4 parameterized by the mixed phase @xmath113 defined in ( [ mixed - phases - phi ] ) . here
@xmath173 is constant , and @xmath174 and @xmath175 .
the curve @xmath130 is wound around a torus @xmath127 in @xmath4 .
note that @xmath130 is closed due to rational @xmath119 as a result of the flux quantization condition ( [ charges+- ] ) .
this d1-brane is point - like in @xmath2 and @xmath5 , with @xmath176 and @xmath136 .
motion is along the @xmath124 direction in the @xmath10 compact space .
the induced metric on the @xmath140 worldvolume of this d1-brane is @xmath177 and the pullback of the 2-form potential ( [ c2 ] ) to the worldvolume is @xmath178 the d1-brane action is therefore given by @xmath179 the angular momentum conjugate to @xmath112 is @xmath180 the energy @xmath145 of this d1-brane then takes the form @xmath181 there is a bps solution with @xmath182 and @xmath148 associated with d1-brane ( and anti - brane ) giant gravitons in @xmath123 with opposite directions of motion .
these giant gravitons have energy and angular momentum @xmath183 = l^{2 } = \frac{q_{5}^{+ } q_{5}^{-}}{(q_{5}^{+ } + q_{5}^{-})}}\ ] ] the energy and angular momentum are independent of the radii @xmath184 and @xmath185 of the @xmath186 torus on which @xmath130 is wound ( the size of the 1-cycle @xmath130 wrapping this torus ) .
the potential @xmath187 is again flat when @xmath148 .
the kappa symmetry condition ( [ kappa - d1 ] ) can be written as @xmath188 where @xmath182 for the brane / anti - brane .
the pullback of the killing spinor ( [ killing - spinor ] ) to the giant s worldvolume : @xmath154 , with @xmath189 , must again satisfy @xmath156 .
the consistency of this dilatino condition with the kappa symmetry condition @xmath190 requires also @xmath160 \ , \varepsilon^{\pm } = 0 $ ] . in appendix [ subappendix - kappa symmetry - d1 ]
we show that these conditions are all satisfied if we impose the same three conditions on the constant spinor @xmath161 : @xmath191 once more , @xmath161 are labeled by the @xmath192 eigenvalue of @xmath166 .
the d1-brane giant graviton in @xmath193 is therefore @xmath0-bps , preserving 4 of the 16 background supersymmetries . in the @xmath40 or @xmath41 limits ,
the 1-cycle @xmath130 unwraps from the circle on one of the 3-spheres and becomes simply a d1-brane wrapping an @xmath5 in @xmath194 , with angular momentum @xmath168 or @xmath169 on the same 3-sphere .
there is again enhanced @xmath23-bps supersymmetry .
this gives rise to the sphere d1-brane giant graviton on @xmath170 after a compactification .
here we construct an example of a d5-brane giant graviton in motion along the @xmath124 direction in the @xmath4 compact space .
this d5-brane giant graviton in @xmath196 will wrap a 4-cycle @xmath9 in @xmath4 and the @xmath5 .
this d5-brane couples to the 6-form potential : @xmath197 \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.5 cm } \hspace{4.5 cm } \wedge \hspace{0.1 cm } d\chi_{+ } \wedge d\chi_{- } \wedge d\phi_{+ } \wedge d\phi_{- } \wedge d\xi \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.5 cm } \hspace{0.85 cm } + \ , l^{5 } \ , \ell \hspace{0.15 cm } \cos{\beta } \ , \csc^{3}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } \sinh^{2}{\rho } \hspace{0.2 cm } dt \wedge d\varphi \wedge \left ( \sin{\theta_{- } } \cos{\theta_{- } } \ , d\theta_{- } \right ) \wedge d\chi_{- } \wedge d\phi_{-}\wedge d\xi \\ & & \hspace{-0.5 cm } \hspace{0.85 cm } - \ , l^{5 } \ , \ell \hspace{0.15 cm } \sin{\beta } \
, \sec^{3}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } \sinh^{2}{\rho } \hspace{0.2 cm } dt \wedge d\varphi \wedge \left ( \sin{\theta_{+ } } \cos{\theta_{+ } } \ , d\theta_{+ } \right ) \wedge d\chi_{+ } \wedge d\phi_{+}\wedge d\xi \hspace{1.5cm}\end{aligned}\ ] ] through the d5-brane action @xmath198 the kappa symmetry condition is now given by @xmath199 let us consider a d5-brane , with worldvolume coordinates @xmath201 , wrapping a 4-cycle @xmath9 in @xmath4 parameterized by @xmath202 and the @xmath5 coordinate @xmath203 , and point - like in @xmath2 with @xmath204 .
we leave @xmath205 and @xmath206 which define @xmath9 to be specified later .
we shall choose @xmath9 to be in motion in @xmath3 along the @xmath124 direction . in @xmath3 and the @xmath5 .
] the induced metric on the @xmath207 worldvolume of this d5-brane is @xmath208 dt^{2 } \ , - 2l^{2 } \left ( \cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } - \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right ) \dot{\chi } \hspace{0.15 cm } dt \ , d\tilde{\chi } \\
\nonumber & & \hspace{0.42 cm } + \ , l^{2 } \hspace{0.05 cm } \sec^{2}{\beta } \csc^{2}{\beta } \left ( \sin^{2}{\beta } \cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } + \cos^{2}{\beta } \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right ) d\tilde{\chi}^{2 } \\
\nonumber & & \hspace{0.42 cm } + \ , l^{2 } \hspace{0.05 cm } \sec^{2}{\beta } \csc^{2}{\beta } \left [ \sin^{2}{\beta}\hspace{0.1 cm } ( { \partial}_{\tilde{\theta } } \theta_{+})^{2 } + \cos^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } ( { \partial}_{\tilde{\theta } } \theta_{-})^{2 } \right ] d\tilde{\theta}^{2 } \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{0.42 cm } + \ , l^{2 } \left ( \cos^{2}{\beta } \sin^{2}{\theta_{+ } } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \sin^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right ) d\phi^{2 } - 2l^{2 } \left(\sin^{2}{\theta_{+ } } - \sin^{2}{\theta_{-}}\right ) d\phi \ , d\tilde{\phi}\\ \nonumber & & \hspace{0.42 cm } + \ , l^{2 } \hspace{0.05 cm } \sec^{2}{\beta}\csc^{2}{\beta } \left ( \sin^{2}{\beta } \sin^{2}{\theta_{+ } } + \cos^{2}{\beta } \sin^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right ) d\tilde{\phi}^{2 } + \ell^{2 } \hspace{0.05 cm } d\xi^{2}\end{aligned}\ ] ] with @xmath209 \left [ ( \sin^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta}_{+ } + \cos^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } ) - \cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \ , \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right ] } \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{1.8 cm } \times \ , \sqrt{1 + \frac{\cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \left(1-\dot{\chi}^{2}\right)}{\left [ ( \sin^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta}_{+ } + \cos^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } ) - \cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \ , \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right]}}\end{aligned}\ ] ] and the pullback of the 6-form potential is @xmath210\\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.65 cm } \hspace{1.1 cm } \times \hspace{0.1 cm } \dot{\chi } \hspace{0.1 cm } dt \wedge d\tilde{\theta } \wedge d\phi \wedge d\tilde{\phi } \wedge d\tilde{\chi } \wedge d\xi \end{aligned}\ ] ] let us now make the ansatz @xmath211 which is associated with the holomorphic surface @xmath212 in @xmath12 , yielding @xmath9 when restricted to the submanifold @xmath4 .
( a general holomorphic surface construction is presented in section [ section - holomorphic surfaces ] ) .
this surface is boosted into motion along the overall phase of @xmath114 which is the @xmath124 direction .
we shall choose @xmath213 to be a worldvolume coordinate .
this yields the d5-brane action @xmath214 \\ & & \hspace{-0.7 cm } \hspace{4.9 cm } \times \left\ { \sqrt{1 + \frac{\cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \left(1-\dot{\chi}^{2}\right)}{\left [ ( \sin^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta}_{+ } + \cos^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } ) - \cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \ , \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right ] } } \ , \mp \dot{\chi } \right\ } \hspace{0.85cm}\end{aligned}\ ] ] with @xmath215 determined through ( [ d5-ansatz ] ) .
the angular momentum conjugate to @xmath112 is @xmath216 \\ & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{4.5 cm } \times \ , \left\ { \frac{\frac{\cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \ , \dot{\chi}}{\left [ ( \sin^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta}_{+ } + \cos^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } ) - \cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \ , \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right]}}{\sqrt{1 + \frac{\cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \left(1-\dot{\chi}^{2}\right)}{\left [ ( \sin^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta}_{+ } + \cos^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } ) - \cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \ , \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right ] } } } \ , \pm 1 \right\ } \hspace{0.5cm}\end{aligned}\ ] ] and the energy @xmath217 of the d5-brane is given by @xmath218}}}. \hspace{1.0cm}\end{aligned}\ ] ] there are bps solutions when @xmath182 associated with d5-brane ( and anti - brane ) giant gravitons in @xmath200 with opposite directions of motion .
these giant gravitons have energy and angular momentum @xmath219 = q_{1 } \ , \sin^{2}{\theta } } \hspace{1.0cm}\end{aligned}\ ] ] with the quantized flux @xmath43 given by ( [ chargeq1 ] ) . the energy and angular momentum of this d5-brane giant graviton
do exhibit a dependence on @xmath220 , which controls the size and shape of the 4-cycle @xmath9 in @xmath10 . at maximum size , @xmath221 ,
indicating a stringy exclusion principle . the kappa symmetry condition ( [ kappa - d5 ] ) can be written as @xmath222 } { \left [ ( \sin^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta}_{+ } + \cos^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } ) - \cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \ , \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right ] } \hspace{1.0cm}\end{aligned}\ ] ] where @xmath154 is the pullback of the killing spinor ( [ killing - spinor ] ) to the giant s worldvolume . here
@xmath223 again satisfies @xmath156 and @xmath224 with consistency condition @xmath160 \ , \varepsilon^{\pm } = 0 $ ] .
we show in appendix [ subappendix - kappa symmetry - d1 ] that the consistency of the dilatino and kappa symmetry conditions once more implies @xmath225 the weyl spinors @xmath163 and @xmath164 each contain 2 degrees of freedom which are again labeled by the @xmath165 eigenvalues of @xmath166 .
this d5-brane giant graviton in @xmath196 thus preserves 4 of the original 16 supersymmetries and is hence @xmath0-bps .
.,title="fig : " ] .,title="fig : " ] the maximal d5-brane giant graviton with @xmath226 has ansatz @xmath227 .
this splits into two d5-branes , @xmath228 and @xmath229 , which we parameterize separately by @xmath230 and @xmath213 .
each of these is a @xmath23-bps d5-brane wrapping an @xmath231 .
it is not immediately clear what happens to this d5-brane giant graviton in the @xmath40 or @xmath41 limits , in which one of the 3-spheres @xmath194 blows up to infinite size ( and is then compactified to @xmath232 ) .
the constraint @xmath233 depends on the coordinates of both 3-spheres @xmath194 even when @xmath40 or @xmath41 .
we therefore do not expect this d5-brane solution to survive the compactification ( except at maximal size where half the maximal giant graviton will become the maximal sphere d5-brane giant graviton on @xmath170 ) .
we anticipate that it may be possible to build the dual @xmath0-bps operators in the @xmath234 supersymmetric gauge theory defined in @xcite on the worldvolume of the d1-d5-d5@xmath47-branes .
these operators will be protected under renormalization group flow to the @xmath35 supersymmetric cft@xmath33 conjectured to be the holographic dual of type iib superstring theory on @xmath235 .
the dependence of the angular momentum @xmath236 of our d5-brane giant graviton on the size parameter @xmath220 , with maximum size occuring when @xmath237 , suggests a dual @xmath0-bps operator built from an equal number @xmath238 of scalar fields @xmath239 and @xmath240 in the adjoint representation of the @xmath53 gauge group . at maximal length ,
@xmath241 , we expect these operators to split into two @xmath23-bps operators , each built out of @xmath43 of a single scalar field , @xmath239 or @xmath240 , and dual to half the maximal d5-brane giant graviton .
we now construct a general class of @xmath8-bps d5-brane giant gravitons on @xmath34 , by means of the embedding into @xmath242 ( see section [ subsection - background - 13d ] ) , making use of methods similar to those of @xcite .
this holomorphic surface construction is presented in section [ subsection - holomorphic surfaces - construction ] while an analysis of the kappa symmetry conditions is given in section [ subsection - holomorphic surfaces - kappa symmetry ] .
a d5-brane giant graviton at fixed time @xmath243 wraps a 4-cycle @xmath9 in @xmath3 and the @xmath5 , where @xmath9 is the intersection of a holomorphic surfaces @xmath11 in the complex manifold @xmath244 with the @xmath3 submanifold .
the holomorphic surface must take the form @xmath245 this 4-cycle @xmath9 is boosted into motion along a preferred direction @xmath246 induced by the action of the complex structure @xmath247 of @xmath68 .
this holomorphic surface construction generally gives rise to an @xmath8-bps probe d5-brane .
the d5-brane giant graviton in @xmath196 example of section [ subsection - examples - d5 ] is a special case in which @xmath248 with enhanced @xmath0-bps supersymmetry .
essential to this construction is the choice of preferred direction . at any point in @xmath3 , there are two natural preferred directions in @xmath249 respectively : @xmath250 induced by the action of the complex structure @xmath247 on the directions in @xmath251 orthogonal to @xmath252 : @xmath253 we introduce an alternative pair of mutually orthogonal unit vectors , also orthogonal to @xmath254 , given by @xmath255 which have an interpretation in terms of the mixed radii defined in section [ subsection - background - 13d ] .
the associated preferred directions in @xmath254 are @xmath256 where @xmath70 has components @xmath257 and @xmath258 in @xmath252
. it will be crucial to boost along this @xmath39-dependent preferred direction @xmath70 to obtain supersymmetric d5-brane giant gravitons .
this boost is implemented by taking @xmath259 and @xmath260 in the holomorphic function .
the rigidly rotating 4-cycle @xmath261 is then @xmath4 intersected with @xmath262 the type iib killing spinor @xmath263 in 1 + 9 dimensions can be projected out of a covariantly constant spinor @xmath264 in 2 + 11 dimensions is the gamma matrix corresponding to the vector @xmath265 . ] : @xmath266 with @xmath267 the 1 + 9 dimensional chirality matrix ( see appendix [ appendix - kses ] ) .
the gravitino kses on @xmath263 arise from the covariantly constant condition on @xmath264 .
the dilatino condition comes about as a result of our choice of the projection operator @xmath268 involving the @xmath39-dependent orthogonal direction @xmath269 which induces precisely the preferred direction @xmath70 .
note that @xmath264 must satisfy three additional independent conditions ( [ conditions - psi ] ) .
the kappa symmetry conditions on the pullback @xmath270 to the worldvolume @xmath207 of the d5-brane will be reinterpreted in section [ subsection - holomorphic surfaces - kappa symmetry ] as conditions on the pullback @xmath271 to @xmath272 .
let us begin by considering a general holomorphic surface @xmath11 defined by @xmath273 in @xmath68 .
the intersection with @xmath4 gives the 4-cycle @xmath9 .
the orthogonal space @xmath274 is spanned by the unit vectors @xmath275 + \sin^{2}{\beta } \sum_{a } \left [ ( { \partial } _ { \bar{z}_{a } } \bar{f } ) \ , { \partial}_{z_{a } } + ( { \partial}_{z_{a } } f ) \ , { \partial}_{\bar{z}_{a } } \right ] } { \sqrt{\cos^{2}{\beta } \sum_{b } |
{ \partial}_{y_{b}}f |^{2 } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \sum_{b } | { \partial}_{z_{b}}f |^{2 } } } \\ & & \hspace{-0.65 cm } \mathbf{v}_{2 } = \frac { i \ , \cos^{2}{\beta } \sum_{a } \left [ ( { \partial } _ { \bar{y}_{a } } \bar{f } ) \ , { \partial}_{y_{a } } - ( { \partial}_{y_{a } } f ) \ , { \partial}_{\bar{y}_{a } } \right ] + i \ , \sin^{2}{\beta } \sum_{a } \left [ ( { \partial } _ { \bar{z}_{a } } \bar{f } ) \ , { \partial}_{z_{a } } - ( { \partial}_{z_{a } } f ) \ , { \partial}_{\bar{z}_{a } } \right ] } { \sqrt{\cos^{2}{\beta } \sum_{b } | { \partial}_{y_{b}}f |^{2 } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \sum_{b } | { \partial}_{z_{b}}f |^{2 } } } = \mathrm{i } \ , \mathbf{v}_{1 } \hspace{1.0cm}\end{aligned}\ ] ] note that @xmath276 and @xmath274 are closed under the action of the complex structure @xmath247 .
we define @xmath277 to be the maximal subspace of @xmath278 closed under the action of the complex structure @xmath247 , i.e. satisfying @xmath279 .
hence @xmath277 consists of all those vectors in @xmath280 with no components along @xmath281 or @xmath282 .
we also define the unit vectors @xmath283 and @xmath284 to be the ( normalized ) components of @xmath281 or @xmath282 in @xmath280 : @xmath285 with the extra terms being vectors in @xmath286 . here
span @xmath288 .
the direction of motion @xmath289 must be a unit vector in @xmath290 .
we require @xmath291 to be a 1 dimensional space for this holomorphic construction to go through , which we shall find places constraints on the holomorphic surface @xmath11 .
let us now solve for @xmath289 explicitly .
a vector in @xmath274 takes the form @xmath292 + b \hspace{0.1 cm } \sum_{a } \left [ \cos^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } ( { \partial } _ { y_{a } } f ) \ , { \partial}_{\bar{y}_{a } } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } ( { \partial}_{z_{a } } f ) \ , { \partial}_{\bar{z}_{a } } \right]\ ] ] and must be orthogonal to both @xmath293 and @xmath294 given in ( [ orthogonal+- ] ) .
this implies @xmath295 which has solution @xmath296 with @xmath18 a normalization constant .
it is therefore clear that for @xmath291 to be a 1 dimensional space containing @xmath289 , we must restrict to holomorphic functions @xmath297 satisfying @xmath298 which takes the form @xmath299 with @xmath300 in terms of @xmath301 .
we wish to obtain a supersymmetric probe d5-brane giant graviton wrapping @xmath302 which , when boosted into motion along the preferred direction @xmath70 , results in motion along the direction @xmath289 orthogonal to @xmath9 . for the supersymmetry analysis to go through along the lines of @xcite , it will also prove necessary to set @xmath303 .
our holomorphic surface is then given by @xmath304 in terms of the composite complex fields @xmath305 , @xmath306 , @xmath307 and @xmath308 .
in this case , @xmath309 the direction of motion @xmath289 and the orthogonal direction @xmath310 are given by @xmath311 \left [ \cos^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } \sum_{a } ( { \partial } _ { \bar{y}_{a } } \bar{f } ) \ , { \partial}_{y_{a } } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } \sum_{a } ( { \partial}_{\bar{z}_{a } } \bar{f } ) \ , { \partial}_{z_{a } } \right ] - \left [ \sum_{b } ( { \partial}_{\bar{w}_{b}}\bar{f } ) \ , \bar{w}_{b } \right ] \left [ \cos^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } \sum_{a } ( { \partial } _ { y_{a } } f ) \ , { \partial}_{\bar{y}_{a } } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } \sum_{a}({\partial}_{z_{a } } f ) \ , { \partial}_{\bar{z}_{a } } \right ] \right\ } } } { ^{| \sum_{c}({\partial}_{w_{c}}f ) \ ,
w_{c } | \hspace{0.1 cm } \sqrt{\cos^{2}{\beta } \sum_{d } | { \partial}_{y_{d}}f |^{2 } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \sum_{d } | { \partial}_{z_{d}}f |^{2 } } } } \\ \nonumber & & \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.65 cm } \mathrm{i } \ , \mathbf{e}^{\phi } \hspace{-0.05 cm } = \frac { _ { - \left\ { \left [ \sum_{b } ( { \partial}_{w_{b}}f ) \ ,
w_{b } \right ] \left [ \cos^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } \sum_{a } ( { \partial } _ { \bar{y}_{a } } \bar{f } ) \ , { \partial}_{y_{a } } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } \sum_{a } ( { \partial}_{\bar{z}_{a } } \bar{f } ) \ , { \partial}_{z_{a } } \right ] + \left [ \sum_{b } ( { \partial}_{\bar{w}_{b}}\bar{f } ) \ , \bar{w}_{b } \right ] \left [ \cos^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } \sum_{a } ( { \partial } _ { y_{a } } f ) \ , { \partial}_{\bar{y}_{a } } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } \sum_{a}({\partial}_{z_{a } } f ) \ , { \partial}_{\bar{z}_{a } } \right ] \right\ } } } { ^{| \sum_{c}({\partial}_{w_{c}}f ) \ ,
w_{c } | \hspace{0.1 cm } \sqrt{\cos^{2}{\beta } \sum_{d } | { \partial}_{y_{d}}f |^{2 } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \sum_{d } | { \partial}_{z_{d}}f |^{2}}}}. \\\end{aligned}\ ] ] let us now define the unit vector @xmath312 to be a direction orthogonal to @xmath289 in @xmath313 .
since @xmath289 is a vector in @xmath274 ( and @xmath314 ) , which is closed under the action of the complex structure @xmath247 , the unit vector @xmath310 is also in @xmath274 as well as being orthogonal to @xmath315 .
hence @xmath316 since @xmath317 , it follows that @xmath318 = 0
. therefore @xmath319 are linear combinations of @xmath289 and the vectors @xmath287 .
it is possible to deduce that @xmath320 using the definitions of @xmath319 given in ( [ preferred+- ] ) and the explicit expressions for @xmath289 and @xmath310 shown in ( [ directions - phi - iphi ] ) , as well as the expressions ( [ relation - parallel - phi ] ) relating @xmath319 and @xmath289 in more general terms , we obtain @xmath321 from which it follows that @xmath322 in this case in which @xmath303 .
therefore we can compute @xmath323 where we define @xmath324 the component of @xmath70 in @xmath280 .
also , ( [ direction - phi - mu ] ) implies that @xmath325 this expression for @xmath310 ( which is only valid when @xmath303 and hence @xmath326 ) will be essential in the following analysis of the kappa symmetry conditions for worldvolume supersymmetry .
let us now work in the coordinates @xmath327 with @xmath328 the spatial worldvolume coordinates here are not identical to those used in appendix [ appendix - kses ] . ] .
the kappa symmetry condition can be written as @xmath329 imposed on @xmath154 , the pullback of the killing spinor ( [ killing - spinor ] ) to the worldvolume @xmath207 , where @xmath330 .
this kappa symmetry condition can be manipulated into the form @xmath331
\gamma_{10 } \,\ , \varepsilon^{\pm } = \varepsilon^{\pm}\ ] ] with @xmath332 and @xmath333 .
now @xmath334 implies @xmath335 from which it follows that @xmath336 \ , \varepsilon^{\pm } = \varepsilon^{\pm}.\ ] ] we can project @xmath337 out of the covariantly constant spinors @xmath338 pulled back to @xmath339 . here
notice that the operator on the left - hand side of the above equation commutes with these projection operators .
thus , the kappa symmetry condition is satisfied if @xmath341 \ , \psi^{\pm } = \psi^{\pm}.\ ] ] hence , making use of the conditions ( [ conditions - psi ] ) , @xmath342 we further decompose @xmath338 into eigenstates of @xmath343 and @xmath166 with eigenvalues @xmath344 , as well as into eigenstates of @xmath345 , @xmath346 , @xmath347 and @xmath348 with eigenvalues @xmath349 , @xmath350 , @xmath351 and @xmath352 . here
@xmath353 label the spinor @xmath354 together with our original label @xmath355 , where @xmath356 .
we note that the three conditions ( [ conditions - psi ] ) imply @xmath357 the kappa symmetry condition now becomes @xmath358 here we note that @xmath359 , @xmath360 and @xmath361 .
we also make use of ( [ direction - iphi ] ) , which we obtained only for our particular choice of holomorphic surface @xmath11 , from which it follows that @xmath362 it is possible from ( [ directions - phi - iphi ] ) to compute @xmath363 [ \cos^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } ( { \partial}_{\bar{y}_{b } } \bar{f } ) \
, \gamma_{y_{b } } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } ( { \partial}_{\bar{z}_{b } } \bar{f } ) \ , \gamma_{z_{b } } ] } } { ^ { [ \cos^{2}{\beta } \sum_{d } | { \partial}_{y_{d}}f |^{2 } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \sum_{d } | { \partial}_{z_{d } } f |^{2 } ] } } \\ \nonumber & & \\ & & \hspace{-0.65 cm } \hspace{2.285 cm } = + \ , i \ , - \ , \frac{_{2 \hspace{0.015 cm }
i \ , \sum_{a ,
b } [ \cos^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } ( { \partial}_{\bar{y}_{a } } \bar{f } ) \ , \gamma_{y_{a } } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } ( { \partial}_{\bar{z}_{a } } \bar{f } ) \ , \gamma_{z_{a } } ] [ \cos^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } ( { \partial}_{y_{b } } f ) \ , \gamma_{\bar{y}_{b } } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \hspace{0.1 cm } ( { \partial}_{z_{b } } f ) \ , \gamma_{\bar{z}_{b } } ] } } { ^ { [ \cos^{2}{\beta } \sum_{d } | { \partial}_{y_{d}}f |^{2 } + \sin^{2}{\beta } \sum_{d } | { \partial}_{z_{d}}f |^{2 } ] } }
. \hspace{1.0cm}\end{aligned}\ ] ] we observe that these conditions are satisfied when the following conditions are imposed on the spinor labels : if @xmath364 , then @xmath365 from which it follows that @xmath366 .
similarly , if @xmath367 , then @xmath368 which gives @xmath369 .
notice that , if @xmath297 is a function of both @xmath370 and @xmath371 ( or both @xmath372 and @xmath373 ) , then @xmath374 is no longer a free label , since @xmath375 is fixed by conditions ( [ conditions - labels ] ) . these conditions also imply that @xmath376 is fixed by @xmath374 and @xmath377 . _ to summarize : _ for a d5-brane giant graviton wrapping a 4-cycle @xmath9 in @xmath4 and @xmath5 , constructed with @xmath9 the intersection a general holomorphic surface @xmath378 with the @xmath3 submanifold , the kappa symmetry conditions on the spinor @xmath379 are satisfied if the labels obey the following relations : @xmath380 indicating a @xmath381-bps d5-brane giant graviton preserving 2 of 16 background supersymmetries .
there is supersymmetry enhancement in the case of a holomorphic surface @xmath17 with the function dependent only on a single composite complex coordinate .
the kappa symmetry conditions are satisfied , in this special case , if the spinor labels obey @xmath382 this indicates a @xmath0-bps d5-brane giant graviton preserving 4 of the original 16 background supersymmetries .
the d5-brane giant graviton embedded into @xmath383 , constructed explicitly in section [ section - examples ] , is an example in this special @xmath0-bps subclass of d5-brane giants .
we have constructed various examples of @xmath0-bps giant gravitons in the type iib supergravity background @xmath384 with pure r - r flux .
these probe d1 and d5-branes are supported by their coupling to the @xmath117 and @xmath118 r - r background potentials , and by angular momenta @xmath6 on one 3-sphere @xmath62 and @xmath7 on the other 3-sphere @xmath63 , where @xmath64 is the total angular momentum and @xmath84 controls the relative size of the 3-spheres .
we found two examples of d1-brane giant gravitons wrapping a circle in @xmath2 and a 1-cycle on a torus in @xmath10 , respectively .
these d1-brane giant gravitons reduce to @xmath23-bps ads and sphere giants on @xmath385 in the @xmath386 or @xmath387 limits . as for giants in @xmath59 @xcite ,
the energy and angular momentum of these d1-brane giant gravitons @xmath388 are independent of the size of the 1-cycle in @xmath2 or @xmath10 .
the potential is flat and there is no stringy exclusion principle .
this indicates that these @xmath0-bps d1-branes have separated , at no cost in energy , from the d1-d5-d5@xmath389-branes setting up the geometry .
we also found a @xmath0-bps d5-brane giant graviton wrapping a 4-cycle in @xmath390 and the @xmath5 .
we do not expect this d5-brane solution to survive the @xmath386 or @xmath387 limits ( except for the maximal giant ) and subsequent compactification to @xmath385 .
moreover , this d5-brane giant graviton does not exhibit the perculiar properties of ads and sphere giants in @xmath59 .
the energy and angular momentum @xmath391 does depend on a parameter @xmath220 which controls the size and shape of the 4-cycle in @xmath10 .
the maximal giant graviton has energy @xmath392 , indicating a stringy exclusion principle , and consists of two @xmath23-bps d5-branes , each wrapping an @xmath393 .
we have further constructed a general class of @xmath8-bps d5-brane giant gravitons wrapping a 4-cycle @xmath9 in @xmath4 and the @xmath5 at fixed time @xmath243 . here
@xmath9 is the intersection of a holomorphic surface @xmath11 in @xmath12 , defined by @xmath394 with the submanifold @xmath3 , where @xmath14 and @xmath15 are the @xmath66 and @xmath67 complex coordinates .
this surface is boosted into motion along the preferred direction @xmath395 in @xmath71 , with @xmath396 the natural preferred directions induced by the action of the complex structure @xmath247 on the directions @xmath397 orthogonal to @xmath252 in @xmath251 .
this choice of @xmath39-dependent preferred direction is crucial to this holomorphic surface construction .
this work leads naturally to a consideration of the maximal d1-brane giant graviton in @xmath193 and either half of the maximal d5-brane giant graviton in @xmath196 as integrable boundary conditions for open iib superstrings on @xmath384 .
these are described by a coset model @xcite .
we leave the study of open string integrability in this @xmath398 background for future research .
this new class of @xmath8-bps d5-brane giant gravitons will be dual to @xmath8-bps operators in the dual gauge theory , which is conjectured to arise from the @xmath51 supersymmetric gauge theory of @xcite when it flows in the infrared to a cft@xmath33 with enhanced @xmath35 supersymmetry .
we expect that it should be possible to build these protected operators in the gauge theory of @xcite from equal numbers @xmath399 of the @xmath52 and @xmath27 complex scalar fields , which carry charges under different @xmath36 s and transform in the adjoint of the @xmath53 gauge group .
it seems natural to associate these @xmath52 and @xmath27 fields with the even and odd sites of the alternating @xmath400 spin chain of @xcite in the limit in which the number of fields @xmath401 is small in comparison to the rank of the @xmath53 gauge group .
it was shown in @xmath22 sym theory that @xmath0-bps operators can be built using representations of brauer algebras @xcite .
we conjecture that similar protected operators may be built out of the @xmath239 and @xmath240 scalars in the field theory @xcite dual to our d5-brane giant graviton example in section [ subsection - examples - d5 ]
. it would be interesting to compute the spectrum of small fluctuation about our @xmath0-bps giant graviton solutions .
we expect an @xmath39-dependent spectrum .
the fluctuation spectrum of the d5-brane giant graviton example should also exhibit a dependence on the parameter @xmath220 , due to the changing shape of the worldvolume with @xmath220 .
this fluctuation spectrum will be dual to the anomalous dimension spectrum of excitations of a @xmath0-bps operator in the cft@xmath33 .
we leave this as a topic for future investigation .
i would like to thank jan gutowski , antonio pittelli , vidas regelskis , bogdan stefaski , jr . and
alessandro torrielli for useful discussions .
we begin by introducing a covariantly constant spinor @xmath402 in the 2 + 11 dimensional @xmath403 spacetime .
the 32-component spinors @xmath404 satisfy the majorana condition @xmath405 and , since @xmath406 , there is no weyl condition in odd dimensions . here
@xmath407 are the supercovariant derivatives , and @xmath408 the curved gamma matrices written in terms of the vielbiens @xmath409 and the flat gamma matrices .
we choose a representation of the 2 + 11 dimensional lorentz group such that @xmath410 , @xmath411 , @xmath412 and @xmath413 are purely imaginary , while @xmath414 , @xmath415 , @xmath416 , @xmath417 , @xmath418 , @xmath419 , @xmath420 , @xmath421 and @xmath422 are real .
the charge conjugation matrix is @xmath423 . ]
we shall solve explicitly for @xmath425 , with @xmath426 a constant spinor , making use of various coordinates .
we consider @xmath55 coordinates , together with the extra radial coordinates @xmath95 , @xmath427 and @xmath428 shown in the metric ( [ metric - flat ] ) .
@xmath429 in the global @xmath2 coordinates @xmath94 and the radial coordinate @xmath95 , the vielbiens are @xmath430 the spin connections @xmath431 , satisfying @xmath432 , can be separated into the @xmath2 spin connections @xmath433 and the additional @xmath93 spin connections @xmath434 for @xmath435 .
the conditions for a covariantly constant spinor @xmath264 in @xmath93 therefore take the form @xmath436 here @xmath437 , @xmath438 and @xmath439 are the supercovariant derivatives in @xmath2 .
@xmath440 in the @xmath87 coordinates @xmath441 and radial coordinate @xmath427 , the vielbiens are @xmath442 the spin connections can be separated into the @xmath87 spin connections @xmath443 with the additional @xmath444 spin connections @xmath445 for @xmath446 .
the conditions for a covariantly constant spinor @xmath264 in @xmath444 are @xmath447 here @xmath448 , @xmath449 and @xmath450 are the supercovariant derivatives of @xmath87 .
@xmath451 the manifold @xmath452 in the @xmath88 coordinates @xmath453 and radial coordinate @xmath428 has vielbiens @xmath454 while the spin connections can be separated into the @xmath87 spin connections @xmath455 with the additional @xmath452 spin connections @xmath456 for @xmath457 .
the conditions for a covariantly constant spinor @xmath264 in @xmath452 are @xmath458 here @xmath459 , @xmath460 and @xmath461 are the supercovariant derivatives of @xmath88 .
@xmath462 the vielbien is @xmath463 and the curved spacetime gamma matrix is @xmath464 .
the condition for a convariantly constant spinor @xmath264 in @xmath5 is simply @xmath465 [ cols="<",options="header " , ] we see that @xmath466 is weyl and also satisfies @xmath467 which will lead to the dilatino condition once additional conditions ( [ conditions - psi ] ) have been imposed on @xmath264 .
note that these 3 independent conditions which we impose on @xmath264 are consistent with our projecting out 16 real degrees of freedom contained in the 32-component weyl spinor @xmath263 from 128 real degrees of freedom contained in the spinor @xmath264 .
we observe that @xmath263 satisfies the dilatino kse ( [ dilatino - kse ] ) by applying @xmath468 to the following equation , which is a direct result of the conditions ( [ conditions - psi ] ) : @xmath469 \psi = \left[\gamma_{3 } \left ( \cos{\beta } \ , \gamma_{7 } + \sin{\beta } \ , \gamma_{11}\right ) \right ] \psi\ ] ] and using @xmath467 , which arises from our choice of projector @xmath268 .
we see that @xmath263 satisfies the gravitino kses ( [ gravitino - kses - ads3 ] ) , ( [ gravitino - kses - s3 + ] ) , ( [ gravitino - kses - s3- ] ) and ( [ gravitino - kses - s1 ] ) by applying @xmath468 to the left - hand side of the covariantly constant conditions ( [ covariantly - constant - r22 ] ) , ( [ covariantly - constant - c2 + ] ) , ( [ covariantly - constant - c2- ] ) and ( [ covariantly - constant - s1 ] ) , taking into account also the conditions ( [ conditions - psi ] ) .
again , we find @xmath263 contains 16 real degrees of freedom implying @xmath470 is a @xmath23-bps type iib supergravity background .
the d@xmath374-brane action is @xmath471 where we have turned off all gauge fields on the worldvolume @xmath472 .
supersymmetry on the worldvolume of a d@xmath374-brane requires the existence of kappa symmetry on the worldvolume , which halves the number of fermionic degrees of freedom to match the number of bosonic degrees of freedom .
the kappa symmetry condition is @xcite @xmath473 imposed on the pullback @xmath270 of the type iib supergravity killing spinor @xmath474 , given by ( [ killing - spinor ] ) , to the d@xmath374-brane worldvolume @xmath472 .
the @xmath475 distinguishes between branes and anti - branes .
let us consider the d1-brane giant graviton wrapping the @xmath125 circle in @xmath2 , which was constructed in section ( [ subsection - examples - d1 ] ) .
the kappa symmetry condition @xmath476 on the pullback @xmath477 of the killing spinor to the d1-(anti-)brane worldvolume is @xmath478 where it follows from ( [ killing - spinor ] ) that @xmath479 can be written in terms of @xmath480 with @xmath134 constant , and @xmath481 and @xmath482 . here
@xmath483 indicates the direction of motion of the anti - brane .
the dilatino kse ( [ dilatino - kse ] ) also implies @xmath484 .
clearly , an additional consistency condition , which arises from insisting that both the kappa symmetry and dilatino conditions be satisfied simultaneously , is @xmath485 \hspace{0.15 cm } \varepsilon^{\pm}(t,\varphi ) = \pm \hspace{0.1 cm } \dot{\chi } \hspace{0.15 cm } \frac{2 \cos{\beta } \sin{\beta}}{\sinh{\rho } } \hspace{0.15 cm } \gamma_{0 } \gamma_{1 } \gamma_{5 } \gamma_{9}\ , ( \gamma_{4}\gamma_{6 } - \gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } ) \hspace{0.15 cm } \varepsilon^{\pm}(t,\varphi ) = 0.\ ] ] this is satisfied if we set @xmath486 .
the dilatino condition then becomes @xmath487 which simplifies the kappa symmetry condition to @xmath488 we observe that , while the operator @xmath489 in the dilatino kse commutes through @xmath490 , this is not true of the operator above .
the kappa symmetry conditions on @xmath161 becomes @xmath491 which can be manipulated into the form @xmath492 this condition is satisfied if @xmath493 .
this allows us to further simplify the dilatino condition to @xmath494 we thus conclude that the spinors @xmath161 must satisfy three independent conditions for kappa symmetry : @xmath495 each of which halves the number of degrees of freedom contained in @xmath496 . hence this d1-brane giant graviton in @xmath2 preserves 4 of the original 16 background supersymmetries on the worldvolume .
it is therefore a @xmath0-bps configuration .
we now consider the d1-brane giant graviton wrapping the curve @xmath130 ( parameterized by @xmath113 ) in @xmath4 constructed in section ( [ subsection - examples - d1 ] ) .
the kappa symmetry condition @xmath497 on the pullback @xmath477 of the killing spinor to the worldvolume is @xmath498 where it follows from ( [ killing - spinor ] ) that @xmath499 in terms of @xmath500 with @xmath220 constant , @xmath501 and @xmath502 , @xmath503 and @xmath504 . here
@xmath483 gives the direction of motion of the brane / anti - brane .
once more , @xmath505 satisfies @xmath506 from the dilatino kse ( [ dilatino - kse ] ) .
the consistency condition is now @xmath507 \hspace{0.1 cm } \varepsilon^{\pm}(t,\phi ) = \pm \ , 2 \cos{\beta}\sin{\beta } \ ,
\csc{\theta } \,\ , \gamma_{1}\gamma_{2 } \\
\nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{2.4 cm } \times \left [ \left ( \gamma_{8}\gamma_{9 } - \gamma_{4 } \gamma_{5 } \right ) \gamma_{6 } \gamma_{10 } + \dot{\chi } \ , \cos{\theta } \left ( \cos{\beta } \,\ , \gamma_{0}\gamma_{4 } - \sin{\beta } \,\ , \gamma_{0}\gamma_{8 } \right ) \left ( \gamma_{5}\gamma_{9 } + \gamma_{6}\gamma_{10 } \right ) \right ] \,\varepsilon^{\pm}(t,\phi ) = 0,\end{aligned}\ ] ] which , rewritten in terms of the constant spinors @xmath161 , is @xmath508 \hspace{0.15 cm } \mathcal{m}^{\pm}(t,\phi ) \hspace{0.2 cm } \varepsilon^{\pm}_{0 } \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } = 2\cos{\beta}\sin{\beta } \ , \left\{\ , \cos{\theta } \,\ , \gamma_{1}\gamma_{2 } \gamma_{5}\gamma_{9 } \left(\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } - \gamma_{4}\gamma_{6}\right ) \right . \\
\nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{1.5 cm } \pm \hspace{0.05 cm } \cot{\theta } \,\ , e^{-(\gamma_{4}\gamma_{6 } ) \ , ( \phi_{+ } \mp \chi_{+ } ) } \ , \gamma_{6}\gamma_{8}\gamma_{9}\gamma_{10 } \ , \left [ \mathbf{1 } - \dot{\chi } \hspace{0.05 cm } \cos{\beta } \,\ , \gamma_{0}\gamma_{5 } \ , ( -\gamma_{4}\gamma_{6}\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } ) - \dot{\chi } \hspace{0.05 cm } \sin{\beta }
\,\ , \gamma_{0 } \gamma_{9 } \right ] \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{1.5 cm } \mp \hspace{0.05 cm } \cot{\theta } \,\ , e^{-(\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } ) \ , ( \phi_{- } \mp \chi_{- } ) } \left . \gamma_{4}\gamma_{5}\gamma_{6}\gamma_{10 } \left [ \mathbf{1 } - \dot{\chi } \hspace{0.05 cm } \cos{\beta } \,\ , \gamma_{0}\gamma_{5 } - \dot{\chi } \hspace{0.05 cm } \sin{\beta } \,\ , \gamma_{0 } \gamma_{9 } \ , ( -\gamma_{4}\gamma_{6}\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } ) \right ] \ , \right\ } \hspace{0.1 cm } \varepsilon^{\pm}_{0 } = 0,\end{aligned}\ ] ] which is satisfied if @xmath509 and @xmath510 .
the dilatino condition becomes equivalent to @xmath511 and the kappa symmetry condition is @xmath512 \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{5.05 cm } \times \ , [ \mathbf{1 } - \dot{\chi } \hspace{0.05 cm } \left(\cos{\beta } \ , \gamma_{0}\gamma_{5 } + \sin{\beta \ , \gamma_{0 } \gamma_{9}}\right ) ] \hspace{0.15 cm } \varepsilon^{\pm}_{0 } \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{4.69 cm } = - \ , \dot{\chi } \hspace{0.1 cm } \varepsilon^{\pm}_{0}.\end{aligned}\ ] ] the kappa symmetry and dilatino conditions , together with the consistency condition , are therefore satisfied if @xmath513 this d1-brane giant graviton in @xmath514 therefore preserves 4 of the original 16 background supersymmetries on the worldvolume and is thus @xmath0-bps .
[ [ d5-brane - giant - graviton - in - mathbbr - times - s3_-times - s3_--times - s1 ] ] d5-brane giant graviton in @xmath196 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ let us consider the d5-brane giant graviton , parameterized by @xmath515 , which wraps a 4-cycle in @xmath4 and the @xmath5 .
this was constructed in section ( [ subsection - examples - d5 ] ) .
the kappa symmetry condition @xmath497 on the pullback @xmath516 of the killing spinor to the worldvolume of the d5-brane is @xmath517 } { \left [ ( \sin^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta}_{+ } + \cos^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } ) - \cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \ , \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right ] } \hspace{1.0cm}\end{aligned}\ ] ] where it follows from ( [ killing - spinor ] ) that @xmath518 is written in terms of @xmath519 with @xmath215 defined through ( [ d5-ansatz ] ) , @xmath520 and @xmath521 , and @xmath522 and @xmath523 . here
@xmath483 indicates the direction of motion of the brane / anti - brane .
the dilatino kse ( [ dilatino - kse ] ) implies @xmath524 .
the additional consistency condition is @xmath525 \hspace{0.1 cm } \varepsilon^{\pm}(\sigma^{a } ) = \mp \hspace{0.1 cm } \frac{2 \ , \cos{\beta } \ , \sin{\beta } \ , \cos{\theta_{+ } } \cos{\theta_{- } } } { \left [ ( \sin^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta}_{+ } + \cos^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } ) - \cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \ , \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right ] } \hspace{0.15 cm } ( \gamma_{1}\gamma_{2}\gamma_{12 } ) \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.7 cm } \hspace{2.28 cm } \times \left [ \cos{\beta } \sin{\theta_{+ } } \ , \gamma_{4}\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } + \sin{\beta } \sin{\theta_{+ } } \ , \gamma_{5}\gamma_{9}\gamma_{6 } + \cos{\beta}\sin{\theta_{- } } \ , \gamma_{5}\gamma_{9}\gamma_{10 } \right . \\
\nonumber & & \hspace{-0.7 cm } \hspace{2.37 cm } \left .
+ \hspace{0.01 cm } \sin{\beta}\sin{\theta_{- } } \ , \gamma_{4}\gamma_{8}\gamma_{6 } + \dot{\chi } \ , \cos{\theta_{+ } } \sin{\theta_{- } } \ , \gamma_{0 } \gamma_{9 } \gamma_{10 } + \dot{\chi } \ , \cos{\theta_{- } } \sin{\theta_{+ } } \ , \gamma_{0 } \gamma_{5 } \gamma_{6 } \right]\ , \varepsilon^{\pm}(\sigma^{a } ) = 0,\end{aligned}\ ] ] which , rewritten in terms of the constant spinors @xmath161 , is given by @xmath526 \hspace{0.15 cm } \mathcal{m}^{\pm}(\sigma^{a } ) \hspace{0.2 cm } \varepsilon^{\pm}_{0}\\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } = \mp \hspace{0.1 cm } \frac{2 \ , \cos{\beta } \
, \sin{\beta } \ , \cos{\theta_{+ } } \cos{\theta_{- } } } { \left [ ( \sin^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta}_{+ } + \cos^{2}{\beta}\cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } ) - \cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \ , \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \right ] } \hspace{0.15 cm } ( \gamma_{1}\gamma_{2}\gamma_{12 } )
\\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{0.375 cm } \times \ , \big\ { \ , \cos{\theta_{- } } \sin{\theta_{+ } } \,\ , e^{-(\gamma_{4}\gamma_{6 } ) \ , ( \phi_{+ } \mp \ , \chi_{+ } ) } \hspace{0.1 cm } \gamma_{0}\gamma_{5 } \gamma_{6 } \ , \left[\cos{\beta } \,\ , \gamma_{0}\gamma_{5 } \ , ( -\gamma_{4}\gamma_{6 } \gamma_{8 } \gamma_{10 } ) + \sin{\beta } \ , \gamma_{0}\gamma_{9 } - \dot{\chi } \ , \mathbf{1 } \right ] \\
\nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{0.75 cm } - \hspace{0.05 cm } \cos{\theta_{+ } } \sin{\theta_{- } } \,\ , e^{-(\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } ) ( \phi_{- } \mp \ , \chi_{- } ) } \hspace{0.1 cm } \gamma_{0}\gamma_{9}\gamma_{10 } \left [ \cos{\beta } \,\ , \gamma_{0}\gamma_{5 } + \sin{\beta } \ , \gamma_{0}\gamma_{9 } \ , ( -\gamma_{4}\gamma_{6}\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } ) - \dot{\chi } \ , \mathbf{1 } \right ] \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{0.75 cm } + \hspace{0.05cm}\sin{\theta_{+}}\sin{\theta_{- } } \,\ , e^{-(\gamma_{4}\gamma_{6 } ) \ , ( \phi_{+ } \mp \ , \chi_{+ } ) } \,\ , e^{-(\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } ) ( \phi_{- } \mp \ , \chi_{- } ) } \hspace{0.1 cm } \gamma_{5}\gamma_{6}\gamma_{8 } \left ( \cos{\beta } \,\ , \gamma_{5}\gamma_{9 } + \sin{\beta } \,\ , \mathbf{1 } \right)\left ( \gamma_{4}\gamma_{6 } -\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } \right ) \big\ } \hspace{0.15 cm } \varepsilon^{\pm}_{0 } \ , = \ , 0.\end{aligned}\ ] ] the kappa symmetry condition can be computed to be @xmath527 } \\
\nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \times \big\ { ( \hat{\gamma}\gamma_{+}\gamma_{-}\gamma_{12 } ) \left ( \sin^{2}{\beta } \cos^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \sin^{2}{\theta_{- } } \,\ , \gamma_{1}\gamma_{2}\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } + \cos^{2}{\beta } \cos^{2}{\theta_{- } } \sin^{2}{\theta_{+ } } \,\ , \gamma_{1}\gamma_{2}\gamma_{4}\gamma_{6}\right ) \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{0.4 cm } \pm \ , \left [ \cos{\beta } \cos{\theta_{- } } \sin{\theta_{+ } } \,\ , e^{-(\gamma_{4}\gamma_{6 } ) \ , ( \phi_{+ } \mp \ , \chi_{+})}\hspace{0.1cm}\gamma_{4 } + \hspace{0.025 cm } \sin{\beta } \cos{\theta_{+}}\sin{\theta_{- } } \,\ , e^{-(\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } ) ( \phi_{- } \mp \ , \chi_{- } ) } \hspace{0.1 cm } \gamma_{8 } \right ] \\
\nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{0.9 cm } \times \ , \cos{\theta_{+ } } \cos{\theta_{- } } \hspace{0.1 cm } \gamma_{4 } \gamma_{5}\gamma_{9}\gamma_{6}\gamma_{10}\gamma_{8}\gamma_{12 } \ , \left ( \cos{\beta } \,\ , \gamma_{0}\gamma_{5 } + \sin{\beta } \,\ , \gamma_{0 } \gamma_{9 } - \dot{\chi } \
, \mathbf{1 } \right ) \\
\nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \hspace{0.4 cm } \pm \cos{\beta } \sin{\beta } \cos{\theta_{+ } } \cos{\theta_{- } } \,\ , e^{-(\gamma_{4}\gamma_{6 } ) \ , ( \phi_{+ } \mp \ , \chi_{+ } ) } \,\ , e^{-(\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } ) ( \phi_{- } \mp \ , \chi_{- } ) } \,\ , \gamma_{0 } \gamma_{4 } \gamma_{5}\gamma_{9}\gamma_{10}\gamma_{12 } \ , \left(\gamma_{4}\gamma_{6}\gamma_{8}\gamma_{10 } + \mathbf{1 } \right ) \big\ } \hspace{0.1 cm } \varepsilon^{\pm}_{0 } \\ \nonumber & & \hspace{-0.75 cm } \ , = \ , - \dot{\chi } \hspace{0.1 cm } \varepsilon^{\pm}_{0}.\end{aligned}\ ] ] the kappa symmetry , dilatino and consistency conditions are satisfied if @xmath528 this d5-brane giant graviton in @xmath529 thus preserves 4 of the original 16 background supersymmetries and is therefore @xmath0-bps
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in the early 1950s barrett k. green developed the microencapsulation that used the process of coacervation .
conventional drug delivery system achieves and maintains the drug concentration within the therapeutically effective range needed for treatment , only when taken several times a day .
a well - defined controlled drug delivery system can overcome some of the problems of conventional therapy and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of a given drug .
for colonic drug delivery , many physiological barriers must be overcome , the major one being absorption or degradation of the active drugs in the upper part of the git .
most of the peptide and protein drugs are unstable in the stomach and upper part of the intestine . colon specific drug delivery protects peptide drug from releasing .
after bioavailability , there should be no space before the period . to achieve successful colonic delivery , a drug needs to be protected from absorption and/or degradation in the environment of the upper git . a variety of controlled release systems such as coated pellets , matrix tablets , osmotically controlled release systems , microcapsules , microspheres , nanoparticles , implants , and infusion devices have been designed for various routes of drug administration .
controlled release formulations in tablet form are many , but over the years the microsphere formulations have immense popularity owing to their superiority over the former in several respects .
a multiple - unit dosage form has more homogenous individual plasma profiles , shorter lag time , and lower variability as compared to single - unit formulations .
the uniform distribution of these multiple unit dosage forms along the git could result in more reproducible drug absorption and reduced risk of local irritations than the use of single - unit dosage forms .
risks such as spontaneous drug release from a single - unit tablet due to damaged coating or its attachment in the stomach or intestine causing an irritation of the gastric or intestinal mucosa are reduced by the use of multiunit forms .
thus , it results in a decrease in drug dose and side effects . due to the smallness of the particles ,
drugs can be widely distributed throughout the gi tract , hence improving the drug absorption .
the microencapsulation technique offers a variety of opportunities such as protection and masking , reduced dissolution rate , facilitation of handling , and spatial targeting of the active ingredient .
this approach facilitates accurate delivery of small quantities of potent drugs , reduced drug concentrations at sites other than the target organ or tissue , and protection of labile compounds before and after administration and prior to appearance at the site of action . in the future
by combining various other approaches , microencapsulation technique will find the vital place in novel drug delivery system .
metronidazole , a nitroimidazole , has extremely broad spectrum of antiprotozoal and antimicrobial activities , with high activity against anaerobic bacteria .
metronidazole is sparingly soluble in water and alcohol and slightly soluble in ether , chloroform , acetone , and methanol .
microencapsulation is the process in which small droplets or particles of liquid or solid material are surrounded or coated by a continuous film of polymeric materials .
the purpose of microencapsulation is to improve the solubility , increase bioavailability , and delay the release of drug .
coacervation phase separation process may be used to microencapsulate a variety of liquids , solids , solutions , and dispersions of solids in liquids .
the polymers used to coat the materials should be soluble in water or any other solvent used .
water - soluble core materials are microencapsulated in organic solvents , whereas water - insoluble materials are microencapsulated in water .
methacrylate copolymers ( eudragits ) have recently received increased attention for modified dosage forms because of their inertness , solubility in relatively nontoxic solvents , and availability of resins with different properties .
eudragit rs30d and eudragit rl30d are a copolymer of ethyl acrylate , methyl methacrylate , and a low content of methacrylic acid ester with quaternary ammonium groups .
carbopol is a polymer consisting of acrylic acid cross - linked with either polyalkenyl ether or divinyl glycol .
in addition to its hydrophilic nature , cross - linked structure , and insolubility in water , carbopol is an anionic polymer and , therefore , a potential candidate for use in controlled release drug delivery .
polymers such as polylactide ( pla ) and poly(lactide - co - glycolide ) ( plga ) have been successfully used to prepare micro- and nanoparticulate drug delivery systems as well as other medical devices , like sutures and implants .
pharmaceutical products based on pla and plga microparticles loaded with hormones , antitumor drugs , and antibiotics are already available in the market in europe and the us .
the aim of the present investigation was to formulate and in vitro evaluate colon targeted microspheres of metronidazole using a combination of time controlled and ph independent polymethacrylate polymers that offer protection to the drug until it leaves the stomach and major drug release in small intestine is avoided by providing ph independent coating of eudragits rs and rl .
limited , india ) , polylactic acid ( pla ) ( merck , germany ) , eudragit rs30d ( evonik , germany ) , eudragit rl30d ( evonik , germany ) , light liquid paraffin , petroleum ether ( merck , germany ) , sodium hydroxide ( merck , germany ) , potassium dihydrogen phosphate ( merck , germany ) , and distilled water . according to table 1 gelatin - carbopol
/ pla mixture was dissolved in ten ml of water which was previously heated to 50c . to this metronidazole
was added and stirred approximately at 300 rpm with the help of magnetic stirrer for 15 minutes to get a stable dispersion .
the dispersion was poured dropwise into the ten ml of sunflower oil which was also previously heated to 50c on a water bath .
the mixture was stirred with a help of magnetic stirrer for 2 hrs at 300 rpm at room temperature . at the end of two hrs , cross - linking agent formaldehyde 0.5 ml
after that , the final dispersion was kept in refrigerator for 24 hrs to make sure of the rigidization of microspheres shown in figure 1 .
step 1 ( preparation of granules using eudragit rl / rs30d by wet granulation method ) . for the preparation of granules at first ten grams ( 10 gm ) of drug was placed in a beaker and 6.6 gm of eudragit rl / rs30d was added to it in aliquots with proper mixing .
the wet mass was air - dried and passed twice through 30-mesh sieve and kept in an oven at 40c for 2 hours .
after drying the granules were sieved through 710- , 500- , and 250-micron - size sieves and collected in different size ranges .
for the preparation of granules at first ten grams ( 10 gm ) of drug
was placed in a beaker and 6.6 gm of eudragit rl / rs30d was added to it in aliquots with proper mixing .
the wet mass was air - dried and passed twice through 30-mesh sieve and kept in an oven at 40c for 2 hours . after drying the granules were sieved through 710- , 500- , and 250-micron - size sieves and collected in different size ranges .
step 2 ( preparation of microspheres using emulsion solvent evaporation method ) . according to table 1
about 300 gm of light liquid paraffin oil and 1 gm of span 20 were mixed in a beaker with continuous stirring at 2000 rpm for few minutes .
the whole mixture was divided into two parts ( part a : 200 gm and part b : 100 gm ) .
according to table 1 about 300 gm of light liquid paraffin oil and 1 gm of span 20
were mixed in a beaker with continuous stirring at 2000 rpm for few minutes .
the whole mixture was divided into two parts ( part a : 200 gm and part b : 100 gm ) .
part a was taken in a beaker and an emulsion was made with 18 gm eudragit rl / rs30d .
about 4 gm of 250500-micron - sized metronidazole granules was added to this part of light liquid paraffin with continuous stirring .
few - minute time was allowed between each addition to settle down the eudragit rl / rs30d over the granules .
after cooling to room temperature the microspheres were filtered and washed three times with petroleum ether and those were kept in dry air . finally the microspheres were dried at 40c for 12 hours shown in figure 2 .
approximately 20 mg of microspheres was taken in a 100 ml volumetric flask and dissolved in up to phosphate buffer ( ph 7.4 ) and thoroughly shaken in ultrasonic bath at 37c for 30 minutes .
then the solution was filtered through whatman filter paper and analyzed spectrophotometrically at 277 nm for the drug concentration .
the drug loading was calculated by using the following equation:(1)%drug loading = actual drug loadingmicrospheres to be taken100%.the drug entrapment efficiency was calculated by using the following equation : ( 2)%drug entrapment efficiency = actual drug contenttheoretical drug content100% .
in vitro dissolution study
nine hundred milliliters ( 900 ml ) of phosphate buffer ( ph 7.4 ) was used as dissolution media , paddle speed was 100 rpm , and temperature was maintained fixed at 37c .
approximately 20 mg of microspheres from each batch was transferred into each dissolution basket .
the dissolution process was carried out for 8 hours and 10 ml dissolution sample was withdrawn at predetermined different time intervals and replaced with the same volume of test medium to maintain sink conditions .
dissolution samples were withdrawn with the help of 10 ml syringe and kept in test tubes .
the withdrawn samples were diluted , where necessary , filtered through 0.45 membrane filter , and analyzed in uv - vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 277 nm .
to study the mechanism of drug release from the microspheres , the release data were fitted to zero order , first order , and higuchi equation .
moreover , for better characterization of the drug release mechanisms , the korsmeyer - peppas semiempirical model was applied : ( 3)qtqe = kkptn , where qt / qe is the fraction of the drug released at time t , kkp is a constant corresponding to the structural and geometric characteristics of the device , and n is the release exponent which is indicative of the mechanism of the drug release . to clarify the release exponent batches of microspheres ,
the log value of percentage drug dissolved was plotted against log time for each batch according to the above equation .
a value of n = 0.45 indicates fickian ( case i ) release ; > 0.45 but < 0.89 indicates non - fickian ( anomalous ) release ; and > 0.89 indicates super case ii type of release .
case ii generally refers to the erosion of the polymeric chain and anomalous transport ( non - fickian ) refers to a combination of both diffusion and erosion controlled drug release .
surface nature of microspheres was examined with the help of scanning electron microscope ( jeol , jsm-6490 la , japan ) .
sem was done at different magnifications of 20.0 kv 75 , 20.0 kv 90 , 20.0 kv 95 , 20.0 kv 140 , 20.0 kv 300 , 20.0 kv 600 , and 20.0 kv 1000 .
the ftir technique is to measure the absorption of various infrared radiations by the target material and to produce an ir spectrum that can be used to identify functional groups and molecular structure in the sample shown in figure 7 .
ftir spectra of pure mtz and formulated microspheres were recorded by using ftir 8400s ( shimadzu , japan ) .
appropriate quantities of kbr and microspheres ( in the ratio 100 : 2 ) were mixed by grinding in an agate mortar .
disk was made with about 100 mg mixture under hydraulic pressure of 600 kg .
drug loading and the drug entrapment efficiency ( dee ) of the prepared microspheres were carried out and the graphical presentation is given in figure 3 .
the actual drug loaded and the drug entrapment efficiency were found to be in the range of 14.48% to 16.48% and 72.04% to 82.04% , respectively . to find out the mechanism of drug release
, the controlled release mtz microspheres were treated in different mathematical models like zero order ( cumulative percentage of drug release versus time ) , first order ( log percentage of drug remaining versus time ) , higuchi model ( cumulative percentage of drug release versus square root of time ) , and korsmeyer model ( log cumulative percentage of drug release versus log time ) .
the release data was plotted . from the linear portions of the curve slope correlation coefficients ( r )
the data yielded apparently straight line with korsmeyer plot ( r > 0.99 ) while a bit with zero order , first order kinetics and higuchi plot .
it is observed that drug released from sustained release microsphere followed korsmeyer release log cumulative percentage of drug release versus log time .
n values along with the correlation coefficients ( r ) have been shown in table 2 .
n values suggest that the mechanism of drug release followed non - fickian transport .
metronidazole microspheres were prepared by polymeric concentration variation to study the effect of combination polymer on the release of drug from microspheres .
polymers such as gelatin , carbopol , and polylactic acid ( pla ) in different concentrations were used in formulations f25 to f27 .
the initial burst release of formulations f25 , f26 , and f27 was about 13.68% , 12.73% , and 12.26% , respectively , after 1 hour ( figure 4 ) .
after the end of 8 hours of dissolution , the release of microspheres from f25 , f26 , and f27 was 84.81% , 78.49% , and 76.60% , respectively .
the addition of carbopol along with gelatin in formulation f26 retards the rate of drug release .
the addition of pla along with the same concentration of gelatin in formulation f27 retards the rate of drug release significantly . besides formulations f28 and
f29 were prepared using the polymers of eudragit rl30d and eudragit rs30d in different concentrations .
the initial burst release of formulations f28 and f29 was about 20.94% and 17.31% , respectively , after 1 hour ( figure 4 ) .
after the end of 8 hours of dissolution , the release of microspheres from f28 and f29 was 95.07% and 80.07% , respectively .
all the formulations were best fitted with korsmeyer model as shown in table 2 . the release exponent n
> 0.45 and n < 0.89 for all the formulations showed non - fickian ( case ii ) anomalous release of drug which refers to a combination of both diffusion and erosion controlled drug release .
the surface of the drug loaded microspheres manifested the presence of drug particles and rough surface , clearly visible from outside at high magnification in figure 5 .
the microspheres were found in spherical shape and surface was smooth as shown in figure 6 .
ftir spectra of pure mtz and its combination with polymers were shown in figure 7 .
an ftir spectrum of pure metronidazole showed the peaks such as o h stretch ( 3211.8 cm ) , c = ch , c h stretch ( 3099.61 cm ) , no2 , n
o stretch ( 1533.41 cm ) , c oh , c o bend ( 1074.35 cm ) , and c no2 , c
n stretch ( 825.53 cm ) that are shown in table 3 . these peaks can be considered as characteristic peaks of drug and were not affected and prominently observed in ir spectra of pure drug along with polymers as shown in figures 7(b ) and 7(c ) , indicating no interaction between drug and polymers .
as various polymers were used in those formulations in different amounts , the ir spectra were different from the active one .
the present study was conducted to design metronidazole sustained release microspheres by coacervation phase separation and surface deposition and coalescence method .
different polymers of different concentrations were used in the preparations to observe the surface of microspheres and thus the release characteristics of drug . as the concentration of polymer increases , the release rate decreases gradually and the release studies showed that highest concentration of polymer gave the best sustained effect .
the release exponent n < 0.89 for all the formulations showed non - fickian ( case ii ) anomalous release of drug which refers to a combination of both diffusion and erosion controlled drug release .
this approach facilitates accurate delivery of small quantities of potent drugs , reduced drug concentrations at sites other than the target organ or tissue , and protection of labile compounds before and after administration and prior to appearance at the site of action . in vitro studies
showed that mtz microspheres with different polymers might be a good candidate as sustained drug delivery system to treat bacterial infections .
it can be concluded that polymers lower the release rate of the drug and may prolong the activity and overall release kinetics . | pubmed |
If a system is deterministic, will it still be deterministic if time is reversed?
If you were to drop a ball, it would be easy to calculate when it will hit the ground and how much energy will be absorbed by the ground (let's assume there's no air resistance and the ball does not bounce).
If you were to then reverse time, would energy from the ground gather rapidly toward the location of the ball, creating a powerful but microscopic impulse capable of launching the ball to its original height?
If the answer is yes, then the time reversed system should in fact be deterministic.
If the answer is no, then there could not possibly be any way to predict when the ball will bounce or how high it could go. The system would not be deterministic.
Which result is closer to reality?
If the equations in whatever deterministic theory you are using are reversible in time, then you can use the current state to predict both the future and the past your system just as easily, because it's all in the mathematics. However, deterministic equations can suffer from sensitivity to initial conditions. Generally, that happens in both directions of time too, so you can only predict the weather about as far into the future as you can into the past. You might be able to predict how much heat a bouncing ball will lose, and thereby predict the height it was dropped from if you know how many bounces it took, but not if you wait until the ball comes to a stop because stopping a ball is not going to happen using equations that are time reversible.
| stackexchange/physics |
Dragon Age 1. Chapter 1
**_9:18 Dragon, Cloudreach_**
**_Highever Castle_**
Little Lyra Cousland was wriggling, impatient and bored. Her older brother Fergus poked her in the ribs, and she jerked away, a giggle punctuating the quiet. Fergus grinned, then tried to emulate their father's stern voice.
"Stop squirming, Pup!" he muttered. "Mother's annoyed enough, what with you running off this morning and getting all muddy, and now you've gone and tussled with Rory. Can't you hold still for two seconds?"
"'Snot my fault," Lyra's high, piping voice chirped. "He stole my sword!"
"And I suppose you had to bloody his nose to get it back, did you?" Fergus said wryly, and Lyra nodded.
"He deserved it! 'Sides, he'da done the same to me, if _I'd_a stolen _his_ sword."
"He would not either, Pup. Father would have him beaten if he hurt you."
"Why?" Lyra asked, cute little brows furrowing over concerned blue eyes. Fergus sighed, wondering how to explain rank to an eight year old. Before he could come up with something she'd understand, the door's wooden creak announced the arrival of their father, and they both snapped to attention.
Teyrn Bryce Cousland wasn't smiling. Light blue eyes shone with displeasure, those same eyes pressing them into their seats as he slid into the chair behind his desk.
Lyra shrank backward, expecting a scolding, and one of Fergus' knees began jiggling, his nerves getting the best of him in the face of his father's displeasure.
A twitch tickled the edge of their father's lips, and then his face broke into a grin at their obvious discomfort. He sat back in his chair, running one hand over brown hair flecked with gray. His face was still mostly unlined, even with the responsibilities of the teyrndom and two growing children to keep him on his toes.
"Fergus, do you think you can manage to keep track of your little sister for one hour, without allowing her to get muddy, tangle her hair, or rip her clothing?"
"Sorry, Da," he said. "She ran off. I was talking with Marta, and…"
"I see," Bryce said, raising an eyebrow, and Fergus squirmed at the look in his father's eyes. "We'll return to that subject momentarily." His eyes slid sideways to land on his daughter, who was attempting to disappear into the chair.
"Lyra…." he began, and her dark blue eyes filled with tears.
"Don't beat Rory!" she burst out, and began sobbing into her hands. Bryce's annoyance melted away. He went to her, knelt and gathered her into his arms, his heart going out to his tiny girl. She sniffled, and wiped her nose on the shoulder of his jacket as he rocked her back and forth, shushing her.
"Why would I beat him, Pup? You've already done it, haven't you?" he said with a small smile, and Lyra wailed into his shoulder.
"Don't beat me, either…" she trembled, and Bryce's arms tightened.
"I won't beat you, darling girl." He sighed. "Pup…you can't go around hitting people when they take your things."
"Even if they're mine?" Lyra hiccupped, and Bryce chuckled at her logic.
"Even then. You are a lady of Highever, and you must learn to behave as one. Dry your eyes. Your mother is waiting for you in your room to clean you up...again. We're leaving for Redcliffe this afternoon." He pulled away and looked at his daughter's face. Her nose was dripping, and he pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve and held it up for her. She pressed into his hand, _snrrrk_ing into the fabric, and held still as he gently cleaned away all traces of her tears. Bryce stroked her soft, round cheek, then dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose.
"Why are we going to Redcliffe?" she asked, and Bryce gathered her into his lap. She snuggled close, and he smoothed the hair at her temple as he spoke, tweaking the end of one dark braid.
"Arl Eamon has invited us to visit for Summerday. He plans to take a wife, and his wedding is going to happen after we get there."
"I've never been to a wedding…" Lyra said. "Will it be boring?"
"There are a whole week's worth of events planned," Bryce said. "I'm sure you'll be entertained enough."
"Will I be the only girl there? Does Arl Eamon have children?" Lyra asked, brightening at the thought of new playmates.
"I'm sure many of the noble children will be there… Arl Howe is bringing his brood, and King Maric is bringing Cailan as well, Fergus," Bryce said. Fergus looked up, interested.
"Haven't seen him in a few years," Fergus commented. "Can I compete in the tourney, Father? Please? I'm not so young anymore – I'm only three years younger than Cailan, and I know _he'll _be fighting…"
"Perhaps, Fergus. Let me think on it," Bryce said. "Is your armor in repair?"
"Yes, sir!" Fergus said, hope filling his eyes.
"Your mother may hang me…but yes, if there is to be a tourney, you can compete," Bryce said. A note of pride snuck into his voice. "Weaponsmaster Coren tells me you've improved greatly under his tutelage. And now, Lyra, go see your mother…and leave poor Rory alone, please? His nose is swollen enough."
"Yes, Da," she said, and slid off of his lap to scamper from the room. Bryce looked at Fergus with a quirked eyebrow.
"Talking with Marta, were you?" he began, and Fergus sighed, preparing for the inevitable lecture about a teyrn's son and a cook's daughter.
.oOo.
The journey was half the fun. It took a week for the carriages to rumble across the length of Ferelden to Redcliffe, but Lyra and Fergus spent the time in the best ways they could think of…running alongside the wheels through the tall, waving grass, catching bugs, picking flowers, and practicing with their weapons. Fergus was teaching Lyra, much to their mother's displeasure, and the small girl was already gaining skill with her short wooden sword. She concentrated on the movements, determined to best her brother, long sable braids flying as she spun and dipped. Eleanor watched from the carriage window. Her children would run ahead of the caravan, swing at each other for a few minutes as the carriages rolled up, and then they would drop slowly behind as Fergus corrected some stance of Lyra's, or showed her how better to balance. Then they would run to the front again, and repeat the whole exercise.
Lyra was so exhausted each night she practically fell asleep in her food, and Fergus was trying to stay up later, but wasn't managing well. The fresh air and the constant sctivity were ensuring that they both slept well.
"At least it's keeping them busy," Eleanor said to Bryce, who was watching from the other window. "I just wish Lyra wasn't such a…." she sighed.
"A tomboy?" Bryce said. "And what about you? Do you think you can fool me, Eleanor? I doubt you came by your skill with that bow by sitting in your mother's parlor and pouring tea."
"Yes, well, I don't seem to remember making quite as many mud pies as that girl does," Eleanor said, a smile crossing her face as Lyra managed to _whack_ Fergus with her wooden sword. He yelped and snatched it from her fingers, holding it above her head and making her jump and shriek in protest.
"Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever make a lady out of her," Eleanor said, and Bryce drew her hand into his own and pressed it to his lips.
"You will, my love," he said. "Lyra has the very best of examples to draw on."
.oOo.
The Couslands rolled into Redcliffe the day before Summerday, and Lyra hung out of the window of the carriage, wanting to get the first sight of the famous place. Father had told her all about how it was one of the most defensible places in all of Ferelden, and she could see how that would be true….the castle was built right into the stone of the mountain, and a long, narrow bridge over a deep gorge was the only way to get to it. The town below was a variety of small cottages, some built out over the lake, some carved into the rocks of the surrounding cliffs.
"Ma, look! Ma, see, over there-" Lyra was as eager as a puppy, and had been hounding Eleanor for the last hour about the upcoming sights, sounds and smells.
"Lyra, for heavens' sake, I _see_," Eleanor said, exasperated. Bryce chuckled and tugged Lyra back in through the window of the carriage. Fergus rolled his eyes, arms folding into an exasperated bundle on his chest.
"Just like a dog, hanging her head out the window," Fergus snarked, and Lyra stuck her tongue out at him.
"That's why we call you _pup_, you know," he continued, his eyes gleaming. Lyra shrieked.
"Is not! Is NOT, Fergus!" She lunged at her brother, and Bryce made a frantic grab, his arms tangling around Lyra's waist. She was hissing and spitting like an enraged kitten, and Eleanor threw up her hands in disgust.
"Lyra! Behave yourself, or so help me-"
"Yes, _pup…_" Fergus grinned, and Eleanor rounded on him.
"As for you, young man… one more word out of you and I'll pull you from the tournament your father has promised you can fight in! Honestly, the two of you…Fergus, you're nearly grown. And Lyra, you're a young lady and I've had just about enough of this _ridiculous_ behavior."
Bryce let go of Lyra, who yanked her new dress back into place and crossed her arms, her blue eyes sparkling with unspent anger. Fergus muttered an apology, turning his face to the window and propping one cheek in his hand. Silence reigned in the carriage for a moment, and then Bryce touched Lyra on the chin. She looked up at him, tears glittering.
"Do you know why I call you Pup?" he asked, and Lyra shook her head, wiping her eyes with the back of one rather grimy hand. Eleanor sighed, and dabbed her tongue onto a handkerchief before cleaning away the streak of dirt that had smeared across one cheek. Lyra squealed in protest, head jerking, but Eleanor's hands were firm.
"Because you are just like a mabari pup," Bryce said. Her mother's ministrations finished, he collected her into his lap, her face twisting up in confusion.
"I'm like a dog?" she said, and he nodded.
"Do you remember the new litter that Kennelmaster Sam showed us a few months ago?" he asked, and she nodded, remembering.
"Those pups…they were playful, just like you. They were into everything, just like you," he said, fingers twitching into her sides and drawing laughter from her lips.
"They may have looked helpless, but have you ever felt a mabari pup's teeth?" Bryce asked, and Lyra nodded. The needle-sharp teeth had tried their best to pierce her skin.
"Just like you," he said. "You and that wooden sword." Lyra giggled, remembering the way Fergus had yelped when she smacked him.
"So…I'm like a mabari?" Lyra asked, snuggling into Bryce's arms.
"The mabari is one of the fiercest warriors Ferelden has, and one of the most loyal. Some houses value their dogs even above their family swords," Bryce said, and then pulled back to look her in the eye.
"And you, my Pup, I value more than any sword." He kissed her forehead, and she laughed.
"See, Fergus? I'm a _Pup!"_ Her voice was proud, and Fergus snickered.
"Sure you are, Lyra. And what does that make me?"
"A bigger, stronger mabari," Lyra said, and Fergus couldn't help but laugh.
.oOo.
Lyra dropped a small, rather wobbly curtsey, and her mother breathed a mute sigh of relief. Arl Eamon bowed, his eyes twinkling at the lady-in-the-making.
"It is a pleasure to meet such a beautiful young woman," he said, and took Lyra's small hand in his own to kiss her fingertips. She scrunched up her nose, scrubbing the kiss away on her dress when her mother's gaze left her.
"And this is Fergus," Eamon continued, holding out his hand for the young man to shake. "You'll be in the tourney this year, I hope?"
"Yes _sir_," Fergus said, and Lyra listened avidly as the talk dissolved into fighting and weaponry. Lady Eleanor was speaking with a tall, pretty woman on the other side of the room, and she beckoned Lyra over. Lyra trotted over to her mother's side, glancing back at the men and their interesting talk of swords and tournaments.
"Lady Isolde, allow me to present my daughter, Lyra." Eleanor said, and Lyra dropped the dutiful curtsey again.
"She is enchanting," Isolde said, delighted. She knelt before the small girl. "Are you going to be a great lady like your mother someday, sweetheart?"
"No," Lyra said. "I'm going to be a warrior like my brother Fergus!"
Isolde gasped, and Eleanor's cheeks flushed.
"Lyra…." Eleanor warned, and then Isolde gave an uneasy chuckle.
"Don't you think a woman is better suited to stay in the home and care for her husband?" the woman asked, her Orlesian accent making the words sound unusual and interesting.
"That's what servants are for," Lyra said loftily. "I'm a _mabari!"_ Eleanor was mortfied, and Isolde looked positively scandalized. Eleanor took her daughter's hand and began to lead her away.
"Excuse us please, Lady Isolde…we shall talk more later," Eleanor said with a parting smile, hoping that her cheeks were not nearly as red as she was certain they must be.
"What did I do?" Lyra asked, feeling the hard grip of her mother's hand.
"Lyra, you don't disagree with adults, and telling the great lady of a house that you're a dog instead of a lady is rather…rude," Eleanor finished lamely, wishing for better words. "For now, let's wash your hands and get ready for lunch."
"I don't like her," Lyra said. "She's not real."
"And if you say _that_ again, I'll take you over my knee, young lady," Eleanor was grim. "You_ will_ keep such thoughts to yourself. Remember your manners and act like the young noblewoman you are, or so help me…." Eleanor trailed off as she led Lyra to their rooms, intent on scrubbing her hands and rebraiding her hair.
"What?" Lyra asked, interested. "What will you do?"
"I'll take away your wooden sword," Eleanor said, inspiration striking.
"I'll be good," Lyra said, and Eleanor smiled to herself.
.oOo.
Lunch was a boring affair, but afterward Lyra was allowed to put on breeches and escape into the great outdoors. Her mother told her not to leave the courtyard, but it was still better than being in the castle, even though there were probably dozens of rooms that waited to be explored, maybe some of them with huge suits of armor or collections of swords and bows, or maybe even war axes or pikes… She idled about, her sword thrust through a scarf tied around her waist, and then she began collecting pebbles and building a small fortress with them. Fergus came outside after a while, but he had no interest in playing with her. He hurried down into the town to look at the tournament grounds that were being set up in a field nearby, and Lyra wanted to go with him, but he told her to stay where she was. She sighed, and plopped down among her improvised playthings again.
"Here…take a look at this," a voice said behind her, and she whipped around in surprise.
A small boy with reddish gold hair was holding out a bucket which looked to be filled with rich, red mud.
"What's so special about that?" Lyra asked. "I've seen mud before."
"We can use it to stick your stones together," the boy said, and knelt down beside her. "See…" he smeared a bit of mud in between two of the stones, and Lyra's eyes widened at the impromptu cement.
"Say, yes!" she said, and they began improving the fortress, turning it into a real structure. Lyra ran around the yard collecting small sticks and pieces of grass to use as flags and fences, and the boy continued to carefully build up the walls.
"You're good at this," Lyra said, excited to see the structure grow. The boy shrugged.
"It's a good way to play by yourself," he said, careful fingers smoothing one of the walls.
"I hate playing by myself," Lyra said. "Do you have a sword?"
"A what?" the boy said, looking at her. She pulled her wooden weapon from her waistband.
"Y'know, a sword?" she said, and brandished it.
"Oh….no. Not one of my own," the boy said. Then he brightened. "But there's practice swords in the armory."
"Can you fight?" Lyra was eager, and he shrugged.
"A little, maybe."
"Come on, then!" she said, and the boy grinned and led the way to the armory with her right on his heels.
2. Chapter 2
_A/N: So hey! Um, just FYI: This story is meant to be a series of glimpses into the past. There isn't going to be much in the way of an arcing storyline...it's just meant to more fully flesh out the characters we all know and love. I'm mostly having fun with it, although I hope to touch on some of the things I've personally wondered about the history of our favorite heroes. If there's something in particular you'd like me to explore, let me know! Anyway, I hope the lack of a sound plot doesn't hamper your reading experience at all. And who doesn't love little Alistair? Enjoy - I know I am. :-)_
* * *
They skidded to a halt as a groomsman ran by, shouting for assistance. The boy grabbed Lyra's hand and yanked her into the shelter of a nearby low wall. They crouched, waiting and watching, and then it occurred to Lyra to ask why they were hiding.
"Carriage coming," the boy said tersely, and Lyra accepted this without further question. They crouched there in the heat of the day for another moment before the sounds of wheels rattling over the cobblestones reached their ears, and then the carriage rolled up, turning the yard into a bustle of activity and running servants. Arl Eamon and Lady Isolde appeared a moment later, and the boy ducked back a bit more. Lyra watched in fascination to see who would come out of the splendid looking carriage.
The door opened, and a golden young man jumped out, a wide smile on his face. He threw his arms around Arl Eamon, laughing, and then bowed to Lady Isolde and kissed her fingers.
Lyra and the boy were too far away to hear what was being said, but it was clear even to a small girl that the young, blonde man was much loved, and that Arl Eamon was very glad to see him. The young man reached back to the carriage, and a delicate looking young lady stepped out, her soft fingers wrapped around his, squinting her eyes at the bright light.
"Who are they?" Lyra whispered, and the boy whispered back, "I think that's Prince Cailan."
"He looks older than Fergus," Lyra said.
"Who's Fergus?" the boy asked.
"My big brother," she whispered loudly. The boy's eyes lit up.
"The tall one with the brown hair?" he asked, and she nodded, her eyes on the carriage.
Another man was emerging…older, and bearing a great resemblance to the young, golden man, but his hair was darker, with reddish tones. The boy beside her stiffened, and his hands tightened on the wall. Lyra looked at him in alarm. His face was contorted almost as if he was about to be ill.
"What's the matter? Are you sick?" she whispered, remembering how she'd gotten sick a few months back and her mother had taken care of her. He didn't answer, just stared at the scene before them.
"Should we go get your ma?" she whispered when the boy didn't respond.
He shook his head and muttered, "Don't got one."
Lyra's eyes widened. How could anyone not have a ma? Her attention was captured again as another man exited the carriage…this one looked quite stern, with dark hair and a craggy face. He smiled warmly enough at Arl Eamon, though, and bowed to Lady Isolde. In another few moments all of the adults climbed the stairs and disappeared into the castle. Lyra started to clamber out from behind the wall, but the boy didn't follow, and she turned back and knelt beside him.
"What's the matter?" she asked again, wondering if she should just go get _her_ ma.
He shrugged.
After a moment, Lyra tried again. "Do you still wanna play?"
He shrugged again, and Lyra sighed, disappointed.
"Alistair!" The boy's eyes widened and he scrabbled backward into the corner where the wall met the castle, crouching into the shadow. He was still perfectly visible, and Lyra thought he was being a little silly, trying to hide in plain sight like that.
"Alistair, are you out here?" the voice called again.
"Don't tell her I'm here," he whispered, his eyes apprehensive. Lyra nodded, and skipped out from behind the wall.
A blonde woman in chanter's robes was striding through the yard, looking around. She looked annoyed, and Lyra decided to take matters into her own hands. She ran up to the woman.
"Who are you looking for?" she asked, and the chanter smiled at her.
"Have you seen a little boy, with red hair and brown eyes?" she asked. "He's about so-tall, and wearing plain breeches and homespun."
"No, ma'am," Lyra said. "I haven't seen no-one like that." Lyra purposefully used the double-negative, but she crossed her fingers behind her back...just in case it was still considered lying.
The chanter sighed, and gave Lyra a distracted smile as she hurried out of the yard. Lyra watched her go, and then ran back behind the wall.
"She's gone," she said, and the boy relaxed. Lyra took his hand and tugged.
"Come _on_," she said, and he allowed her to pull him toward the armory.
.oOo.
"Is the boy here, Eamon?" Maric asked, naked enthusiasm in his tone, and Eamon ran a hand through his hair.
"He's supposed to be at lessons with Chanter Sarah right now, but I'm afraid he's run off again," the arl apologized. Maric nodded, a slightly disappointed look on his face.
"I hear he's doing well." Maric looked casual enough, but a hint of longing in his voice belied his feelings, and Eamon nodded.
"He's bright and healthy. Isolde has suggested to me that we send him to Denerim, to be schooled in the chantry…what say you to that, Maric?"
The king considered. "I suppose concessions should be made for the future…"
"He may take an interest in the Maker. Or, if religious contemplation is not what he desires, he could become a Templar," Loghain suggested. "It's by no means a bad life…and there are vows he would need to take, to be sure that no unexpected… problems… are created."
"Loghain, he's only a boy," Maric laughed, and Loghain's eyes hardened.
"Boys become men, my liege. It is never too soon to begin thinking of the future," Loghain said. "Didn't we do just that when we betrothed _our _two children, years ago?"
"I suppose you're right…" Maric mused. "Very well, then. Have him sent to the chantry in Denerim. I'll keep a bit of an eye on him while he's there."
"Very good, your Majesty," Eamon said. "I'll have him sent soon after the wedding."
"If you'd prefer, we can take him with us when we leave Redcliffe," Maric said, something like hope behind his eyes. Eamon hesitated, and then Loghain spoke up.
"Maric, it isn't a good idea. The boy shouldn't grow attached to you…it could cause problems." _And if anyone sees him standing next to you, they're likely to make assumptions, _Loghain thought.
Maric sighed. "Very well. But you _will_ let me know when he leaves for Denerim?"
"Of course, your Majesty," Eamon said, and then Cailan and Anora entered the room, having cleaned up a little after their long trip. Anora was looking around her with interest as they approached.
"Redcliffe is beautiful, Arl Eamon," Anora said. "This is quite a large holding, is it not?" Her eyes darted around the hall as Cailan laughed.
"Anora's always interested in finding out about the places we visit," Cailan said. "Sometimes I think _she_ should have been the heir to the throne, and not me!"
"Well, she'll make you an excellent queen, then," Eamon said with a smile. "And when will the two of you be joined in the Maker's eyes?" Cailan grinned, and Anora smiled as well…perhaps a bit less widely.
"Not this week," Maric smiled. "This week belongs to you and Isolde." He clapped Eamon on the back, and Loghain's eyes darkened slightly. He had made clear his feelings about the orlesian noblewoman marrying one of the most powerful men in the kingdom so soon after the nearly age-long orlesian occupation of Ferelden…but Maric had pushed his warning comments aside, saying that he was jumping at shadows.
.oOo.
Throughout the day, more and more noble families rolled in, and the castle bustled with activity. Rendon Howe and his three children arrived late in the afternoon, by which time nearly everyone else was already there. Eamon's wedding was the social event of the year, and no one was willing to miss it.
Alistair and Lyra snuck down out of the castle yard and to the field nearby where the tourney was being prepared for, and watched the men and horses. They were careful to stay out of the way, since neither one wanted to be caught. There wasn't much talk between them beyond "Look at that!" and "Come here!" and "Let's pretend that…" In the manner of lonely children everywhere, they had found a temporary friend in each other, and it didn't matter who they were or what existed beyond the next moment.
As the afternoon wore on they were joined by more children, and then more, and soon they were running about like a pack of puppies. Alistair was having the time of his life…with Lyra's easy acceptance of him and her natural leadership of the others, no one was questioning his right to be there, and for the first time ever, he was able to relax and simply enjoy being a kid.
"You lot go hide, and the rest of us'll find you after we count," Lyra was saying, and a group of children began scattering.
"Close your eyes!" Lyra shouted, and then began leading the count. Childish voices joined in as they made their way to thirty, and then Lyra called for them to begin the hunt. It was the most fun Alistair had had all year, and he hoped the week wouldn't end too soon.
The game came to a laughing conclusion, and they were all rather breathless with running when two newcomers caught everyone's attention. A dark-haired boy looking to be about ten or eleven and a pretty, dark-haired girl of perhaps thirteen were crossing the field, dressed in finery unbecoming of a good roll in the mud. After hours of outdoor play, some of the children looked as though they might need a sound scrubbing before they could truly be identified as children again.
"Lyra," the boy said by way of greeting.
"Thomas," she said, scowling at him. Thomas Howe was _not_ one of her favorite people. They saw each other fairly regularly, and being close to the same age had meant they were forced to play together, much to their mutual chagrin. Thomas' sister Delilah wrinkled her nose at the younger girl in her breeches and dirt-smeared shirt, smoothing her fine pink dress.
"What are you playing?" Thomas said. "Some baby game, I bet."
"Hide and find," another girl spoke up. "Want to play?"
"Hide and find is a stupid game," Thomas said, and Lyra's eyes narrowed. "Let's play knights and bandits. I'll be the head of the knights, and _you_," he pointed at Alistair, "can be the head of the bandits."
"What do the bandits do?" Alistair asked, somewhat troubled by the other boy's tone, and the look on Lyra's face.
"The bandits steal and rob and loot and pillage, and the knights have to stop them."
"What's pillaging?" another boy said, and Delilah spoke up.
"Thomas, don't get dirty. Father won't be pleased if your tunic gets messed," she said in a bossy voice.
"Shut up, 'Lilah," he said, and she flounced off, not interested in joining their games.
"Whoever wants to play knights and bandits with Thomas, go with him. I want to keep playing hide and find," Lyra announced. "Anybody want to play with me?"
"I will," Alistair said quickly, and Thomas stepped up to him.
"You're supposed to be one of my bandits."
"I don't wanna be a bandit," he said, and Thomas scowled.
"Come on, Alistair," Lyra said. "Anybody else who wants to play hide and find, follow us." She began moving purposefully off of the field, and most of the children followed. Thomas was dismayed by the departing crowd, and ran after them.
"You can't follow _her_," he said. "She's just a whiny little baby."
"Am not, Thomas!" Lyra said. "_You're_ the baby."
"I'm older than you. You prob'ly still wet the bed," he said smugly, referencing a humiliating instance of the previous summer that Lyra would really have rather forgotten.
"Do NOT!" she cried, her cheeks burning with anger and embarrassment.
"Your mother probably has to feed you herself. Can you talk yet, little baby? Can you-"
"Don't talk to her like that," Alistair said.
"What's it to you?" Thomas said, his tone derisive. "You in love or somethin'?"
"No!" Alistair said hotly.
Lyra pushed her way forward to stand before Thomas, her small chin thrust upward defiantly. "Nobody wants you here, Thomas. Go 'way. Thomas crossed his arms.
"Shut up, Cousland. You're just a baby. Can you even walk yet?"
"I'm _no_ baby!" Lyra cried out.
"You're the biggest baby here. Why are we listening to her, anyway?" Thomas sniped.
Alistair shoved Thomas, and Thomas shoved him back. Lyra joined in, blessedly forgetting about the wooden sword shoved through her waistband, or perhaps things would have gotten even worse than they did. As it was, it was only seconds until the three children were scuffling like pups, shouting and rolling in the dirt and doing their best to beat each other senseless. The children around them formed a circle, hollering and cheering, and some of the girls began to cry. Delilah Howe went running to the field, and it was only a moment later that several adults arrived to pull them off of each other.
"What is the meaning of this?" Bryce Cousland wrestled his daughter into submission, and Lyra struggled in his grasp, wanting another shot at Thomas. Her hair was readily unbraiding itself, and her lip was swelling and split where she had taken a boot to the face. Alistair went pale, and shuffled his feet, guilt parading itself across his face and a large bruise darkening his cheek. Thomas's nose was bloody, and a long scratch on one cheek was puffing up. His fancy tunic was torn, and grass stains marred his breeches.
"Thomas, you will tell us _at once._" Rendon Howe's voice brooked no argument. Thomas sniveled.
"He started it," Thomas gestured to Alistair and wiped at his nose. "I was just _defending_ myself."
"Alistair did _not! _Thomas was being mean to all of us! He called me a baby!" Lyra cried. Alistair was silent.
Rendon and Bryce looked at each other, and then another voice caught their attention.
"Trouble with the children?"
Alistair's eyes shot downward as King Maric strode over to investigate the tussle. He peered at Alistair, but the boy refused to look up, staring at the dirt below. His small feet kicked at a clump of grass, and Maric's heart twanged in longing. The boy wouldn't even _look_ at him.
"With your leave, your Majesty," Bryce murmured, and Maric gestured quickly, not wanting to interrupt.
"None of us saw what happened," Bryce said. "But all three of you were clearly fighting, so I think it's only fitting that all three of you be punished."
"I think that's fair," Rendon said, and Maric nodded slightly.
Lyra's eyes flashed, but she said nothing, and Bryce took both his daughter and Alistair by the hands and led them back to the castle, followed by Rendon and Thomas. Maric watched them go, a strange, empty feeling in the pit of his stomach. He turned back to the field, but his interest in the tournament preparations had ended. The other children broke up quickly, seeking other entertainment, and Maric watched as some of them sought their parents.
As he usually did when this mood came over him, he found himself thinking of Fiona…where she might be, what she might be doing, and whether or not she realized how quickly their son was growing up.
.oOo.
"He started it, ma, I _swear_," Lyra said with difficulty as Eleanor dabbed at Lyra's fat lip. Alistair was seated nearby, a poultice pressed to his cheek. Thomas was across the room, being tended by one of Arl Eamon's maids.
"And you finished it," Eleanor said, and guided Lyra's hand to hold the cloth in place next to her lip. She moved over to the red-headed boy and pulled the poultice away, inspecting his bruised cheek. He submitted meekly to her ministrations, his eyes solemn.
When Alistair needed help, normally it was Gert, the cook who saw to his small hurts. As she had been a friend of his mother's, she was willing to look after him to a small degree, but just now Gert was overseeing the preparation of dinner for several hundred people, and had less than no time for an eleven-year old boy. So Eleanor Cousland had taken pity on him, and he was drinking in the feeling of being cared for by someone who wasn't impatient or harried. Eleanor dipped a cloth into warm water and gently daubed his cheek, wiping away the sticky serum left behind by the poultice. She unscrewed a small jar of ointment and began smoothing it onto his cheek as she spoke to her rough-and-tumble daughter.
"Lyra, you_ cannot_ use your fists to settle an argument. I'm afraid you're going to spend tomorrow in your room, young lady."
"No! No, ma, please-" Lyra sounded horrified, and Alistair's stomach flopped in sympathy.
"_Yes,_ Lyra. Not another word or it'll be two days," Eleanor said as she began bandaging Alistair's cheek. "You've got to learn to control that temper, sweetheart. If a day indoors doesn't do it…" she sighed. "I don't know _what_ will." She heard telltale sniffling behind her, and shut her eyes. It hurt, a lot, to make her daughter cry. She smoothed the bandage onto Alistair's cheek, and then planted a kiss on his other cheek and used the rag to clean his face and hands a bit more as she listened to Lyra's small, despairing sounds.
"There. You're all set, my dear. Try to keep that on for the rest of the night, alright?" Eleanor said with a smile, and Alistair nodded and hopped off the bench. He lingered for a moment, and then found his courage and spoke up.
"Um…would it be okay if I stayed? With Lyra, I mean…for awhile?" he asked, and Eleanor considered. The poor boy looked so lonely. She knew who he was – Eamon's ward, Alistair. There were rumors that the boy was Eamon's get, but seeing him up close now made Eleanor wonder. The boy looked like Maric, and Cailan, although less so. Alistair and Maric were practically two of a kind…and Rowan _had_ been Eamon's sister.
_He has compassion,_ Eleanor thought, touched that he should think of Lyra's feelings. For a moment, the politician in her made an appearance, over and above the mother. _And who knows what the future may hold…_
"Certainly, Alistair," she said with a friendly smile, and Alistair sat beside Lyra on the bench. Lyra was sniffling, tears trickling down her cheeks as she contemplated an entire day spent in her room.
"I'll be back in a few minutes to take you to your room, Lyra," Eleanor said. "You'll have dinner there tonight, and afterward you'll go right to bed." Lyra let loose another sob, and Eleanor's heart broke a little more, but she was hoping that a severe enough punishment would stay with the girl long enough to finally make an impression.
Eleanor gathered her bandages and ointments and moved off, leaving them together in the small room. Thomas and the maid had left sometime before, and so the room was empty but for the two children.
Lyra's sobs were soft and pitiful, and Alistair felt awkward. He wanted to help Lyra feel better somehow. He considered, and then scooted himself closer to her and put one arm around her shoulders. She turned to him and began wailing on his shoulder, opening herself up to the closest source of comfort.
Lyra was used to love. When she was hurt, someone nearby offered succor….this was simple, the order of the world, and just plain the way it should be. For Alistair, things were not nearly as simple. He had observed men comforting women in this manner, but to have a girl actually sobbing on his shoulder was a bit disconcerting. He kept at it bravely, though, and after a moment Lyra sat up and rubbed her eyes, sniffling.
"Are you okay?" Alistair said, and Lyra nodded.
"Tomorrow will be awful," she whimpered, her swollen lip making talking difficult. Alistair nodded, not sure what else to do. She was right; it _would _be. He had spent more than a few days in confinement himself for various offenses, and it was nothing short of the worst thing _ever_.
"Can you read?" he asked, and Lyra nodded.
"There's some books I could bring you…if you want. To pass the time," he offered, and Lyra wiped her nose on her sleeve.
"Okay," she said, her voice sounding a little stronger. Alistair hesitated, and then spoke again.
"D'you think your ma would let me spend some of the day with you? I'm 'sposed to be punished for fighting too," Alistair said. Lyra shrugged.
"We could ask, I guess," she said. "But we wouldn't be allowed to play." She touched her lip with hesitant fingers, and then worked her tongue along the swelling. It felt, and tasted, funny.
"I know," Alistair said. "Chanter Sarah will make me do lessons tomorrow. Maybe… we could do them together."
Lyra sniffled again, and her sleeve saw more use. Alistair swung his legs on the bench.
.oOo.
"He looks like Maric, Bryce."
"And?" Bryce said, pulling his socks off. Eleanor had long since tucked Lyra into bed, and had given Alistair permission to spend some time with Lyra on the morrow – on the condition that Chanter Sarah would work with both of them, doing sums and letters.
"_And_…do you think it's possible that he's Maric's?" Eleanor stepped out of her gown and hung it up gently, intending to wear it again the following day after it had been brushed out. She undid her breastband and pulled her nightgown over her head, then freed her hair from its constraints and drew her comb through her long tresses as they continued to speak. She was beginning to gray, and it bothered her more than a little…she wasn't even forty yet.
"If he is, he's ill-gotten," Bryce said bluntly. "Rowan's been gone for fifteen years or so."
"But think, Bryce. If anything happens to Cailan, Maric will need another heir. And he and Lyra are very close in age…"
"Matchmaking, Eleanor? Lyra is eight years old!"
"And she's a _Cousland_," Eleanor said, drawing the comb through her hair.
"Yes…and I want her to marry for love, no matter who she chooses. Of course I'd prefer if the lad came from a good family, but if she ends up choosing a hedge knight or a dairy farmer I'll be just as pleased," Bryce said firmly, and Eleanor looked at him in horror.
"A _dairy farmer? _You're not serious," she said, scandalized. Bryce chuckled.
"If I had been a dairy farmer, would you have married me, my darling?" he teased, and Eleanor smiled, and then began to laugh, remembering their own courtship.
"Well….when you put it _that_ way…" she said, and then sighed in amusement. "My parents would have disowned me, and we would have raised cows together, I suppose." Bryce stepped up behind his wife's back and slipped his arms around her waist as she began to section her hair for overnight braids.
"Of course, I don't seriously hope she chooses a dairy farmer," Bryce said. "And if this Alistair turns out to be Maric's, or if he's simply an orphan that Eamon took pity on…well. Let's leave the future to itself, and worry about the present, shall we?"
Eleanor nodded, conceding that it was altogether just a bit too unlikely that all of those potentials should line themselves up in just such a manner. First, for Alistair to actually be Maric's son, and then for something to happen to Cailan, and then for Alistair and Lyra to actually marry…well, it had been pleasant enough to daydream of her small, headstrong daughter ruling Ferelden one day.
"Cheer up, Eleanor…" Bryce said with a grin. "Perhaps something will happen to Anora, and Cailan will take an interest in Lyra…in ten years."
Eleanor had to admit that it was infinitely more likely than the scenario she had imagined.
3. Chapter 3
_A/N: The rating on the story has officially changed. Nothing too graphic, but it's definitely not rated "K" anymore._
* * *
Lyra and Alistair sat at a small table, vellum and graphite sticks scattered in front of them as they listened to Chanter Sarah's history lecture. Lyra's gaze went to the window, and Alistair nudged her as the chanter's eyes narrowed.
Outside, full preparations for Summerday were underway…incredible smells were drifting in on the wind as the entire village baked and cooked in order to provide enough food to last for several days. Alistair knew that Gert was busier than a fiend in the kitchens. She'd barely given him his customary bowl of porridge this morning before she had gone back to bullying the rest of the kitchen staff into working harder and quicker. Alistair had eaten quickly and gotten out, not wanting to catch any of her wrath as it flew through the hot kitchen.
He had dawdled around all morning, wanting to go down into the field and play with the other children, but nervous about doing so without Lyra there. Alistair didn't go to school with the village children, and there weren't any others in the castle that would play with him. The servants who had children discouraged interaction because of his status as Eamon's ward, and not many nobles brought their children on state visits. When they did, their parents were usually quick to keep them away. As a result, Alistair had had very few playmates in his life, and without the small girl's easy acceptance and confident leadership he felt rather lost. He didn't like the idea of running into Thomas Howe again, either.
So he spent the morning tossing a ball against the wall of the castle, and then when Chanter Sarah arrived for afternoon lessons he dragged her upstairs to Lyra's room, where Eleanor explained the situation. Chanter Sarah was more than happy to have another pupil, and the two children spent the afternoon listening to lectures and writing an essay about the evils of fighting and the merits of good decorum. Lyra was bored absolutely to tears by the time the sky was beginning to fade orange and pink, and the noises from the village were culminating into something that promised excitement. Chanter Sarah gathered Alistair and their supplies and left the room, and she ran to the window to feast her eyes on the activities below.
Eleanor watched the small boy leaving with Chanter Sarah, and decided that her daughter had suffered enough. She'd been an angel all day, and so Eleanor decided to let Lyra out early for good behavior. It _was_ Summerday, after all, and it would be a shame for the girl to miss all of the activities that happened after the sun went down. She entered the room and broke the news to her daughter, whose eyes lit up with fierce joy. Lyra hurtled herself into her mother's arms, covering her face with kisses. Eleanor couldn't help but laugh at her daughter's exuberance.
"I'll be so good, Ma. Promise," Lyra said. "No more fighting, even if Thomas rubs mud in my hair again!"
"Very well," Eleanor smiled. "But if there's even a smidgeon of trouble…" she let the words trail off meaningfully, and Lyra's sunny face went solemn.
"_Promise_, Ma," she said. Eleanor kissed her cheek, and Lyra scampered out the door, calling to Alistair. The boy's face lit up as she came charging down the hall, and the two of them were downstairs and running out to the field less than a minute later. There was much to do, and Lyra was determined to squeeze every ounce of fun out of the next several hours. They ate, ran, jumped, played, and twirled themselves into exhaustion in the soft green grass, eventually falling down to lie on their backs and stare up at the brilliance of the night sky. Alistair pointed out the constellations he'd learned from Chanter Sarah, and Lyra yawned, eventually curling up beside the boy and falling asleep in the warm, sweet summer air. He was moments behind her, and Eleanor found them later, sleeping as soundly as only children can after spending their energy completely.
.oOo.
"I want you to talk with Eamon," Eleanor said to her husband that night as she was preparing for bed. "I'd like to offer to foster Alistair at Highever."
Bryce looked up in surprise from the book he was reading. "You want to _foster_ him?" Eleanor nodded firmly. He closed the book and set it aside, his face growing serious.
"Eleanor…if you want to have another child, it's not too late…"
"Don't be silly, Bryce. I don't think I could have another if I wanted to – we were afraid when Lyra came along unexpectedly, and I'm much too old now. But that isn't the point." She lowered herself to sit beside him, and took his hand.
"You should have seen him in the room with her, Bryce," she said. "Lyra was more focused and better behaved than I've ever seen her. And the boy is charmed with Fergus…he could use some friends, and it wouldn't hurt our standing if he really _is _Maric's son."
"Politics, Eleanor," Bryce sighed. "And if he's _not_ Maric's son?"
"Then you gain another loyal knight for your household. Rory Gilmore is being trained already, along with three or four other boys – it wouldn't be difficult for Alistair to settle in. He's so starved for affection…you should have seen him yesterday when I was tending his hurts. The poor thing looked as if he'd never been spoken kindly to in his life."
Bryce considered. "It's no small thing you're asking me, dear. And we don't know what Eamon wants for him…" he took his wife's hand and squeezed it, and Eleanor's eyes pleaded.
"_Eamon _might not know what he wants for him. If you make the proposal, at _least_ he can consider it," Eleanor said, putting as much reason into her argument as she could.
"It means that much to you?" Bryce asked, his eyes hesitant. Eleanor nodded. Bryce rubbed the back of his neck and struggled to find the right words that would both placate his wife and leave him an out from a potentially bad situation.
"Look, Eleanor, let's not make any decisions right now. I can appreciate your intentions, but let's just observe him for the rest of the week, and then I can talk to Eamon." Bryce kissed his wife's cheek, and Eleanor huffed in annoyance and crossed her arms at him. Bryce began to laugh.
"And you wonder where Lyra gets it," he chuckled.
.oOo.
The moon crested over Redcliffe, and eventually only the most serious revelers remained in the square. Most of the nobility had returned to the castle by midnight, although not everyone was in bed yet.
"You are a _minx_," Cailan said playfully. Anora smiled in response, and tapped her finger on the map on the desk, trying to recall him to the task at hand.
"Cailan, be serious for three seconds, please. The Bannorn is experiencing drought. Your father is handling the problem, but—"
The prince groaned, and came to stand behind her. He slid his hands around her waist and moved to press his lips against the smooth skin of her neck, and she ducked sideways to avoid him.
"_Focus_, Cailan," she said, and he sighed, and looked at the map.
"Where are the most fertile areas of the Bannorn?" she asked, and he jabbed randomly at the map, not even feigning interest.
"Not even close! Cailan, honestly…you'll be the king someday. You _must_ take all these things into account—"
"It's _Summerday,_ Anora," he complained. "A holiday that celebrates life and love, and here we sit, studying _maps_. Do you know what most of the people of Redcliffe are doing right now?"
"Sleeping?" Anora arched a perfect brow.
"Not exactly." Cailan drew her hair aside and breathed in the scent of her skin, freshened by lilacs and powder. She stiffened, but he was too far gone to notice.
"When are you going to give in to me, Anora?" he murmured, and turned her around. She pasted a bright smile onto her face before he could notice her discomfort.
"My prince, we aren't married yet. There are _proprieties _that must be adhered to…"
"Damn that," Cailan whispered, and drew her in to kiss her deeply. Her response was automatic, sliding her hands around his neck and matching his fervor. His arms tightened around her waist, and he groaned, feeling her body pressed so near to his. She ended the kiss a moment later in an attempt to control the fallout. Cailan was clearly disappointed.
"I _love_ you, Anora," he whispered, his brows furrowing. "I really don't see why we can't be married _now_. We're adults –"
"_Adults_? You think eighteen and nineteen is adult. Really," she laughed, her mind racing to put him off. She knew she would have to marry him eventually, but…
"Yes, I think eighteen and nineteen is adult. Adult enough for _this_," Cailan said. "You grow more beautiful every day, and you're driving me insane! If you're not ready to get married, I understand. We'll wait. But don't keep putting me off…" His eyes pleaded with her. "You have no idea what I feel for you."
_Hormones,_ Anora thought distastefully. She looked back at the map, and inspiration struck.
"Cai, learn the map, and I'll allow…something," she said, and his eyes lit up.
"What kind of something?" he grinned, and she grimaced inwardly at the keen look that covered his features.
"Learn the map, and find out," she teased, and wondered how much longer she'd be able to keep this up.
.oOo.
Maric ran his hand over his hair, making it glint with red highlights in the lamplight. Loghain sat nearby, a stern look on his face. The king was trying to get something across, and he finally settled for the simplest words possible, ending his inner struggle to find phrasing that would soften the shock.
"I want to make it official, Loghain. I want to claim him." He glanced up at Loghain's blue eyes, which hardened at his words.
"Maric, you _can't_," Loghain said. Maric glowered at him.
"Why not? The heir and the spare, right? Why wouldn't the Landsmeet accept him?" Maric jumped up and began to pace. Loghain sighed, and rubbed his forehead as Maric continued to speak.
"I really thought I could do it, Loghain. I really thought I could leave him here, and just keep my hands out of his life…but seeing him now—I want my son," Maric said. "He doesn't have to know about his mother. We can keep that a secret—"
"He may not even survive past thirty!" Loghain exploded. "He may have been Tainted by that damned knife ear—"
Maric strode forward and seized Loghain's collar, his eyes blazing. "Don't you ever, _ever_ speak that way of Fiona! She was a hero….the Grey Wardens have more honor than you or I will _ever_ have. They give their _lives_ for Ferelden."
"So do soldiers, my liege," Loghain said, unimpressed with this bout of passion. Maric glared at him for another moment, and then let him go and continued to pace.
"You're not supposed to know about the Taint," Maric muttered. "I was a fool to tell you. Fiona wasn't even supposed to tell _me_ about that."
"What do you think would happen if Alistair's parentage were discovered?" Loghain challenged, and Maric ignored him, his eyes on the rug as he walked.
"Have you considered it at all, my lord?" Loghain continued, watching Maric work out his demons. "The child of a Grey Warden? They're not supposed to involve themselves with politics._You_ are the one who allowed the Wardens back into the country. Not everyone agreed with that decision. It took a lot to gain the support for that. And now you've managed to get yourself a child – a _son_ – on one of the Wardens. How will that look? What will the Landsmeet think of _that_? They'll think the Wardens are trying to take over, and that you're in league with them. That they're _using you._"
Maric's eyes closed. Loghain leaned back in his chair, watching his king's reaction. _He knows this already,_ Loghain thought. _He just needs me to say the words._
"Then we'll keep the secret. We can continue the story that I told Eamon, that his mother was a serving girl."
"Maric, you're a damned fool," Loghain said. "The Landsmeet won't accept him, and you know it as well as I. Illegitimate children are _not_ welcomed…you _know_ that! You'll only put yourself in a weakened position. Cailan is grown, and he's engaged to Anora. Let _them_ provide the spare. Let them be married."
Maric shook his head. "Cailan isn't ready for marriage, and he's _certainly_ not ready to be a father."
"Is anyone ever?" Loghain said. "Were you? Was I? He'll learn. Maric…" he stood, and stepped in front of his old friend, who was threatening to wear a track in the rug.
"Cailan is your heir. This is what's been established, and there is nothing wrong with that plan. Don't try and change things now," Loghain said.
Maric dropped helplessly back into a chair. Loghain watched him for a moment and then began to excuse himself, hoping the subject was closed, but Maric cut him off.
"Then at least let him come to the palace. He can be fostered with me there. He doesn't have to be my heir – but let me have him. Let me have the son I want," Maric said, and Loghain's heart iced over.
"You _have_ a son. Cailan. Be _his_ father first," Loghain snarled, and struggled to rein in his temper.
He had watched Maric's oldest boy grow, seeing Queen Rowan in his eyes and on his face…the woman he had loved, who he had forced to return to Maric and honor their betrothal for the good of the country. _He should have been mine_, Loghain thought bitterly._ Cailan should have been _my_ son, and Rowan my wife._
Maric's eyes pressed shut, and then he laughed, a harsh, broken, hopeless sound.
"He wouldn't even look at me, Loghain…." Maric whispered. "He's my _son_…"
"All a man has to do to get a son is spend a few moments with a woman," Loghain said. "You haven't raised him, or spent time with him. Eamon _has_ done all of that."
"It can't be too late," Maric said, and ran his hand over his hair again, making it stand on end. "There must be a way..."
"He may be your son…but you're not his father," Loghain said. "Let him go, Maric. Be the _king._"
The king of Ferelden nodded slowly, and hid his face in his hands.
.oOo.
Loghain returned to his rooms and poured himself a drink, needing to forget about the conversation he'd just had with Maric. He downed it, and then poured another finger of whiskey into his cup, moving to the window and opening it to let the cool breezes of the night into the stuffy room. He sipped, thinking of the king's strange obsession with Alistair.
_It's seeing the boy here that's done it,_ Loghain thought. _It'll get worse when he's sent to Denerim. Perhaps…_ he considered, and threw back his second drink, much faster than was good for him. He moved to the table and poured a third, then took the bottle with him and sat in a chair before the alcohol hit his system hard and made him stagger. It was a fine malt, and he suspected he'd be finishing the bottle.
Thoughts of Rowan snaked through his mind, and he remembered her touch, her scent, the way her eyes had pleaded with him as he pushed her away…
_Had to be done_. His thoughts were fuzzy as he recalled his part in the king's marriage. _Rowan and Maric were betrothed. Had to be married…to unite the country._ He took a long pull of the whiskey. _Damn Maric. Couldn't appreciate her, couldn't see she was worth ten of that elf…Katriel…_ He took another pull of his drink, and laughed aloud at the next thought that came to him.
_And then Fiona. The man has a type,_ Loghain sniggered.
He thought of his duty to Ferelden, and was resentful for a moment of everything he'd done, that he continued to do. _Should've been born higher,_ he thought. _If I sat the throne, I'd rule well. Better than Maric. Better than Cailan…_ he thought of his daughter, and his heart softened at the thought of Anora becoming the queen. _She's Cailan's only hope_, he mused with some amusement, the alcohol affecting his thought patterns. _My smart girl. Need to get them married… _He set the glass down, his head spinning.
_We will hold this country._ His thoughts were full of determination. _Orlais be damned to hell._
His steward found him a few hours later, passed out in the chair, the bottle of whiskey empty on the floor. The man prepared him for bed and shut the door behind him, leaving Loghain to snore beneath his blankets until the morning.
* * *
_A/N: Credit to KnightOfHolyLight for the idea of Alistair being fostered at Highever! Eleanor loved the idea, what can I say? Also, I hope this clears up any confusion that might have sprung up about Maric's easy give-in about sending Alistair to the chantry. Love and kisses! ~Eve_
4. Chapter 4
_A/N: Now we get into some other characters. I'm filling up with ideas, and I'm actually getting really, really excited about telling these stories. _
_Today, we look at Isolde. I know that most people hate her with a passion that's a little scary, but I figure she's got a really intriguing backstory...and after looking up Isolde and Eamon as main characters, there's actually only one fanfic written about them. I haven't read it because I don't want to influence my own ideas, but I think someday I will write the story of Isolde and Eamon. Someday soon, likely. For now, this acts as an overview, and I hope it explains some of why Isolde might be the way she is. _
* * *
"Do you think Eamon will like me?" Isolde asked, her worried eyes creasing in the reflecting glass.
"How could he not? You are stunning," Gwena simpered, and adjusted Isolde's veil for the third time. "It is too bad your father isn't here to give you away," the woman said in a careless tone, her words the slightest bit cutting. Isolde bit her lip.
"I wish he was," she said. "I miss them."
"They miss you, as well, dear. Being disowned…how do you manage?" Gwena's voice was light, but Isolde heard the implied insult behind the words, and her mouth twisted.
"Quite well, thank you. But Gwena, let us speak of _you_ for a moment. Do you think _you'll_ ever remarry? It must be difficult, no? Knowing you have so few good years left to provide children to a husband… " Isolde asked. Gwena's eyes narrowed slightly, and Isolde felt somewhat mollified.
Gwena was a friend, and Isolde didn't have many of them…being from Orlais and marrying Arl Eamon was two strikes against her. She was willing to put up with Gwena's snarky attitude in exchange for female companionship. And it really wasn't that different than anything she'd dealt with in Orlais...they wrote the book on intrigue, and Gwena was practically a breath of fresh air.
Isolde checked her reflection again, and pinched her cheeks once more to turn them pink. She tried to relax her eyes, seeing the beginnings of wrinkles forming on her still youthful face. It troubled her, losing her youth…but she supposed it happened to everyone. Teyrna Cousland was already greying. Isolde's hair was still lush and honey-colored, for which she was more than grateful.
Isolde Desmarais was born the younger daughter of an up-and-coming noble family in Val Royeaux that had been playing "the game" of nobility as long as she could remember. The Orlesian occupation of Ferelden had supplied many families with the opportunity to raise their standing, and when King Meghren had offered the arling of Redcliffe to anyone who could hold it for more than a month, Isolde's father Marcel Desmarais had leapt at the chance. The family traveled to Ferelden and moved into Castle Redcliffe, much to the displeasure of the locals.
Isolde was a dreamy, idealistic youth. She was thrilled at the chance to leave boring Val Royeax to live in Ferelden, and viewed the endeavor as an adventure of the best kind. Her eleven-year old self thrilled to the romance and intrigue inherent in such an undertaking, and her older brother Rene agreed with her wholeheartedly. The two spent the month-long journey whispering and daydreaming about the adventures they would have in Ferelden. Their mother Gabrielle was less enthusiastic about leaving the glittering city of Val Royeaux to live in what she deemed "fithy wilderness", but Redcliffe was beautiful in Isolde's eyes, and she fell in love with the land. And she couldn't help but admire the spirit of the Fereldans; they were so very determined to wriggle out from under Orlais's thumb.
It was a tumultuous few years that followed, but Marcel did what others had not been able to – he survived numerous assassination attempts and held Redcliffe in the name of Emperor Florian. As the holders of one of the most powerful arlings in Ferelden, things were looking up for the Desmarais family, and they climbed higher in the game.
Isolde expected to be sent back to Orlais to attend a ladies' finishing school, but the world began to change when she was fourteen. The rebels had a new commander, and Orlais began losing ground. After nearly an age of occupation, Orlais actually began to grow nervous that they might lose Ferelden, and every Orlesian noble was put on alert. Her family began planning an exit from the country if things should go badly. Marcel and Gabrielle were away at a meeting on the night she met Eamon Guerrin – a meeting that happened entirely by chance…a meeting which would change her life forever.
Isolde was alone in her parents' room when she heard the door open, and as she turned around a hand clapped over her mouth, pushing her up against the wall and warning her to be quiet. Her captor was a handsome young man with reddish-brown hair, and Isolde's heart leapt in fright…and excitement.
The young man was one of the rebels, and for that reason alone she might have been fascinated and charmed by him, but his good looks and the element of danger he carried with him made him beyond delicious to a dreamy, romantic, idealistic girl.
Eamon had slipped past the guards of the castle in an attempt to assassinate Arl Desmarais and his family and reclaim Redcliffe for Ferelden and the Guerrins. It was a move of desperation, and one that likely would have ended with his death had Isolde not been utterly charmed by the bold young man. They ended up speaking at length, and then Isolde smuggled him out of the castle, seeing the entire thing as a quixotic adventure. Two nights later, she received a coded message, and she snuck out of her rooms to meet her would-be lover in the gardens of Redcliffe Castle.
Isolde didn't just fall…she dove head-over-heels into love with Eamon, and he fell just as head-over-heels in love with the beautiful young orlesian girl. The fact that it was her own family that he opposed – and that it was _her_ family that had deposed his – made their romance all the more forbidden, and all the more searing. Isolde was only fourteen, and her paramour eighteen…they were so very young, and impressionable, and filled with romantic ideas of the way the world should be, and this first honey-sweet taste of love altered them both in ways they would take years to fully discover.
They continued to meet and make plans for two years, and then Rowan, Eamon's sister, found out about Isolde. She bluntly told Eamon that he was insane if he thought he could marry an orlesian. With Ferelden's freedom a thing that was barely secured, and Isolde belonging to the very family who had held Redcliffe in Orlais's name, it would be suicide – political and literal. At Rowan's insistence, Eamon ended his relationship with Isolde, and her family fled to Orlais before they could be murdered by rebel forces.
Isolde was heartbroken. She understood logically why they couldn't be together, but it didn't make it easier to bear…she felt cheated of her happy ending, and her sixteen-year old self mutinied. She refused to eat, bathe, or do any of the other things that would make life bearable for those around her, and even her brother Rene couldn't draw a smile from her for months.
Back in Orlais she worsened, and Gabrielle had to put off her entry into the fine finishing school as Isolde would not leave her bed. Six months later, Isolde attempted to escape to Ferelden, intending on throwing herself at Eamon and begging him to take her back – as a concubine, if need be. She was quickly discovered, and a series of locks installed on her door as punishment. She stormed, cried, threw things, and then retreated into a deep depression.
Isolde's parents were mortified. They berated her, threatened her, bribed her, and nothing helped. Isolde locked herself in a shell of isolation, writing in her journals and sometimes playing on her harp. She was convinced that if she tried hard enough, she could die of grief, and leave a beautiful young corpse for her parents to cry over.
Unfortunately, life was not so kind.
Finally, _finally _Isolde seemed to grow up a bit. She began to interact with the outside world again, and attended the fine finishing school her parents had intended for her. She met Gwena Farel while at school, and the two became fast friends. Isolde returned home a proper and refined lady, aged twenty-one, and her mother began parading her before nobleman after nobleman. But nothing ever worked out. Isolde was quiet, refined, graceful, and beautiful – and completely uninterested. When the young men attempted to grow serious, she grew cold and put them off. She intended to spend her life alone rather than with someone who was not Eamon Guerrin, although her parents had no inkling that she was still suffering from love lost.
When Isolde passed her twenty-fifth birthday, her father gave her an ultimatum – marry, or find a trade. He refused to keep his willful spinster daughter at home any longer, and Isolde took up residence with her friend Gwena, who had married a successful cloth merchant by the name of Dubois. She sewed and helped with running the household, and Gwena treated her somewhat like a poor relative…but it was better than being at home with her judgmental parents. She spent three years with Gwena, and then…
She received a letter. From Eamon.
He missed her. He loved her. He wanted her.
She packed her bags.
Gwena was properly horrified that Isolde would leave Orlais and return to a backwater country like Ferelden, where they slept with their _dogs_ and wore _boots_ every day, even to the chantry. Isolde didn't care. She had been dreaming of being with Eamon for half of her life, and now that he wanted her, she didn't intend to waste another second. She found passage to Ferelden with a merchant who specialized in Mabari, and spent a month traveling to Redcliffe. She showed up on Eamon's doorstep bedraggled and worn out, smelling like a dog and feeling like a limp rag.
Their reunion was beyond spectacular.
It took several more years to navigate all of the politics involved with marrying an orlesian woman. Old hatreds still ran deep, but Eamon was determined, and now, today, their dreams would finally come true.
Isolde was thirty-one – a woman beyond her prime, a woman who had lived in a fantasy world for longer than she cared to think about. She had loved Eamon her entire life, and to become his wife was the greatest desire of her heart. She had wanted it for so very long, and had gone through hell to get it – and nothing was going to stop her now. Not the letter she had received from her parents last month, stating that if she did this she was no longer a Desmarais. Not the nasty letters from anonymous sources, threatening her life just for being orlesian. Not the whispers, not the stares, not even the rumors that Alistair was Eamon's bastard son, although that one hurt the most of all.
A knock at the door took her attention from the mirror, and she gestured for Gwena to answer it. Her friend sniffed, and flounced toward the door.
Gwena wasn't taking her new position well. She had arrived in Redcliffe several months ago, homeless after her husband was killed in Orlais for fraudulent dealing. Isolde had taken her in, and Gwena had made herself Isolde's lady in waiting. Their social positions had been reversed, and Isolde might have felt sorrier for Gwena if the woman wasn't so very nasty. But she was a friend, and she was from _home_, and so Isolde put up with her haughty attitudes.
"Are you ready?" Maric said from the doorway, and Isolde nodded, and hurried to take his arm. The king of Ferelden was standing in for her absent father and walking her down the aisle.
.oOo.
"Who gives this woman to be wed?" the Revered Mother said.
"The crown gives this woman," Maric said, and a whisper of interest flew from tongue to tongue around the gathered nobility. Maric's stamp of approval on the marriage was the final bit that Eamon needed to legitimize Isolde in Ferelden's eyes…but the whispers made Isolde's face flush, and she wondered if she would _ever_ find acceptance in her love's country.
In the crowd, Lyra wiggled in her seat, and looked around for Alistair. Fergus poked her.
"Be still. It's almost over, Pup," he whispered, and she did her best to quiet her restless body as her mother sniffled into a handkerchief. Other women were crying, too, and Lyra wondered exactly what was so sad about two people getting married.
At the front of the chantry, Bann Teagan was seated beside Alistair, who was watching the ceremony glumly. Isolde didn't _like_ him, and he didn't know why. He had a feeling that things weren't going to get easier.
"Cheer up, lad," Teagan whispered. "Isolde's not such a bad sort."
Alistair didn't answer, but kicked his foot against the leg of the chair in an attempt to vent energy. Small boys were not made to sit so still and be so clean.
The ceremony was completed, and Isolde and Eamon shared their first kiss as husband and wife, arl and arlessa. Applause from the crowd brought a smile to Isolde's lips. Perhaps she was wrong…perhaps not everyone was prepared to hate her.
She and Eamon made their way back down the aisle and stood outside the chantry, where they were surrounded by well-wishers. The people of Redcliffe brought them small gifts – baskets of fruit, a soft wool wrap, a bundle of flowers. The nobility had delivered gifts that were much finer, but Isolde was touched by these small gestures, and she smiled graciously at all of them, her heart filling with happiness at the love that her husband's people displayed for their arl. _And for me,_ she thought. _They cannot hate me now. _
Eamon turned from her side to speak with someone, and Isolde continued to greet the folk who had come to her wedding. She was happy…everything was beautiful, and everyone was kind…
"….orlesian whore," she heard whispered in the crowd, and her heart crashed in her chest. She looked around, trying to see where the slur had come from, but everyone was smiling and Isolde tried to cover her dismay at the ugliness she was hearing.
Lyra Cousland came sprinting out of the chantry, followed by Alistair, and Isolde's lips twisted in distaste as she watched his red-gold head bounce through the crowd. The rumor mill was churning with all of the nobility present, and speculation was high. It seemed to most that Eamon _must_ be the boy's father, and Gwena had told her there was a growing pool over who the boy's mother had been. Bets were even – people were certain Alistair's mother was either a deceased castle servant, or a foreign dignitary.
People could be so stupid.
It made her stomach clench to think of Eamon with another woman. He assured her that Alistair was not his child, but how was she to know, really? It was unrealistic to assume that he'd been celibate all these years – men were different than women. The boy's hair might have a touch more gold in it than Eamon's, but that could just as easily be attributed to the mother. If he wasn't Eamon's, then why was he here?
Oh, Eamon had told her that the boy was Maric's, and that Maric had asked him to keep Alistair. She also knew it was likely true. But the rest of the nobility _did not_, and they were not allowed to know. And that's where the rumors began, and where Isolde held no power at all to rebuff them. Without the truth to arm her, she was left swatting at speculation, and no one believed Eamon would take pity on an orphan out of the kindness of his heart. Some were even whispering that Eamon intended to make the boy his heir – but Isolde was determined to give Eamon a child of their own. It was the one power she had as a woman, and she would be damned if it was taken from her. She wasn't _that_ old – she could bring a child to birth and provide him with the only heir he would need.
Of course, it would help if Alistair were safely out of the way. Out of sight, out of mind.
"My congratulations, Lady Isolde. You look lovely," Eleanor Cousland said, and brushed Isolde's cheek with her lips. The arlessa smiled automatically and thanked her, and then Eleanor leaned close.
"I hope that when Bryce speaks to Eamon, he'll consider our proposal," she said softly, and Isolde's eyes creased in confusion.
"Your proposal?" Isolde asked.
"Yes, regarding Alistair…well, this isn't really the time. We'll speak about it later," Eleanor said, and moved off.
Isolde's eyes darkened. Couldn't she just forget about the bastard boy for one day? It was her _wedding_!
"…I hear she's too old," she heard someone say behind her. She focused on the words, concentrating on singling out the sounds from the general crowd noise.
"…looks young. But…seventeen years since they met." She was only catching bits and pieces. She tried to let it go, but suddenly the voices were clear.
"…pity. Eamon had other opportunities, to be sure. There must be a reason he'd choose an orlesian. Maybe Loghain is right."
Eamon finished his conversation and turned to smile at her, and Isolde tried to return his happy gaze, but her eyes were filling with tears.
"My dearest love…" Eamon brushed her cheek with his fingers. "You aren't crying? On our wedding day? Can it be that you regret marrying an old man, after all?" Their old joke brought a smile to Isolde's lips, but one traitorous drop slid down her cheek, and then Eamon was dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief pulled from his sleeve.
"What is it?" he asked.
"You love me, Eamon?" she trembled, and his eyes softened.
"More than my own life," he said softly, and the tears began to pour from her eyes, relief unclenching her stomach.
"Isolde," Eamon said worriedly, and she threw herself into his embrace.
"Alistair…he's going to Denerim, yes?" she whispered, and Eamon nodded as his arms clasped her tight.
"Maric has agreed."
"Thank the Maker," Isolde sighed, and Eamon's arms promised support and love.
The one thing she had craved for seventeen years was hers at last.
Nothing would make her let it go.
5. Chapter 5
_A/N: So, I wasn't quite sure where to take this next chapter. I decided perhaps a little bit of everything was in order, since I have a little bit of everything planned for future chapters. Laying some groundwork, as it were. :-) There are so many awesome stories I want to tell...everyone's got a history, and they keep banging around in my brain. For those of you who are waiting for the SEQUEL to TDKS... well, it's firmly in the works. There's been actual writing done on it. No idea yet when publishing will be, but rest assured...the writing has begun, and that can only lead to eventual publishing. :-D _
* * *
Nathaniel and Alfstanna snuck around the corner, hand in hand, hurrying away from the festivities. It was the second day of feasting and games since Isolde and Eamon's wedding ceremony, and after the tourney on the following day, the nobility would return to their homes. The two of them had almost no time left before they would be separated again, and they were hoping for an hour… or more… of uninterrupted privacy.
Nathaniel glanced around, looking for a safe nook where a girl and a boy could spend some time alone without fear of being seen by nosy busybodies with no sense of romance or fun. His eyes lit on the perfect location, and he squeezed Alfstanna's hand.
"There," he said, and pointed to the stables.
"Nathaniel! It's so….common," Alfstanna giggled with girlish delight and squeezed his hand. "I love it."
The two of them hurried across the yard, Alfstanna's full green skirts gathered into her free arm, a loose strand of Nathaniel's dark hair blowing across his eyes. He pushed it back impatiently, and opened the barn door just enough to allow the two of them to slip inside.
Sunlight streamed through cracks in the aging wood, leaving just enough light to make things interesting, and the sweet smell of curing hay and sleepy animals filled their noses. _Perfect_.
Nathaniel pulled Alfstanna into his arms, and their lips met, an unpolished move that nonetheless made their hearts pound with the joy of young love. The moment stretched out, and then Nathaniel drew back to look around.
"Somewhere more private…" he murmured, and tugged Alfstanna toward the ladder leading up to the hayloft. A moment later they tumbled back into the soft straw and lost themselves in each other's arms.
Nathaniel was just working up the courage to try touching Alfstanna a bit more intimately when the barn door swung open, and the two of them froze. Breathless, childish laughter echoed through the barn, and Nathaniel risked a peek over the top of the hayloft.
Lyra Cousland was gesturing for someone to follow her into the barn.
"Come _on,_" she exclaimed. "They'll never find us in here!"
A small boy with red-gold hair skidded through the door behind her, and they ducked behind a haybale, giggling and trying to shush each other.
"Who is it?" Alfstanna murmured, sitting up slightly to glance over the rail. Nathaniel dragged her back down, his eyes imploring her to silence. Alfstanna opened her mouth again, and Nathaniel covered it with his hand. She began to giggle, and he grinned back, and slowly released her. She bit playfully at his fingers.
"She's a bit young for you, in my opinion," Alfstanna whispered. "How old is she, six?"
"Eight," Nathaniel whispered back. His father had been trying to arrange a marriage between Nathaniel and Lyra since the day the girl was born, but thankfully, Bryce Cousland had no interest in making such an arrangement. Nathaniel was just as glad – not only was he eight years older than the girl, but he didn't care for the idea of marrying _just_ to advance himself politically. Unlike his father, Rendon Howe.
"Someone else would suit you better…" Alfstanna purred against his neck, and Nathaniel stifled a groan, took his courage firmly in hand, and brushed his fingers over the girl's breast. She responded by crushing her lips against his, and he felt heat rushing through him.
The barn door opened again, and he heard more voices.
"Maker damned _children_," he swore, and he and Alfstanna stilled themselves.
"They're in here, I know it. I _saw_," a bossy voice said, and Nathaniel's heart stopped beating. _Delilah!_
"Lyra? Alistair?" Maker, it was turning into a regular party. Eleanor Cousland was calling. There was whispering, and then after a moment, Lyra spoke up.
"Yes, ma?" Lyra said, her voice all innocence.
"Delilah tells me you threw mud at her dress. Did you?" Eleanor's tone was stern, and Nathaniel heard small feet shuffling.
_Serves her right,_ Nathaniel thought. Delilah was an awful snob about her clothing.
"Um….yes?" Lyra said, and Eleanor's sigh pervaded the room, as only a mother's sigh can.
"Come then, Lyra. Delilah, if you'll come with us back to the castle, Lyra will make amends."
"I will?" Lyra said, and Alfstanna snickered.
"She's cute," she whispered.
"Adorable. Kiss me," Nathaniel breathed, and she did. Thoroughly.
"What about me, ma'am?" A boy's voice. _The redhead,_ Nathaniel thought belatedly, somewhat distracted by the glory of Alfstanna's tongue.
"You come too, Alistair," Eleanor said, and the barn door drifted shut again a moment later. All was silent, and then a cow mooed, and Alfstanna pulled away.
"You can't marry _her_," Alfstanna said, and Nathaniel's hands grew bolder, lingering on her bodice. The warmth and the softness of what lay beneath was somewhat distracting.
"If it were up to me, I wouldn't," Nathaniel said.
"Why is it so important to your father, anyway?" Alfstanna complained. "Waking Sea is _just_ as nice as Highever, and our family is…well, we don't go back _quite_ as many generations, but…"
"Alfstanna…" Nathaniel brushed her cheek with his fingers. "We're leaving tomorrow. Write to me? We may get to see each other at the Couslands' Satinalia celebration, if your family can come…"
Alfstanna looked down, and drew a breath.
"I'll be sixteen in Harvestmere. We could marry," she whispered, and then looked at him, her heart in her eyes. Nathaniel grew serious, and her fingers sought his. The encounter had been elevated to a whole new level.
"You would have me?" Nathaniel said, and she nodded.
"I…" his mind raced at the implications of what she was offering to him, of the unexpected feelings her proposal roused.
Nathaniel had cared for Alfstanna as long as he could remember. They had seen each other so rarely as the years passed – once a year, maybe, Amaranthine and Waking Sea being on literal opposite ends of the country, and yet each time fate did see fit to bring them together, it was as if no time had passed at all. This last week had seen the beginning of their physical relationship, although as yet they had done nothing more than exchange a few kisses, and now this daring tryst in the hayloft.
"I would need to ask my father," Nathaniel said finally.
"He'll say no," Alfstanna said. "He's so very concerned with your _status_," she spat the word.
"I'm not my father," Nathaniel said. Alfstanna's hand clutched his own.
"Then why ask? Come in Harvestmere," she begged. "We could go away. To Rivain, or Antiva…"
"Are you serious?" Nathaniel laughed. "What would we do in Antiva?"
"You could join the guard. I'd keep house for you."
"Alfstanna…" Thoughts of his father's ire at the idea of such a plan invaded the happy dream she was creating. "Your brother, Irminric – he's being trained as a Templar, isn't he?"
"So?"
"So who's inheriting Waking Sea?"
Her silence was telling.
"I can't leave Amaranthine, and you can't abandon your family," he said gently.
"What about Thomas?_ He_ could inherit Amaranthine," she pointed out. "You would be free to come to Waking Sea, and we could rule there, together. Will you speak to my father? And to yours?"
Nathaniel wavered. In truth, Thomas _was_ much closer in age to Lyra, and there was no reason why his father couldn't make a match between the two of _them_. Nathaniel had only been to Waking Sea once, but he'd loved it…it wasn't that dissimilar to Amaranthine, and the smell of the sea was just like home.
Besides which, anywhere Alfstanna was, Nathaniel was happy to be.
"Write to me," he said again. "If you still wish it, come Satinalia…I'll speak to your father."
Alfstanna captured his face in her hands, and the only witnesses to what followed were a few lazy cows and an old donkey.
.oOo.
"I don't know what to do, Father," Anora said. "He's so childish, and he grows more and more insistent. I don't _want_—"
"You'll do what you must, Anora. For Ferelden." Loghain said, and peered over his paperwork at his daughter's concerned face. "Bed him."
"I…" Anora hesitated, and then looked at the floor. "Yes, Father." She turned to go, and Loghain felt a stab of grief at the slump in her shoulders. He wished it didn't have to be this way…
He closed his eyes, and then turned back to the paper he'd been reading when she came in.
_Emperor Florian is showing signs of instability. There are whisperings that Ferelden is weak, that it would take only a small push to reclaim your country for Orlais. You and I both know this is most ridiculous, but the players in the game ever vie for favor, and the Desmarais family is losing their status with their daughter's defection to Ferelden. Be warned – an assassination is all it would take to topple the throne. It is not as unlikely as you or I might think. ~A Friend_
Loghain rubbed his eyes. The missive meant the same thing it had meant the first three times he had read it, and he liked it no better. The father in him wished he'd never risen to this height.
The General in him set his mouth, and tucked the missive into his pouch. Anora would marry Cailan, and Maric would be removed. Ferelden _would_ be made safe. The General saw what needed to be done, and put plans in motion to make it happen.
If Anora and Cailan found themselves – unexpectedly – expecting the heir that Maric was so sure Cailan was not ready for…
_They _will_ be married._
Loghain stood, and strode out of the office.
He didn't see his daughter in the hallway behind her, her back pressed against the rough stone, her face buried in her hands.
.oOo.
Anora sagged against the wall, allowing herself a moment of weakness before straightening up and moving down the hall. Her stomach was in knots, but she pushed the fear aside and took herself to Cailan's room.
When facing down a fear, there was no time like the present. She pushed open the door and was met with the sight of scattered maps and papers, sticks of graphite on the floor, and crumpled balls of vellum lying haphazardly about.
Cailan wasn't within.
Anora swore to herself and exited the room again, bothered that she should have to go to so much trouble to do something she not only didn't desire but was _afraid_ of.
.oOo.
"This one…this." Cailan's eyes were shining as he pulled the sword from the wall. "It's fantastic. Look at it, Fergus!"
The younger boy looked eagerly on the filigreed weapon. Lyra and Alistair were playing on the other side of the room with a bag of marbles they had gotten from Bryce, and he took a quick glance back at them, fulfilling his duty of watching his sister after her stunt with Delilah Howe and the mud.
"It's awfully fancy. How can anything that looks that pretty hold an edge?" Fergus said, and Cailan took a few swings with it, testing the weight.
"Hmm. Balance feels off. Want a go?" He handed it to Fergus, who swung it gingerly. It didn't feel right to him.
"I think this one must have been made as a reward for some great deed. Maybe from the rebellion," Fergus said, and replaced the blade on the wall. "Not much use, is it?"
"A sword should have function _and_ form," Cailan said. "You've seen my father's blade, have you not?"
"I have. It's a beauty," Fergus said. "Is your father fighting in the melee?"
"No. He says it isn't fair to the others, whatever that means. _I'll_ be there, though," Cailan said, pure excitement in his voice. "I'd like nothing better than to prove myself in battle. Sometimes I imagine myself leading the armies, like my father did during the rebel battles against Orlais. It was such an exciting time to live in! I envy him that…will you be fighting?"
"I will, Highness," Fergus said. Cailan clapped him on the shoulder.
"Then may we meet on the field as equal foes, and may the best man be left standing," he grinned.
"Cailan?" Anora's voice called, and the prince turned around as his fiancé came through the door. Anora hesitated when she saw the others, and then a polite smile graced her lips.
"Anora! Come see – we were just looking at Eamon's weaponry collection."
"Cailan, we must talk…" Anora began. Her vague plans of seduction were being fizzled by the presence of the children – and in her estimation, that included fifteen year old Fergus Cousland.
"I'm busy. Can't it wait?" Cailan was examining a shield that was set against the wall, and Anora pressed her lips together, annoyed at his inattentiveness. It was all fine and good to paw at her when they were alone, but when _she_ wanted his attention...
"No. It can't. I—"
"Cailan! Here you are," Maric's jovial voice rang out, and Anora suppressed a sigh of frustration. She _hated_ being put off, especially when she had decided she was going to do something.
"Your Majesty," Anora said, dropping a curtsey. Fergus bowed low, and in their corner, Lyra looked up with interest. Alistair scooted himself behind the girl, hoping not to be seen.
"Anora. Fergus. Cailan, I'd like a word. If you'll accompany me?" Maric's tone brooked no nonsense, and Cailan followed his father from the room without a backward glance.
Fergus rubbed the back of his neck, awkwardly unsure of what to do or say, with beautiful Anora Mac Tir standing before him. Fortunately for him, she spun on her heel and walked out.
Anora gave no though to the children she left behind, her mind planning her next encounter with Cailan. Perhaps the best approach would be to wait for Cailan in his room, and spread herself naked across his desk. If _that_ didn't get his attention, nothing would.
She wondered if she should bring one of the damned swords with her, just to make sure he couldn't get distracted.
.oOo.
"Loghain tells me you haven't been studying the maps," Maric said, and Cailan groaned.
"Father, really? Must we discuss this here? Now? I have all season to finish the work—"
"When we return to Denerim, I expect you to know the maps. You have tomorrow, and then a five-day carriage ride. That's the end of it. Are we clear?" Maric's voice was stern, and Cailan's eyes flicked sideways, a resigned look in his eyes.
"Fine. I'll know them." His tone was anything but convincing.
"Good." Maric searched Cailan's face. "This is _important_, Cailan. You _must_ know the country. How else do you expect to rule?"
"You'll be king for a long time yet, Father. I don't see what the point is, really. Isn't that what advisors are for?"
"Would you trust an apprentice to build your house?" Maric said.
"_What_?" Cailan laughed. "What does that have to do with ruling?"
Maric turned and began strolling down the hall, inviting his son to walk with him. Cailan hurried to catch up, and the two ambled through the castle. Maric gestured to the walls.
"See the stones, Cai…they were cut and fitted by dozens of people. But who led them? Who directed them in their jobs?"
"The foreman, I suppose," Cailan said.
"Why not his apprentice?"
"The apprentice doesn't have the training," Cailan said.
"Well, why not the stonemasons, then? They know the stone."
"They know how to _cut_ the stone," Cailan said. "Not how to build a castle."
"What of the woodworkers, who make the beams in the ceiling? The ones who pour the mortar, or the laborers who move the blocks? Why not have _them_ lead?"
"Father, where are you going with this?" Cailan said, and Maric gestured to the castle.
"_You_, my son, are the apprentice, and someday, you'll be the foreman."
"…Ah." Cailan said. "And I cannot trust my stonemasons or my woodworkers or my laborers to tell me how to do my job."
He looked at his father for a moment, and Maric's eyes were expectant.
"Point taken. I'll learn the maps," Cailan said.
6. Chapter 6
_A/N: __While searching online for Bann Alfstanna's last name, I came across one website - and I can't remember what it was - that listed her last name as possibly being Eremon. Whether this was something someone made up, or some random canon that a die-hard DA'er found, I have no idea, but I decided to go with it. Credit where credit is due - Bann Alfstanna's name is not my invention. Nor are any of the characters, and I do not own Dragon Age or Bioware or yada yada. This history, though, is mine...at least, the unique parts that David Gaider and company did not write are._
_Credit to KnightOfHolyLight, who caught my mistake about Arl Bryland. I was calling him Bann. Bad Eve, no posting chapters after 2AM. Thanks, KnightOfHolyLight! I've fixed it now. :-)_
_Thanks so much for reading. I love getting feedback, so drop me a line, or a review, or a line AND a review. :-) Lots of love to all of you... ~Eve_
* * *
Sweat dripping freely, Fergus Cousland wiped his brow and tightened his grip on the weapon in his hand. Weaponsmaster Coren's words echoed through his mind...
_Eyes on your enemy. Let the sword become an extension of your arm. Don't let them see your back or the whites of your eyes._
A quick flick of his wrist, and his visor snapped shut. The tourney master was about to call the beginning of the second round, and he was thrilled to have made it this far.
From the stands, Eleanor chewed on her nails, her face a mask of nerves. Bryce was watching with just as much attention, his arm around an excited Lyra, but more pride and less tension filled his eyes as he watched his son take a battle stance and wait for the bell. Lyra stood, leaning against his knee, her eyes serious and focused on the combatants.
The day had been dedicated to competition, with archery, spear-throwing, knife-throwing, and dueling being some of the main events. King Maric offered coin to the winners, and the status that came with triumph was as important as the gold. This last contest was the fiercest of all, but was also the most well attended, and some would say the most exciting.
The field below was mudded and trampled, the grass yellowed and beaten down by countless metal-tipped boots. After the first round of the melee, about thirty warriors remained, of all shapes, sizes and types. Tall, proud swordsmen in glittering steel, lithe, slender rogues in flexible leather, and even a few dwarves, short, stout and menacing. There were noblemen and their sons, trusted knights, a few freeholders, and even one or two commoners from the village of Redcliffe who had won the attention of Arl Eamon. There were no elves, which only made sense - the only elves in Redcliffe were servants, and had been brought from Denerim. There was no alienage, and even if there had been, it was unlikely they would be allowed to compete, or even have access to weapons in order to train.
The crowd held a collective breath, and then the tourney master swung his arm.
CLANG! went the bell, and the warriors rushed toward each other, shouting blood and death and bodily harm. Lyra bounced on her toes in her father's arm, and he strained around her bobbing head.
"Lyra, be still," he said, and her knees began wriggling instead.
"Where's Fergus?" she asked for the umpteenth time, and she followed the line of her father's pointing finger. Eleanor ceased her nail biting momentarily to marvel at her husband's patience. Realizing the mess she was making of her fingers, she made an annoyed sound and twisted her skirt instead.
"Are there any girls on the field?" Lyra asked, and Bryce hesitated.
"A few, I think," he said.
"Who?" Lyra asked.
"Uh... Bann Kethka is out there. And Bann Voranis. I think there are a few others, but there are so many small freeholders it's hard to know them all," Bryce said.
"I don't know them," Lyra said. "Will I fight in the tournaments someday?"
"If you'd like," Bryce said.
"Bryce!" Eleanor said, her voice sharp.
"What?" he said, turning to look at her. "What's wrong with that?"
Eleanor turned back to the field, not really wanting to get into a discussion about their daughter while their son was fighting for his life. Well, maybe not for his life... but at least not to get brained.
The two minute mark passed, and the bell sounded again. Those who were still standing made their way off the field, and a few medics rushed into the arena, helping those who had been knocked out and applying poultices and potions as necessary. One healer mage, a greying woman who looked to be in her late forties, moved from patient to patient, but didn't find anyone who was in desperate need of her skills.
Fergus pulled his helmet from his head and waved at his parents. Lyra cheered, and Eleanor sat back, her hand pressed to her heart.
"I shouldn't be watching this," she said faintly, and Bryce chuckled. He cupped his hands over his mouth and shouted down to the field.
"Give 'em hell, Fergus!"
"Yeah, give 'em hell!" Lyra echoed, and gasps sounded around them, along with a few amused chuckles, depending on just how stiff-necked the listeners were. Bryce grinned, and then shifted his hold on Lyra as he felt the heat of Eleanor's glare. He cleared his throat, and then looked at his small daughter.
"Lyra, that sort of language isn't appropriate," Bryce said, attempting to make his voice stern. Lyra opened her mouth to protest, and then caught a wisp of her mother's heated look.
"Oh, yeah. Sorry, ma," she said, and Eleanor adjusted her skirts, the movement terse and annoyed.
"What's wrong, love?" Bryce asked, realizing that Eleanor had been on edge all day. His fingers slipped through hers, and she sighed.
"Rendon spoke with me today. Again."
"About Lyra and Nathaniel?" Bryce said in an undertone, and Eleanor nodded. On the field below, Fergus sluiced water over his head from a bucket a page was trotting around the field. He mopped himself with a rag, and then jammed his helmet back on his head.
"The man's determined, I'll give him that," Bryce said, and then began cheering with the rest of the crowd as the culled herd took the field again. About twenty warriors remained as they entered the next round. CLANG! went the bell.
"The melee...an excuse for warriors to beat each other bloody," Eleanor murmured.
"We can't all be archers, Elle..." Bryce said, and then leapt to his feet as Fergus sent a much larger man spinning to the ground.
"That's my boy! That's my son!" Bryce yelled, a grin wide enough to split the sky parading all over his face.
"Down, Cousland!" a friendly shout from behind him came, and Bryce turned, grinning, to see Arl Bryland smirking at him.
"Did you see, Leonas?" Bryce said, and Leonas Bryland waved him down.
"We all saw, Bryce, but you're blocking the view!" Friendly laughter erupted, and Bryce lowered himself, chuckling.
"Don't distract him, da!" Lyra scolded, and Bryce hugged his girl to his side.
The fabric of her skirt was being rent, and Eleanor sought another way to relieve her tension. Her hands reached for her handkerchief and she began twisting it, worrying the fabric into unrecoverable wrinkles. It was Fergus' first time in a tourney, his first time being attacked with seriousness of any kind, and Eleanor couldn't help but be afraid, even with the competence that the event was being handled. There was almost no chance of Fergus being injured; the participants were fighting with wooden tourney swords and there were healers on hand, but she was still anxious.
"He cornered me right before the tourney began," Eleanor continued to her husband. "But this time he also asked about Fergus - for Delilah."
"Who?" Bryce's eyes were on the field, and Eleanor sighed, exasperated.
"Rendon."
Forcing his focus away from the fight, Bryce considered the idea. It wasn't such a bad one, really - Fergus was fifteen, Delilah was thirteen. Better than thinking of his eight-year old being promised to a boy eight years her senior... Certainly the age difference would mean less and less as the years passed, but right now, it just didn't sit right. Fergus and Delilah, though, they could be married in the next four or five years, and Rendon would be pleased.
But Bryce misliked the idea of using his son and daughter to further himself politically, and he was hesitant to commit his children to marriages not of their own choosing. Maybe he was just sentimental, but the idea simply didn't appeal.
"I'll speak to Rendon," Bryce said. "At the very least, we can see how Fergus feels about it." The matter closed, he turned back to the melee, and Eleanor's voice sounded again.
"Your ideas about marriage are admirable, Bryce," Eleanor said, "and I understand why you feel that way. The Couslands have been the most powerful family in Ferelden - other than the Theirins, of course - for generations, and you had no need to climb higher. But Rendon doesn't feel the way you do. Don't forget, Highever belonged to Amaranthine, once upon a time."
"Once upon a time? Eleanor, five ages ago!" Bryce laughed.
"And what of it? Rendon has enough ambition to want to reclaim the old glory of what Amaranthine once was. If he can do that by marrying his children to Highever, why wouldn't he?"
The crowd broke into cheering again as the tourney master struck the bell, and another five warriors were helped from the field. Fergus was beaming from ear to ear, having made it to round four. Only fifteen remained of the original group, and Bryce was beside himself.
"Da, is Fergus winning?" Lyra was bouncing again.
"He is, Lyra!" Bryce grinned, and Lyra squealed and clapped her hands.
"Fergus could have his pick of brides," Eleanor said in a low tone, returning to their discussion in an undertone. She was conscious of the crowd, but no one seemed to be paying attention anyway. "The Howes are a respectable, old family. We should consider Rendon's offer."
"Look, Eleanor, I'll speak with Fergus," Bryce said, the subject beginning to irritate him. "But I am not deciding for him. It's his life, and he's the one who'll have to sleep beside his wife until he dies, not you or me. I don't understand how people can make decisions of that magnitude, without consulting the ones in question."
Eleanor sat back, letting the matter drop. Bryce was sometimes too idealistic to be real.
The bell sounded, and Fergus rushed forward. Almost immediately, he was knocked sideways, and he hit the ground, a warrior pointing a wooden sword at his throat. He held up his hands in the "yield" sign, and the warrior backed off and waded again into the melee. Fergus scrambled out of the way and joined the others on the sidelines.
"Awww," Lyra said, and Bryce cupped his hands around his mouth again.
"Well done, Fergus!" he called, and Fergus turned and smiled at his father in the stands. Clear pride was written on his face, and Eleanor's heart warmed to see it. She was glad she hadn't fought her husband over Fergus' entry into the tournament... now that he was safe.
The next three rounds were brutal, and Eleanor was soon just as glad that Fergus had been knocked out of the competition when he had. The warriors were in to win the hundred-sovereign purse that Maric was offering. She was watching, and actually starting to catch on to the excitement of it all, when she noticed that one warrior was being... avoided. It was becoming more and more obvious as the combatants thinned.
"What's going on there?" she said, gesturing. Bryce looked, and then sighed a little.
"That's Cailan."
"He seems like a fine warrior. Why are they avoiding him? Surely they can't mean for him to win?" Eleanor said, and Bryce turned to her.
"Would you knowingly strike the heir to the kingdom?"
Eleanor's eyes widened.
"Then it isn't a fair fight," she argued.
"True. It's why Maric never enters the tourneys anymore, but Cailan has yet to learn this. He should have been taken out in the first round, when it might have been attributed to many. Now no one will risk striking him." The tourney master rang the bell, and then strode onto the trampled grass.
"Three combatants remain! Raise your voices, Redcliffe!"
The crowd let forth a mighty yell, and the three remaining men removed their helms and waved to the people in the stands. Fergus was surprised to see his friend Nathaniel Howe among the three left standing. The tourney master began to outline new rules, using a point scale based on regions of the body where the combatants would strike one another.
"That's Nathaniel Howe!" Eleanor said, and Bryce gave a low whistle.
"I'll be damned..."
"Bryce! Language," Eleanor said, and Lyra giggled. Bryce shaded his eyes against the sun, squinting down on the field.
"He fights with daggers..." Bryce said softly. "How in the black city did he make it this far?"
Cailan, Nathaniel, and a third warrior by the name of Ulthor bowed to each other, and replaced the helmets on their heads. The bell sounded, and they began circling. Ulthor was clearly hesitant, and it proved to be his undoing.
Nathaniel gestured, and Cailan's head turned at the movement. Seeing an opening, Ulthor rushed forward, and Nathaniel rolled out of reach, springing up again into a lithe pose. Cailan gripped his sword and caught Ulthor across the torso as he bulled past, and then Nathaniel struck him with double daggers on the back of his breastplate. The tourney master's voice rose above the collective gasp of the crowd.
"Five points. Ulthor is defeated!"
The warrior bowed, and walked from the ring. The crowd began murmuring ripples of displeasure.
"Two children, the finalists...Cailan shouldn't be allowed," Bryce heard one irritated voice say, and the general consensus of the audience seemed to be just that.
Nathaniel got a fresh grip on his weapons, and Cailan hefted his broadsword. They feinted, testing each other, looking for weakness. Suddenly, Cailan darted forward, and Nathaniel jumped out of the way, one dagger sliding across the prince's arm as Cailan passed by. The heir spun and took in the young rogue, who was swaying back and forth on the balls of his feet, looking as fresh and ready as if this were only the beginning of a training exercise.
"One point to Nathaniel!"
"Pardon me...pardon...'scuse me..." Fergus, free of his armor, crawled through the stands, ending in the seat beside his father and Lyra. The girl jumped on her brother, hugging him tightly.
"Fergus, you're a mabari!" Lyra cried, and chuckles sounded around them as Fergus was rocked sideways by his sister's enthusiastic embrace.
"Thanks, pup," he said, wincing as she squeezed him.
"You're hurt," Eleanor said, her brows drawing together.
"Bruises, ma. I'm fine," Fergus said, and he looked out on the field.
"I miss anything?" he said, low, to his father.
"Not yet. They're testing each other," Bryce said, and then Cailan darted forward, jumping back at the last minute. Nathaniel jumped back as well, misreading Cailan's intent and showing that he could be bluffed. Cailan's movements became more confident.
The fight continued, the boys becoming bolder as they continued feinting, looking for ways to trick each other. After his first mistake, Nathaniel seemed to have a slight edge, and Cailan was clearly losing patience with this careful probing. He rushed forward again, and it was almost painful to see how easily Nathaniel tapped him on the other arm._**
**_
"One point to Nathaniel! Two-Zero!" the tourney master cried, and the crowd murmured again.
"Does he not realize?" one woman said from in front of the Cousland family, and Fergus looked at his father.
"Realize what?"
Bryce hesitated. "Why do you think Cailan and Nathaniel are the last two on the field, son?"
"They're the best...right?" Fergus said, and Bryce raised an eyebrow.
"They're not?" Fergus said, and peered at the field again.
"They're teenagers, Fergus, unblooded," Bryce said. "Better than seasoned men, than warriors who've survived battle over and over?"
Fergus turned back to his father, his eyes confused. "Then why are they out there?"
"Cailan is there because no one will strike him," Eleanor said. "Nathaniel...must have been just slippery enough not to get caught by anyone. And now he doesn't realize that convention requires him to allow Cailan the win."
"That's ridiculous!" Fergus said. "Cailan wouldn't want that!"
"So if it were you out there, you would not hesitate to strike down the prince of Ferelden?"
Fergus hesitated.
"Exactly," Bryce said, and they watched again.
"One point to Nathaniel! Three-Zero!" the tourney master called, and Eleanor dared a look at Maric. He was seated in the front of the stands, surrounded by retainers. Anora and Loghain sat nearby, tense looks on their faces. Maric was watching closely, but rather than angry, he looked...intrigued.
"Nathaniel's not giving up. He's going to win," Fergus said, naked awe in his voice.
"Look! There's Alistair!" Lyra cried, and pointed at the fence across the field. The boy was standing with his arms and feet hooked through the fence, and beside him was a dark man, wearing strange armor. The two were talking as they watched the match, neither of them seeming particularly interested in the outcome.
"Ma, can I go see him?" Lyra asked, and Eleanor shook her head.
"Not now, Lyra."
"Awww, why?" she whined, and Eleanor shushed her. Lyra plopped down on her father's feet and crossed her arms, prepared to sulk, no longer interested in the tournament now that Fergus was out of it.
Cailan and Nathaniel rushed together at last, and there was an indrawing of breath from the crowd. Nathaniel's daggers parried Cailan's broadsword easily, and he leaned out of the path of a wild swing. Cailan overbalanced, and Nathaniel spun, landing a double tap on Cailan's back.
"Two points to Nathaniel! Cailan is defeated - Nathaniel Howe is the winner!" The tourney master looked at Maric, who was watching with his hands steepled beneath his chin. He appeared deep in thought, and the nobility held their breaths, all eyes on their king.
There was silence from the stands, and then Cailan pulled his helmet from his head and picked up Nathaniel's arm, raising it high.
"Redcliffe! Your champion stands, waiting your approval! Will you not cheer?" Cailan looked defiantly at Maric, daring him to disagree.
The king of Ferelden smiled at his son, then pushed himself to his feet and began clapping. His retainers were quick to follow, and then everyone else joined in, the noise growing exponentially moment by moment. Cailan brandished his sword, and the audience shouted their approval.
The applause slackened as a girl broke away from the crowd and ran out to the two young men. She tugged Nathaniel's helmet from his head, threw it to the ground, and clasped his face in her hands. An instant later, her lips were plastered to his, and the nobility began laughing and cheering enthusiastically at the scene, which was straight out of a tale. Cailan grinned with delight as Nathaniel gave himself up to the moment and began kissing her back.
"Alfstanna Eremon?" Eleanor said with interest, and her eyes flew to Rendon Howe. Even from this distance, she could see his eyes darkening with rage, and he looked fit to be tied.
"Lucky bastard," Fergus muttered, and Eleanor's hand reached out and cuffed the back of his head.
_"Fergus!"_
.oOo.
Rendon Howe glowered down at his son, who was seated on a stone bench in one of the private gardens in the castle courtyard. The noble families had all begun their leave-taking after the tourney had ended, and most of them were still down in the field chatting and goodbye-ing as carriages began to gather and collect their passengers. Father and son would remain undisturbed, for awhile, anyway.
"What were you thinking?" Rendon said finally, his voice angry and hot. "The melee? Nathaniel, the melee?"
"I won, Father," Nathaniel said, his voice a cross between a sulk and a plea. "I thought-"
"Did you? Did you think at all?" Rendon said, his rage stopping Nathaniel in his tracks. "It was luck, not skill that brought you the win. What do you think might have happened, had Cailan not been there? Once again, you've proven your ineptitude, your thoughtlessness. And what the_ hell_ was that girl doing on the field?"
Nathaniel shifted, his eyes focused on the mud flaking from his boots. He hadn't expected Alfstanna to do that. The memory of her lips brought a flush to his cheeks and a pull to his groin, and he prayed that his father couldn't actually read his mind. He sometimes wondered about the old git.
All he'd wanted was to impress the old man, to prove he was able. Was that so wrong?
"No answer. I see." Rendon pursed his lips. "The Couslands - and everyone else in Redcliffe, I might add - saw you._ Kissing a girl_ from a _minor_ noble family. How long has this been going on? Have you bedded her?"
"No-"
"If her father comes to me with claims, I'll have no choice, Nathaniel. Honor will dictate that you marry her, and it will be a waste! All because you couldn't keep your cock in your pants! This could ruin us - What were you thinking?" The browbeating was getting worse, and Nathaniel was getting desperate.
"Father, I love Alfstanna. I don't want to marry Lyra - she's a child. I want-"
"Yes, you made it clear what you want. To all of Redcliffe, no less," Rendon sneered. "Love her? You think you love her? Hormones is what you feel, not love. Selfish, Nathaniel! You're selfish! Do you think love is what will raise our house, what will bring power back to the Howe family? You cannot allow yourself to be taken in by desire! That girl is a distraction. Lyra Cousland will be of age soon enough, and one woman is much like another after sunset. Boy, what is it you think I've been trying to do, for you, for your brother, for Delilah? Do you think I'm doing it for me?"
"Yes, father, I do!" Nathaniel burst out. "I do think you're doing it for you! You don't care about us, all you want is your precious status, as if it ever did anything good for anyone! I don't care about status! I don't want Amaranthine, or Highever, or anywhere-"
The back of Rendon's hand struck Nathaniel's cheek, and the boy's head spun as he gasped for breath. It hadn't hurt, not really...but the fact that his father had struck him was more painful than any beating.
Rendon's eyes glittered with passion, and he straightened the front of his tunic, tight control bringing him back down.
"You will find the Eremon girl, and you will tell her that there is nothing for her in Amaranthine. I'll not have you marrying below your station, and I'll not have her taking advantage of your... _weakness_... to trap you. If I hear so much as a whisper of anything different..." Rendon's soft threat trailed away, and Nathaniel's cheeks were hot with anger and insult.
"Do I make myself clear?"
Nathaniel swallowed, a lump in his throat, his stomach leaden, his heart racing.
"Yes, father," he said, and Rendon turned and walked away, boots echoing against the stone of the courtyard.
Minutes passed, and Nathaniel didn't move from his seat. Chest aching, eyes burning with unspent tears, he sat in thought, despising his father, hating the curse of his birth, wondering what he would tell Alfstanna. He wished they had continued their course in the hayloft, instead of doing the honorable thing and delaying their desires. His father might never have spoken to him again, but he wasn't sure he cared anymore... at least he could have married her. Attempt after attempt, all of his life, and nothing had ever been good enough for Rendon Howe. Nathaniel's give-a-damn was broken, perhaps beyond repair.
The hundred sovereign purse was heavy in his pouch, and his mind began flying, planning, scheming. He could hire a carriage to Waking Sea, marry Alfstanna, buy passage to Antiva...
_Not until Harvestmere, and Alfstanna's sixteenth birthday._
But he could. The gold was proof of it. As long as Rendon didn't take it away.
"Nathaniel?"
Delilah crept into the courtyard, and sat herself beside her brother. She put her arms around him and leaned her head on his shoulder.
"You were marvelous," she whispered, and he hugged her, the tears flowing down his nose and into her hair.
.oOo.
"Take it."
"Nathaniel-"
"_Take it_," he insisted, and pressed the pouch of gold again into Alfstanna's hands. Eyes frightened, her fingers curled around the leather in acceptance, and he breathed a little easier once its damning weight left his hands.
"What am I supposed to do with it?"_**
**_
"Keep it, for now. Bury it, lock it away, do what you think is best. I'll write to you. I can't take the chance that my father will take the money," he said. "Do you still want to keep house for me in Antiva?"
She threw her arms around him and began to laugh, his equivalent of a proposal sending her heart flying. He held her close, his head buried in her hair, just breathing her in. A few moments was all he had, and he intended to make the most of them.
"I would keep house for you anywhere. But...you were right. I can't leave Waking Sea," she murmured. "But we can stay there. It can be our home... You need never go back to Amaranthine again." She drew back, a soft look in her eyes. The moment would stay with Nathaniel for the rest of his life, the memory of Alfstanna's sweet young face carrying him through dark, lonely times.
"Harvestmere," she whispered.
"Harvestmere," he agreed, and cupped her face. Her chin lifted, and their lips joined, hearts beating as quickly as caged birds tasting freedom. Kissing Alfstanna was pure ecstacy, and he didn't relish the thought of the lonely months ahead._ We'll be together soon,_ he thought. _My father won't keep us apart forever._
"I love you," he whispered, and she laughed, a breathless sob that echoed with wanting.
"I love you, too," she whispered back.
7. Chapter 7
_**A/N:** Thanks to Jaden Anderson for beta'ing this chapter for me. :-D I've been so concentrating on becoming a better writer, that I forgot to concentrate on story. Kind of important, no? And whaddya know, my inspiration returned for this prequel. If you'd like, look up a song called "The Voice" by Celtic Woman. It's what was running through my head as I wrote the final few paragraphs of this chapter. :-) _
_Lots of love, reader!_
* * *
Alistair sat on the edge of the fence, kicking his feet and watching the departing wagons. The week was ended, and all of his playmates were going home. He wondered where Lyra was.
"Did you enjoy the tournament?" Duncan said, and Alistair nodded.
"I liked the fighting."
"Have you begun any of your own training?" The man asked. Alistair was quiet, and shy, and Duncan had been trying to converse with him for almost an hour now. It was like pulling hens' teeth, but Duncan didn't mind. Every small detail was being filed away, to be recorded and sent to Alistair's mother, Fiona.
Alistair shook his head. "Eamon says I ain't ready."
Duncan considered, one hand raising to his chin. The boy looked strong enough, a little short for his age, perhaps, but that would be the elven heritage coming through, and the Warden doubted that Alistair would ever be overly tall.
"You know, I started sword work when I was quite young," Duncan said, and Alistair looked up in interest.
"How old were you?"
"Oh, seven, perhaps. And I became a Warden at fifteen."
"Really?" Awe covered the boy's features. "So, what'dya do as a Warden?"
"Protect people. We do what we must to keep Ferelden safe." Alistair digested this, one hand finding a bit of loose wood to pick at. Duncan's sharp eyes memorized his face... wide, hazel eyes serious, a few scattered freckles dotting his cheeks and the bridge of his long, slender nose. _He favors Fiona... he has her easy smile. And yet, there is so much of Maric in him, as well. _
"So...you're like a knight?"
Duncan chuckled. "To a degree, yes. And what of you, Alistair? What is it you wish to be?"
The boy shrugged, and studied the grass. "I dunno. I 'spose I'll be a soldier someday. If Eamon lets me learn the sword, I mean. Can't be a soldier if I can't fight."
"Can you read, and write?"
Alistair nodded.
"I would like to write to you," Duncan said. "Would you like that?"
Alistair's eyes widened. "You wanna write me letters? Why?"
"Because I think you are a fine young man, and perhaps we can become friends through letters. Have you never received a letter of your own?"
Alistair shook his head and inspected the grass again. "Got no one who'll write to me."
"What of your friends? Surely there are other noble children who you have friendships with," Duncan said, remembering the pack of youth he'd seen running around that morning. Alistair had been among them, thick as thieves with one particular, boisterous girl.
"I just met most of them this week," Alistair said. "And now they're all goin'." His small foot kicked at the grass, and the look on his face was so sad it made Duncan's heart twist.
"Are there any you'd like to write to?" Duncan asked. "You could, you know."
"Really?" Clearly, the idea had not occurred to the youngster, and Duncan smiled at his befuddled look.
"Really."
"I 'spose I'd write to Lyra..." the boy said, and then his brows furrowed. "What would I say?"
"Tell her how you are and what you're doing, and ask her the same."
Alistair considered this, and then he brightened as the same girl from the morning came charging across the grass.
"Al'stair, c'mon! We're leaving in a little while. Let's play tag!" The girl was bouncing with enthusiasm, and Alistair didn't look back as he took off after her, their feet swishing through the grass.
Duncan sat himself in the grass and pulled a roll of vellum from his pouch, along with a stick of graphite. He began to scribe a letter, his eyes glancing at the children often as they played.
.oOo.
Bryce Cousland stood waiting as Eamon Guerrin shook hands with Bann Franderel, who was herding his many children into two carriages.
"Honorata, don't hit your brother."
"Don't call me that!" a tinny voice berated, and Bann Franderel chuckled as he ducked into the carriage.
"Bryce! Thank you for coming," Eamon said, and clasped his hand with real warmth.
"It was our pleasure, Eamon. You are a fine host," Bryce said with a smile, and then hesitated. "I wonder if I might speak with you privately?"
"Certainly, my friend. I suppose...now would be fine." Eamon led him away from the field to the shade of a large willow.
"What can I do for you, Teyrn Cousland?" Eamon's voice was friendly, and Bryce silently sent a quick prayer to the Maker that he wasn't about to offend Eamon somehow.
"I wanted to speak with you about your ward, Alistair. Do...you have definite plans for him?"
Eamon's brow furrowed. "You wish to talk of Alistair? Has the boy done something?"
"No, no, nothing like that. In fact, he and my daughter have become quite firm friends," Bryce said. "Have you seen them running around this week?"
"No, I admit, I've been a bit too involved with all of the activities to notice," Eamon said. "I trust he's behaved himself?"
"Admirably. Eleanor asked me to speak with you, in fact. We...would like to offer to foster him at Highever."
Eamon's brows shot skyward, and then a suspicious look crossed his face.
"Whyever for?"
Bryce chuckled, hoping the easy sound covered the _un_easiness he was feeling at Eamon's unwelcome expression. "Eleanor feels he's a good influence on Lyra. He got along well with our children, and she thought perhaps with your recent marriage you might wish to have... more privacy in your own house. Your care of him has been exemplary, and it's because of this that Eleanor wishes to have him in our home."
Eamon's shoulders dropped slightly as his tension over Alistair released. Bryce wondered at that... could there be something to Eleanor's thought about Alistair's parentage after all?
"The boy is to be sent to Denerim in a few months. He'll enter the chantry, and he'll be trained as a Templar, or a Brother, whichever he's more suited to."
"Ah," Bryce said. Eleanor would be disappointed, and he was glad that Lyra knew nothing of their plan. She would have been devastated to know that Alistair couldn't come to Highever.
"Well, if for some reason those plans don't work out, do consider my offer," Bryce said. He held out his hand to shake, and Eamon nodded as their hands clasped.
"I shall," he said, and then looked as if he might like to have said more, but didn't. The men said their goodbyes, and promised to see each other at Satinalia for the Couslands' ball.
.oOo.
"Write to me," Alfstanna said, her voice urgent. "Don't forget-"
"How could I?" Nathaniel breathed, and his fingers threaded through her hair, cupping the back of her neck as their lips connected.
"Nat! _NAT!" _ Thomas' voice cut through the heady cloud, bringing Nathaniel slamming back to earth. He released Alfstanna's mouth to lean back and shout at his brother.
"Shut up, Thomas!" he yelled
"Da says we're leavin'! He said you have two minutes to get your lily-white ass out here or-"
"Shut _up_!" Nathaniel hissed as his brother came skidding up the path. Thomas' eyes glittered with wickedness as he sidled closer. Alfstanna started to pull away, but Nathaniel wrapped her more closely into his arms and scowled at his kid brother.
"Get lost, Thomas," she said.
"Nat's gotta go," he snarked. "He's got no more time for a hussy like _you_."
Alfstanna's cheeks flamed red and she gasped, and Nathaniel reached out and pushed the boy. Thomas was grinning like a fool and only stumbled backward, seemingly unfazed by his brother's shove.
"Thomas, get out of here before I whoop your little butt," Nathaniel threatened.
"You gonna kiss her, Nat?" Thomas sneered, making Nathaniel's blood boil. Alfstanna's voice gave him pause as he considered violence.
"Yes, he is," she said, and pressed her mouth against his own, her hands gripping his collar as she tugged him down to meet her. Thomas' laugh of derision echoed all around them, but Alfstanna's lips were all the distraction Nathaniel needed. Her lashes brushed the edges of his cheek, and his thumbs stroked her jaw.
"Write me," she murmured against his lips, and his forehead fell against hers, eyes drifting closed.
"I will," he said softly, and his lips claimed hers one last time before he darted away, dashing down the path after Thomas to where Rendon Howe's carriage waited. Alfstanna ran a few steps after them, eyes following Nathaniel's back until he had disappeared from her vision. One hand stole up to caress her mouth, and her eyes closed, branding the memory of his touch into her memory. She would relive it over and over as the months passed, before Harvestmere and her birthday, when they could be married.
.oOo.
Anora stepped up into the carriage and lowered herself onto the plush seat, arranging her skirt around her so as not to wrinkle it. It was a long ride back to Denerim - five days - and a certain amount of wrinkling was bound to happen, but protocol was protocol, and it was her duty to keep herself as fresh and beautiful as possible. A queen could do no less.
Cailan was calling goodbye to someone, laughing and waving, and Anora felt a surge of irritation. Kingly behavior, her fiance did _not_ possess. Immaturity in spades, but plain common sense was something that she didn't see a lot of from Cailan. And now here he was, shouting across the yard like a child. Couldn't he walk over and speak with someone, like everyone else? He was making a spectacle of himself.
She hadn't managed to get him alone _once _since her father's edict. Suddenly, he was serious about his studying. Why now, and not before, she couldn't fathom. And now, on the drive home, with the king and the general sitting three feet away, it seemed entirely unlikely that she would have any kind of chance at all.
She understood her father's order. Oh, all too well. Some birds needed help to fly, some needed a nudge, and others needed to be pushed from the nest to test their wings.
Cailan needed a shove off a cliff, and Anora had been elected to make the push.
They'd _always_ been playmates and friends. He was a year her junior, and since their first kiss when Anora was thirteen, he'd been hers, wrapped around her finger tighter than a Summerday ribbon. It had all been pleasant enough at first - being betrothed, knowing that she would be a queen one day. A young girl's dream come true...a beautiful life, a handsome prince, and a happy-ever-after, just waiting for her to grow up and claim it.
Now that the day was nearly upon her, her dread was thick enough to choke on.
Things weren't as simple as she had believed when she was a girl. There would be dresses, balls, beautiful moments. But there would also be endless meetings, missives, _responsibility..._the weight of a country, and all on her shoulders. It was clear that Cailan was an idiot, incapable of the job on his own. A friendly, sweet idiot - but an idiot, nonetheless. An idealistic boy who could not fathom the amount of work that was involved in running a kingdom. She had been grooming herself for it for years, and the weight grew heavier as her wedding day approached.
To make it worse, her father was the only one who believed she could do it. The others, they tutted and smiled and bowed, calling her "my lady" and suggesting that perhaps she would be happier visiting with their wives. She was still developing the perfect, cool responses required to let them know how very serious she was about staying to speak of state affairs. Maric, at least, was impressed, and that was the first step. The others would fall in line, and perhaps once she and Cailan were married...
Her thoughts lingered on that. Married. She had been expecting it her whole life, but with the burden of babies upon her, it was distasteful. How much time would she have for the kingdom, with a pack of brats hanging around her neck? How seriously would people take her, with a belly rounded out by Cailan's desire? She would lose every stitch of ground she had gained, and yet her father was convinced this was the quickest path to ensuring the safety of Ferelden.
Bed Cailan. Conceive. Marry. Rule.
She knew her father had intelligence gathered from Orlais, and that there were whisperings of an uprising. Why he didn't think _Maric_ could handle it, she didn't know. Loghain had been his right-hand man for years, and the arrangement seemed to work well enough...
...they _had_ been growing apart, though. And in the last week, the distance seemed to have widened even more. What could have transpired in Redcliffe, to drive the largest wedge yet between Maric and Loghain? She couldn't figure it. It had been a week of fun, of social activities and quiet politicking. The nobility regularly used such events to strengthen ties, arrange engagements and talk of alliances for the future. _Maric's endorsement of Isolde, perhaps?_ But the orlesian woman had sworn allegiance to Ferelden, and had been watched closely for three years by Loghain's experts. Not a whisper of rebellion was in her, only an honest desire to marry Eamon and give him children. _She's so old,_ Anora thought with a giggle. _She'll be lucky to have _one_, much less a brood._
The errant thought reminded her of her father's command. _I wonder if I can get away with only one pregnancy_, Anora thought. _Andraste's knickers, I suppose it'll have to be two. The heir and the spare, and all that. Maker, make the first one male..._
Cailan was...sweet. In a friendly, waggly-puppy-dog sort of way. She would marry him, help him, give him children, and not complain. She couldn't prevent the teeth-gritting, though. It was part of the bargain of becoming his queen, and gaining the power that came with it.
"No, _you_ take care!...I will!...Safe travels! Yes, Goodbye, then! Til Satinalia!" Cailan's laughter rang out like a bell as he crouched into the carriage, landing on the seat beside her. Leaning over, he planted a sloppy kiss on her cheek, and she disciplined her face into a pleasant smile. King Maric and her father made a more docile entrance, and a few moments later they were rolling out of Redcliffe.
.oOo.
Anora's chin slipped down to her chest, the sudden sensation jerking her awake. She wiped one hand over her mouth, highly conscious of the small rivulet of drool. Fortunately, the men were sleeping even as she had been, and none had seen this lapse in decorum. Queens did not _drool_.
Two days gone from Redcliffe, with three remaining, and it seemed as though all they could do was read, sleep, or in Cailan's case, study. Conversation had run dry after the first few hours.
King Maric was pensive about _something_, and her father was taciturn - even more so than usual. Something had transpired between the two of them, Anora was sure of it. and though they weren't as close as they had been when Anora was a girl, things had become worse in recent years. And now they had barely spoken in days. Cailan was buried in his maps when he wasn't sleeping, and she had finished the only book she'd brought with her. Anora was certain that if someone didn't say _something_ soon, she would go mad.
The wheels creaked to a stop, and she glanced out of the carriage. The other two wagons were coming to a stop in a line behind them, the king's servants and retainers pouring from the doors. Had she slept away the morning? It couldn't be time to eat already.
"Why are we stopping?" she called to the driver.
"Lunch, m'lady," he said, and hopped down from the seat to open the door for Anora. She stretched, then climbed carefully over Cailan's comatose body to step slowly from the carriage.
A shaft of sunlight kissed her face, and she spread her hands, letting the cool breeze play over her skin. It felt lovely to be out of the carriage, standing on her own two feet. She smoothed her skirts, pleased with the way they were staying so neat and tidy. For the fun of it, she had chosen her favorite dress that morning - a pale green gown, trimmed in cloth-of-gold and orlesian lace. Frivolous, perhaps, but it was a dress that wasn't fancy enough for formalwear, and too fancy for everyday, so it didn't come out of her wardrobe often. She had worn it in Redcliffe to Eamon and Isolde's wedding, but when they returned to Denerim it would find its way to the back of her wardrobe again, and she wanted to wear it once more before then, just for the fun of it. She especially liked the way the green of the gown brought out her eyes, and had chosen to wear her mother's emerald pendant, as well.
"I think I'll walk for a bit, Henley," she said to the driver, and he bowed acknowledgement.
"Yes miss. Shall I send someone behind you?"
"No need. I won't go far - I'll keep the carriage in sight," she promised. He nodded, and continued in his task of spreading a blanket on the ground for their noon picnic.
Anora wandered down the path, seeking nothing but a few moments of fresh air before lunch and the never-ending trip back to Denerim.
.oOo.
The wolf pup crouched in the bracken, eyes on the carriage. People! So many...she counted at least twelve, maybe fifteen. They buzzed about like bees in a hive, busy with their meaningless tasks, running to and fro to carry out errands that meant less than nothing to the small wolf. Her tongue dipped from the side of her mouth, releasing a bit of body heat, and with a darting movement she nipped at her side as a biting fly sought to draw blood.
A brief movement from the head carriage, and the tongue vanished back into the furred mouth. She... a princess? A queen? Some royal personage, there could be no question in that! Oh, but she glittered... sparkled like the stones that seemed plain on the outside, but revealed hidden beauty when smashed open. The pup raised herself to her feet, nosing aside a rippling stalk of brush, to get a closer glimpse at the glamorous creature who stood before her.
Her gown was palest green, like the leaves in earliest spring before they deepened with the maturity of sun and rain. A glimmering golden thread sparkled round her neck, bearing a bauble as deep as moss. Gold shimmered at her wrists, at her bodice, in the color of her softly waving hair... She curled her fingertips toward the sky, then yawned, rosy lips stretching dainty-wide. Blue-green eyes darted about with curiosity, and a cruel chuckle sounded from behind the wolf pup.
She whined.
The young royal began to stroll away from the carriage, the sunlight sending glimmers of light dancing along the lines of her dress. One casual hand reached out to graze a limb, startling a bird into flight.
"Morrigan... you see that girl? You think her beautiful?" Flemeth's voice was mocking, and Morrigan cowered, pressing her face into the mud. When Mother was in this mood, 'twas better to stay low and listen. Opinions earned ire.
"Beauty fades. Intelligence dwindles. Time lays all low. Power... that is the only mistress worth serving. Remember that, Morrigan. That girl... She is _nothing_," the witch said softly. "Nothing but an example."
There was more movement at the carriage, and Flemeth's stare lighted on the golden-haired youth who leaped down the steps. His eyes scanned the forest, absorbing his surroundings with an eager look.
"Anora?" he called, and Flemeth's eyes glowed, hungry anticipation shooting through her gaze. Morrigan's nose darted in the direction the girl had gone, but she had disappeared among the trees.
"What have we here..." Flemeth purred, and then pure shock settled itself over her face.
"Oh, no. No, no no..." her voice growled. "They fool with the plans of ages..."
Morrigan sank back as her mother brushed past. "Go home, girl," her harsh voice commanded, and the wolf pup slunk away, then turned back at the shimmer of bright magic.
.oOo.
Honey-colored hair, softly waving, gleamed in the noon sunlight as Anora slipped her hand into Cailan's, and her mouth reached upward to brush against his. Cailan's eyes lit with surprise, then drifted closed as he gave himself over to the moment. She smelled like sunlight and earth, like wisdom and passion.
"Come," she murmured, and led him into the trees. He went, charmed, his feet carrying him through the bracken as he trailed behind the female swaying her way deep into the forest. Desire curled through him, like mist invading a moonlit night, creeping silently to take him over until he could think of nothing but possessing the enchanting creature who was his fiance.
Perhaps she read his thoughts, for she turned, lips seeking his own, fingers busy at his collar.
"Come to me," she whispered, her voice echoing, refracting, blocking out the small forest sounds until there was nothing to be heard, nothing to be seen but_ her_, nothing else in the world but his lust.
By the time the last piece of clothing slipped away, Cailan's mind was nothing but a black abyss, his body reacting to the woman in his arms as an animal in rut. As they sank to the spongy earth, the witch gripping his young body with her own, she released the pent-up power of her spell, sowing small seeds of the future that would have lasting repercussions in the years to come.
8. Chapter 8
_**A/N: **Thanks to Jaden Anderson for her beta of this chapter, and to WhatComesToMind, who kept me company as I wrote. :-D Much love, reader! And should you see fit to review... well, reviews help me get better, and they inspire me to continue. :-D_
_The story that Morrigan references can be found on this site! It is the fabulous work entitled "Through The Looking Glass", by Jaden Anderson, but other than a trip through the mirror, its similarity to Lewis Carroll's excellent work ends there - okay, it's *also* about an alternate universe, but one that makes a lot more sense than Wonderland. I highly recommend it. It isn't silly fluff at all - only Morrigan would think such a thing._
* * *
Mother was busy. _Now_ was the chance.
Morrigan slipped through the brush, paws falling silently in the thick moss that covered the understory. She nosed her way past a leafy shrub to scent the air... the carriage was deserted, and no one was in sight. She would slip inside, just for a moment - see what it was truly like to be one of these people...
_"Cailan! Caaaaailan!" _Voices from across the clearing... Blast, they were seeking the foolish young man already. Mother was playing with him, and he wouldn't be back until Mother was good and ready to let him go, if she let him go at all. Why she wanted to... _do_... the things she did with young humans was beyond Morrigan's understanding. Her wolf-self understood it on a more instinctual level, but her ten-year old mind found the whole thing disgusting. She would _never_ do that.
_Ever_.
No one was looking. Lighter than air, she leapt into the carriage.
Ah, the _smells_! 'Twas richness and civility mixed with the lingering scent of leather and violets. Morrigan buried her nose in a silken curtain, the smooth texture rippling beneath her nostrils. The teasing odor of paper wafted through the air, and her nose led her to a veiled alcove just above the seat she was perched upon. She nudged the fabric aside to reveal... _a line of books_! Books - the best find of all! What she wouldn't give to read them. Could she..._ borrow_ one, perhaps? If it were a good volume, Mother might not even mind...
She nosed one of the volumes aside, and leapt in surprise as a golden disc slid from a small compartment. It fell to the seat below, soft beams of sunlight sending glimmering rainbows dancing over the walls.
Morrigan's tongue darted out and wet her nose, a small whine escaping her throat. She crept over to sniff at the golden disc, which had fallen over to reveal a silvered circle framed by the gold. When a black wolf snout appeared in the circle, she snorted and leapt back in surprise.
_What_...?
She slunk forward again, and this time when the snout appeared she put her senses to use, snuffling at the air. It smelled like nothing, nothing but glass and metal - but there was a tinge of violets, as well. This object belonged to the young princess!
She recalled her mother's mention of such a thing. A looking glass, she had called it... the elves made use of such things. Magical, they were... called _eluvian_. Flemeth had refused to teach her any of the secrets such a mysterious thing held, though.
_Mirror. _She recalled the more casual name for it from a story in one of mother's books - something about a woman who had gone through a mirror and found an alternate world on the other side. It had been years since she had read the story, although she recalled thinking it silly... the woman had found her lost love, the double of a man who had been killed in her own reality after sacrificing himself for the good of humanity. Romantic, but pointless. Flemeth enjoyed such fluff, however.
The mirror was a lovely thing, encrusted with pearls and crystalline gemstones. A ray of sun set everything a-sparkle... _Such a lovely thing..._
The drab cold of their subterranean home came back in a crash, the furthest thing in the world from this carriage, these people, this mirror. Her mother was a powerful enchantress, but the mud still squished between their toes, and they still only owned one garment each. What use to yearn for _things_, Flemeth said, when magic could craft castles in the air!
What use, indeed, when magic never _did_.
Morrigan had read stories of princesses and brave knights, of great battles and grand love affairs. The women were beautiful and charming and the men were handsome and strong. Certainly, these two fit that description...him, young and golden, and her, slender and smiling.
_She must have many beautiful things,_ Morrigan thought. _And I... I have nothing. _
The eluvian was magic, this was what she had been told. Should it not stand to reason that this mirror could have some magic of its own? She should take it, study it. Perhaps Flemeth would even appreciate her forethought in bringing such an obviously magical item to her.
In her heart, Morrigan knew that none of this was true. The mirror had no scent of magic about it, and Flemeth would_ not_ be pleased. But her desire for the exquisite mirror was such that she ignored the practical half of her conscience. She was a little girl who had seen a pretty object, and wished to have it for her own.
Before she could think further on the matter, she grasped the circle of gold in her teeth and leapt from the carriage, running through the bracken without a backward glance. Past the spot where her mother was fooling with the human, through the trees to a remote spot in the hollow of an old, dead tree. It was hours from their hut, even with Mother's magical influence to speed them and strengthen their endurance. The scent of the metal in her mouth was harsh, and there was a bitter, tongue-curling taste to it. She wondered if it had been polished with a serum to obtain its high sheen, and if so, what had been used. The taste was _awful_.
She curled herself around her tail, settling down into the cushy undergrowth. Laying the mirror before her, she concentrated, willing herself to change...
A shimmer of magic, and Morrigan felt the unwelcome sensation of fur sliding away, skin crawling back into place, hair shifting and bones rearranging. 'Twas becoming easier to handle the transitions to and from her human form... the first time, it had taken nearly an hour to manage the change, and had left her aching for days. She'd been almost afraid to change back, and 'twas only her mother's threats that she would lose her humanity and spend all of her days as a wolf that finally convinced her to enact the magic.
How Flemeth managed to alter her appearance with such ease, and without the study normally required, 'twas a mystery to Morrigan. She had made herself into the image of the princess with little more than a glance. Morrigan despaired of ever mastering such magic herself, although Flemeth had assured her - with years of practice, she would be able to take another form, even another human one - although 'twould no doubt require much study of the person in question.
The hours that would need to go into such a study - the effort hardly seemed worth it. Whyever would anyone wish to be someone other than who they were?
Her shift from wolf-to-human complete, Morrigan drew up the mirror with a sigh of delight. The hem of her blouse made an excellent rag with which to wipe the bit of drool she had smeared across the reflective surface. She held it up, bright eyes shining with anticipation.
Her face was smeared with mud, browned by long afternoons in the sun. Feline eyes, dark gold and narrow, slanted back from a long, thin nose. Her smile seemed out of place, and indeed, hers was a face that did not often smile - 'twas an expression she'd stolen from the royal. That smile faded as she took in her reflection; dirty, flushed, nothing at all like the princess in the forest. Her hair was not honey blonde or shining, but black as a raven's wing, scraggly with twigs and hanging in tangled knots. The only thing beautiful about the reflection was the mirror itself, and Morrigan lowered it, disappointment curdling her stomach.
"Morrigan?"
_Damn!_
She slid the mirror into a fold of her blouse and bounded out from the tree.
"I am here, Mother," she said, somewhat breathless. The mirror seemed almost to catch fire against her skin, and she schooled her face into stillness, hoping against hope that Flemeth would not catch her with it.
Flemeth's eyes narrowed, and Morrigan's heart fluttered like a frightened bird.
_She knows..._ Morrigan thought, fear cutting off her breath.
But after a moment, Flemeth turned away and stalked off into the forest. "Come, girl," she called over her shoulder, and Morrigan hurried after, a mute sigh of relief spilling from her lips.
.oOo.
The carriages stopped when the sun began to set.
Cailan was acting strangely. Nervous, stammering, and he couldn't keep his eyes from her. Quite the change - he'd begun eyeing her with more interest than he had in days, which _was _somewhat refreshing. She'd been wondering if there was something wrong with her. He'd been all but unstoppable before, with the wandering hands and the begging for attention. It was only since the day she'd found him in the trophy room of Eamon's castle that he'd seemed to have lost interest.
But this renewed lust in his eyes was encouraging. It made her wonder if she might get her chance to be alone with him even before they got back to Denerim.
Following dinner, she made a show of yawning and stretching her hands.
"I'm off to bed," she said, and the king barely looked up as she stood to walk the few steps to her tent. Her father flickered a glance at Cailan, and gave her a bare nod of approval, the unspoken command loud and clear. Arranging her face into what she hoped was an appealing expression, she glanced at Cailan, and his eyes fairly glowed.
Tonight, then... a wedge of ice settled itself into her stomach. Not the way she had pictured her bridal night - a tent in the grasslands of the Bannorn - but then, she was learning that there was much in life that was different from what you expected.
_He'll be bumbling, and not know what to do,_ she thought in disgust. She doubted he even had the small education she'd gleaned from the few romance novels she'd read. In books, sex was so... romanticized. But given that nothing was what it appeared to be, she was apprehensive. She knew it would hurt, but beyond that, she had only written descriptions to go on.
Lowering herself to her knees, she began to undress, shaking hands fumbling at her hairpins. Honey blonde hair cascading around her, and she bit her lips to turn them red. Why was she cold? It was warm in the tent... Icy fingers pressed into her cheeks, which were hot enough that her frozen touch was soothing. Her body seemed to be at odds - shaking, burning and freezing, all at once. Perhaps she was ill...
When she had neatly folded her dress, brushed her hair and drawn on a thin shift, she sat back on the blanket and listened. Male voices were still echoing through the camp... she had time yet. Preparations complete, she folded her hands and began to pray.
.oOo.
"Isolde has proven herself trustworthy," Maric said. "She's received my endorsement. Haven't we put Eamon through enough hell? Let him be, Loghain." He snapped a dried stick in two and tossed the kindling on the fire. The glowing embers shifted, falling in on themselves, crackling with heat and launching a blaze of sparks into the inky blackness.
"It isn't Isolde I am concerned with, my liege," Loghain said. He reached into his pouch, and then hesitated. All noise had ceased in Anora's tent, something he had been listening for.
"Cailan, you look tired. Are you for bed, then?" Loghain asked, and the boy jumped.
"Uh-" Wide eyed, Cailan stammered, looking for words. "Bed. Yes. I-um..."
"Maric, I must speak with you privately, in any case. Will you walk with me? I don't want our conversation to keep the children awake," Loghain said, and Maric brushed his hands over his legs and rose.
"Sleep well, Cailan," Maric called, and Loghain could have sworn that Cailan's eyes grew twice as wide as they'd been before.
Loghain led Maric well away from the encampment, until the sounds of the night covered any noises that might be coming from... elsewhere.
"I've received word. From Orlais." He pulled the missive from his pouch and handed it to Maric, who unfolded it, squinting in the faint moonlight to read the words. A sigh escaped the king's lips, and he raised his eyes, unimpressed with Loghain's sense of urgency.
"Loghain, this is completely cryptic. A friend? ...I know you've been keeping up the networks in Orlais but really, it's time we brought those people home. They're risking their lives for nothing. The war is over! We drove them out sixteen years ago. There's no reason-"
"There is_ plenty _of reason!" Loghain cried. Why couldn't Maric _see_? Hard, furious lines creased his forehead as his brows crept downward, and he gritted his teeth, eyes telegraphing the black ire that was almost blinding him in its intensity.
Maric seemed not to notice, sighing and running a hand over his tawny hair. Loghain had never gotten over his anxieties about the rebellion. It had to be admitted - Emperor Florian was an ornery son-of-a-bitch, but they had dealt Orlais a decisive victory, and Florian had been licking his wounds ever since.
"Ferelden is what matters now. _Not_ Orlais. They can play their games and dance their dances and live in sin and eat cake. We have a kingdom to run." Maric thrust the paper back into Loghain's hands. "I'm calling all of the Fereldan operatives home. No more spies, Loghain. Leave them be."
"Maric, are you insane?" One hand clutched at the king's shoulder, knocking him back a step. "We need those eyes and ears! Some of them have been in place for years - the contacts they've made, the level of intelligence they're able to grant us -"
"It's _over,_ Loghain," Maric's voice was sharp. "As you said, some of those people have been in place for years. They've given up _years_ in service to Ferelden! Let them come home. Let them live their lives." A twitch of his shoulder, and Loghain's hand fell away. "I am the king, Loghain. You've been helping me since the beginning, and I'm grateful. You're the only man I want leading my armies." He leaned forward, his face hard. "But some things are outside your jurisdiction. Alistair, for instance. That boy is my son, and I've decided to let him go to the chantry - for now. But know this - it isn't because of _you_, and your insufferable attitude. Fiona asked me not to interfere in his life, and after considering, I've decided to honor that. It's the only thing she'll let me do for her, and I should do it, though it kills me not to have him."
"You're a fool, Maric," Loghain snarled.
"And _you_ are a righteous ass," Maric said as he turned. The king's footfall's faded away as he headed back to the camp, and Loghain caught his silhouette ducking into his tent. Cailan was nowhere to be seen.
.oOo.
'Twas lovely.
Morrigan sat in her room, a small chamber dug out from the very earth. 'Twas dark, but one small hole in the ceiling made a window through which she could see the crescent moon. She twirled the mirror in her fingers, admiring the sparkling gems encrusted over the back. Pearls, their ethereal shimmer drinking the pale moonlight. Opals, glimmering white with fiery highlights of red, green and blue. Clear crystals, as opulant as rippling water in the sun.
The mirror fit beautifully in her two hands, and she gazed at her reflection, which was far cleaner than it had been earlier. A dip into the lake had cleared the mud from her face, and she had done her best to finger-comb her hair and pick the briars and bits of crust from it. 'Twas smoother, at least. She set the mirror on the pallet, propping it on a bit of wood she used as a shelf, and twisted her hair up into a knot high on her head. She had a few smoothly carved sticks she used for tapping out musical rhythms, and she poked one of these through her hair, attempting the same look the princess had achieved. Her hair had been _up_, that was all she could remember. Once she had most of it off of her neck, she scooped the mirror up again, and inspected herself.
'Twas messy, that was certain.
She pulled the sticks from her hair and began again, determined to discover the trick of it. Weave it through _here_...a bit more _there..._
The door flew open, and she snapped the mirror up to her chest and shoved it into the folds of her shirt. There was silence behind her, and Morrigan was certain Flemeth was listening to the pounding of her heart, smelling the fear that must be pouring off of her in waves.
"What are you doing, girl?" The voice was low, and dangerous. Morrigan hitched a shuddering breath.
"Thinking. Meditating," she said, and soft footfalls signaled her mother's approach. She swallowed, trying to still her beating heart. It had been wrong to steal the mirror, she knew it - but she feared losing the pretty thing more than any punishment Flemeth might dole out.
"You've been quiet today," Flemeth said. She lowered herself down to the pallet, and Morrigan let her hands drop away from her chest. The mirror settled itself into a small fold in the fabric, and she tried not to think about it. Flemeth claimed she couldn't read thoughts, but Morrigan was honestly not sure if that was true. Much of what her mother said was worth questioning; this she was learning more than anything else.
"I've been... practicing," Morrigan said. "Practicing the ice spell you taught me."
"Have you," Flemeth said. Her voice was thick with amusement, and Morrigan's dark brows drew together. She felt a flash of anger. The woman found her funny? She _hated_ to be laughed at!
"Yes! Look!" One hand shot out, and a spume of ice unfolded over the earthen wall of her dugout room. Frost crept upward to touch the ceiling, thickening dangling roots into icy ropes, then into shining icicles. Within seconds, the wall was a slick of ice and cold. Morrigan smiled in triumph. Ice was a medium she felt at home with, and it was thrilling to prove her competence.
"Hmmm," Flemeth said, inspecting the wall. "Now melt it."
"I have done so, half a dozen times already," Morrigan scoffed. "I need not do it again."
"You lie," Flemeth said, her voice velvet and laced with danger.
Morrigan flushed. "You do not know that," she whispered.
"I do, and 'tis only because of your own foolishness," Flemeth said. Her fingers caressed the nape of Morrigan's neck, and then tightened. "Melt it." Her fingers squeezed again, and Morrigan wriggled away. She scowled, wondering how she had been caught in the lie, and then stretched out a hand to use a fire spell.
Fire wasn't as easy; much more draining. After a moment of concentration, waves of heat began shimmering from her hand, and then a stream of fire flowed from her fingertips. It collided with the wall, melting the ice in a slowly-expanding circle of dirty, dripping heat didn't spread the way the ice had, and Morrigan concentrated on aiming the spell higher and lower, moving the flames as necessary to fully melt the wall.
As it melted, the earth began to fracture, driblets of mud and earth _plopping _to the ground. There was a shifting above them, and Morrigan's heart gave a nervous _thump_. She hesitated, looking to her mother.
"Continue," Flemeth said, her face hard. Morrigan swallowed her fear, and continued her fire spell. The area near the floor was mostly melted, and the wall seemed to... sag...
_"Continue." _Flemeth's voice was frightening in its intensity, and Morrigan shot her hands toward the ceiling, aiming the flames high. She struggled to pull more mana, draining herself more quickly than she had thought. Fire was _difficult!_
The flames petered out, and she smiled at her mother. All was melted...if somewhat less shapely than before.
"Now. Freeze it again," Flemeth said softly.
Morrigan tried. She was exhausted, and even ice was challenging now. After a moment of harsh concentration, she summoned the ice, but the earth took to it with much less aplomb this time. Ribbons of cold snaked through the muddy wall, and in a moment she bent her head, exhausted.
Flemeth said nothing, and Morrigan breathed deeply, trying to find the will to continue. 'Twas important that Mother not see her as a weakling...
A strange, wet sound, and her eyes widened in a moment of fear as _the wall began to collapse. _
Flemeth stalked from the room, and slammed the door shut.
A rumbling in the ground, and Morrigan pushed herself to her feet as the wall began to slide inward, filling the little room with earth, mud and stones. Morrigan backed toward the door, setting her feet into a run. It was a bare few steps, but time seemed to slow, and the earth was approaching her feet as she yanked on the door handle, grasping to pull it open.
_It didn't budge_.
"Mother!" she shouted, the flat of her hand banging on the rough wood. _"Mother!"_
Horrifying silence. She pulled on the stubborn door again, the splintered handle cutting into her flesh. She was trembling, terrified that she would be covered in the earth, that it would creep up her legs and freeze her into place, blanket her with loose dirt and crush her lungs, fill her mouth and _bury her alive._..
_"MOTHER!"_ she screamed. Wailing her anguish, she clawed at the door, her nails breaking and fingertips bloodying. Something brushed her arm, and she whirled around, a sob choking from her throat. _The ceiling was collapsing..._
She began to hyperventilate. There was too much air, and yet not enough... it was making her dizzy, and she stumbled to the center of the room, falling to her knees and then pushing herself back up on scraped hands. _The window!_
She jumped for the tiny hole in the ceiling. She could claw it open, widen it enough to squeeze her skinny body through. It would work. _It had to!_
_She wasn't tall enough_.
"NO!" she shrieked, and pure panic clouded her vision. She whipped around, seeking something, _anything!_
The wall was sliding faster now, and there was dry, solid earth behind it, falling away in larger chunks. A fist-sized clod fell from the ceiling, breaking itself into two pieces on the floor, and she stared at it, mind awhirl with fear and confusion. Sudden inspiration struck, and she began to gather the earth, packing it into a ramp. The mud made it more difficult - what had possessed her to freeze an earthen wall?
Her hands were shaking so badly it was hard to control them, hard to get up enough strength to pack the earth tightly enough to hold her weight. Her feet came into play, and she tamped it down on hands and knees, testing it as she went. It grew, slowly, so slowly, but she gained confidence after a moment and continued the job, using bits of the ceiling and walls as they fell in.
Another moment, and she clambered up the ramp and made a desperate leap for the hole in the ceiling. Her fingers closed over the edge, and she began to sob with relief as she pulled herself up. Her muscles were shaking, her stomach heaving with nauseated angst.
It was a dirty, dirty job, to haul herself through the tiny hole. Pillbugs fell into her hair and she felt their disgusting legs wriggling over her neck as she squirmed the rest of the way through the hole, pulling herself up and onto the soft grass. Her arms nearly gave out at the last, muddy tears stinging her eyes, soft whimpers spilling from her lips. Never, never in all her life had she been so frightened. She rolled onto the earth, laying flat on her back as she panted. From a corner of the sky, the moon's smile shone down on her, and the scattering of stars twinkled, uncaring that she had just won a battle of life and death. Breath came easier, tingles of exhilaration sang over her skin, and a deep, deep ache flooded her bones. She began to cry again - relief paramount.
_Why hadn't her mother helped her?_
She sat up a moment later, sniffling, and lifted her chin to see Flemeth's bare feet coming across the grass.
"Mother," she whispered, and rose to reach her arms around her mother's waist. Flemeth's hands caressed her sodden hair, wiped bits of filth from her cheeks.
"Give me the mirror," she said, and Morrigan's heart stopped beating.
Without a word, she slipped her hand into her shirt and withdrew the precious treasure to drop it into Flemeth's fingers.
"You would risk our very lives...for a bauble." The words were thick with disgust, and shame flooded through the girl.
"'Twas beautiful..." she whispered, and Flemeth's hand crossed Morrigan's face in a stinging _slap_.
"Look at me, girl," she said, and Morrigan raised her eyes, shimmering with tears of pain and humiliation.
Flemeth lofted the mirror high into the air, and it hovered there, a bit of glitter decorating the night sky. A scant moment later it burst into a thousand pieces, becoming dust on the wind that rained across the forest, golden debris drifting across the Wilds.
"Come," Flemeth said. "We must find a new home, as your foolish behavior has destroyed this one. She strode into the forest, and Morrigan shuffled behind, her heart bleeding.
9. Chapter 9
**Chapter 9**
Solace was _hot_.
Alistair sat at the small table, the tip of his tongue poked from the corner of his mouth as his steadying fingers formed letters with a stick of graphite. Chanter Sarah's sharp, hawkish eyes were watching his every move, and the small boy was nervous enough already. About his writing, yes - he'd rather draw than write - but he was even more nervous about what was to come later on.
Arl Eamon had told him he'd be speaking with him after dinner. It must be something important... maybe it was a trip? No, probably not. The Arl and his new wife had just returned from Denerim, and they probably didn't want to go anywhere else for awhile.
Maybe Eamon intended to send him to the school down in the village? Alistair's heart flared with wild hope. After being spoiled with playmates every day during the week of Summerday, it was even harder to sit in the castle and do solitary lessons with Chanter Sarah, even lonelier to lollygag around the courtyard and watch the trainees at their sword and bow work. He'd had more companions than he'd ever been allowed, and it had been such _fun... _
The village school had let out for the summer, everyone being concerned with harvest and food storage for the coming winter season. Alistair would have given anything to cease his own lessons as well, but Chanter Sarah said there was no reason to let his mind go idle. He had no parents who needed help with harvesting; no father who needed him to drive a second wagon, no mother who needed his handy help in corralling younger siblings.
Or maybe... maybe Isolde was expecting a baby! The thought of a younger brother or sister made Alistair's heart skip a beat. Someone he could teach, and play with, and help care for. Eamon and Isolde had been married, well, not that long, but Alistair knew that once men and women married, children inevitably followed. It made sense! He grew more excited as he thought of himself as an older brother, imagining all of the things they would get to do together as the baby grew.
His mind skipped back to the moment in the yard when he'd been building the pebble castle with Lyra, and the fancy carriage had rolled into view, revealing his father - his real father - and the son he loved best. Cailan was such a ray of light, all shining and golden. It was no wonder King Maric preferred him over small Alistair, with his fingernails forever dirty and scrapes on his knees. He swung those knees beneath the desk, scratching lightly at the newest offending scab, obtained when he'd fallen from the wall while watching the trainees in the yard.
He concentrated on the vellum again, then sat up, easing a crick in his back. Chanter Sarah peered over the paper, and he looked up eagerly, hoping she would approve of what he'd written. After a moment of silent scanning, she gave a brief nod, and Alistair grinned.
"Now your name. At the bottom." Her finger touched the lowest part of the paper, beneath the paragraphs of scrawls.
Head bent again, he went to it - his name was easy, just a few dashes -
"Chanter, may I add a picture?" He looked up at his instructor, and she studied the vellum.
"You don't have much room... but perhaps we can add a second sheet," she said, and he took a new piece of vellum. He knew _just_ what he was going to draw.
.oOo.
"I wrote to Duncan today," Alistair announced at the dinner table. He'd been so proud of that letter - the first he'd composed almost entirely on his own. Chanter Sarah had helped, a little.
"Well done, lad," Eamon smiled at him as he sliced into a piece of cold ham. Alistair chugged his way through a glass of milk, feeling a sense of pride. Setting the cup back on the table, he dragged his arm across his mouth, drawing a sigh from Isolde.
"When can we send it? Where will it go? Where does Duncan live?" Alistair was full of eager questions, and Eamon sipped from his own cup.
"Duncan is on the move quite a bit. I wouldn't expect any kind of answer, Alistair. He's quite busy, you know, and I doubt he has much time for a small boy."
"But he told me he wanted to write to me," Alistair insisted. "He wouldn't tell me a lie."
"Alistair, eat your dinner," Isolde's refined voice said, and he turned resolutely into his snap beans. It was probably his _least_ favorite vegetable, and he nudged them into the gravy, hoping to improve the bitter flavor.
When Eamon had decided he'd eaten enough to qualify for sweets, and Alistair had finished his slice of plum cake, Isolde nestled her eggshell delicate teacup into its saucer and cleared her throat. She glanced from Alistair to Eamon, and the Arl clasped his hands and set them on the table before him. Alistair waited in eagerness... was the moment here?
"Alistair, we have something very important to tell you," Eamon began, and Alistair's legs began kicking under the table as he fought to contain his excitement.
"There are big changes coming," Eamon continued, and Isolde reached over to clasp his hand. He gave her a warm smile, and Alistair thought he might burst.
"Are you having a baby?" he blurted out. "Are you giving me a brother or sister?" An eager smile brightened his face, and a shocked gasp slipped from Isolde's lips. Alistair's smile faded at the harsh look in her eyes, and Eamon placed a placating hand on her shoulder.
"Isolde, he meant no offense." the Arl said, his eyes gentle. He turned to the boy, who was shrinking back into his chair. "Alistair, you did nothing wrong. Although usually, we do not bring delicate subjects such as that up at the table."
"Nothing wrong?" Isolde cried. "You truly see nothing wrong with what he said?"
"Well, no," Eamon said, his voice sounding a bit cross. "But you do, obviously. Enlighten us, please?"
Isolde turned chilled eyes on the small boy. He twisted the edges of his pants between his fingers, sweat breaking out over his palms.
"I am _not _your mother," Isolde hissed. "You are _not_ his son. And when we _do_ have a child, you will _not_ be a brother."
"Isolde!" Eamon gasped, but Isolde forged ahead, her anger over Alistair and the rumors that floated around him pushing her over the edge. Had Isolde _actually_ been with child, perhaps she would not have reacted as harshly as she did. But her monthly courses were as regular as ever, and Alistair's reminder of her childless state was a slap in the face. Her thirty-second name day was rapidly approaching, and she could feel the months ticking away.
"You have been Eamon's ward long enough, child. You will be sent to Denerim, to study in the Chantry." Isolde's voice was bordering on triumphant, and Eamon pressed his eyes shut as an exasperated sigh escaped his lips. The enmity his wife felt for his ward puzzled him, but to his knowledge, she'd never been _this_ cruel.
"But-" Alistair turned frightened eyes on his guardian. "Eamon, you're sending me away?"
Eamon's blue eyes sparked with anger. "Isolde, this is inexcusable-"
"Eamon," Alistair said urgently, slipping out of his chair. He came to stand by the only man who'd ever been a father to him, and placed a small hand on his arm. Rounded, freckled cheeks were drawn, his wide hazel eyes filled with anxiety. Eamon turned to him, unsure of what to say. This had _not_ been the way he'd intended for his ward to learn the news.
"Eamon?" Alistair said again, his voice dropping to a choked whisper. "It isn't true, is it? You wouldn't send me away... would you?"
Eamon clasped the small hand in his own, and sighed. "I'm sorry, my boy. You're going to Denerim in the morning. There will be other children for you to play with. The Chantry school is well attended-"
"No," Alistair whispered in horror, his tawny head shaking back and forth. "I don't want to go. Don't make me, please!"
"You are lucky Eamon has cared for you for so long. ," Isolde interjected in a cruel voice, her face a frigid mask. "Most bastard children are killed at birth."
A stifled whimper fell from Alistair's lips, and his eyes squeezed shut. He turned and fled, Eamon's voice entreating him to return. He paid no attention, his scrawny legs carrying him up the stairs and to his room, where he pushed the door closed and flung himself on the bed. He curled himself into a tight knot, huddling in the blankets, aching sobs racking their way up to bury themselves in his pillow.
A soft knock a few moments later, and he halted his ragged breath to listen.
"Alistair," Eamon's muffled voice sounded through the oaken door. "Will you come back downstairs? Isolde would like to apologize to you."
"No," he called in a watery voice. "I _hate_ her."
"Alistair-"
"I HATE HER!" he screamed. He sat up in the bed and kicked his legs into the covers, crusts of dried mud flaking into the coverlet and smearing it with dirt. He should have removed his shoes first - Gert would tan his hide. Oh wait, he wouldn't _be_ here.
"I hate her, I hate her, I hate her! And I hate YOU!" he shrieked, his voice cracking with the passion he threw into the final note. Seeking release for the fury that was bubbling up within his soul, he yanked one boot from his foot and sent it spiraling at the wall. It smacked against the stone with a satisfying _thwack_, and he took grim pleasure in seeing it clash against the granite floor. A second boot followed the first, hitting heel-first against a tapestry and leaving a dark smudge on the woven fabric. He sought further violence, and leapt from his bed to pull the books from his shelves and fling them across the room. The water jar was next, and the sound of shattered glass was vaguely frightening to his ears. He'd never dared _this_ much destruction - such behavior had never occurred to him before. Gert would whip him.
But he was leaving. Gert could never whip him again.
Breath coming quickly, he surveyed the mess, then decided he should clean up the glass, at least. Sniffling, he looked around for something with which to sweep up the mess, and leaned down to pick up a book from the floor. He could use the open cover as a sort of dustpan, and perhaps another book to shove the shards into a more manageable pile -
As he bent, the locket he wore around his neck slipped from his shirt and banged him in the nose.
He forgot his intention with the books and the glass, and slipped the locket from his neck to open it and gaze on the woman inside. His mother stared back, a fond smile on her beautiful face, her vivid blue eyes shining out at him, just as they always did.
"You wouldn't make me go to Denerim," he murmured, and then ugly realization filled his soul. His mother was the very _first_ person who had abandoned him. If she'd loved him at all, she would have lived, would have stayed with him - but she had died, left him all alone in the world with no one who cared two bits for an orphaned boy.
Temper flaring once more, he hurled the locket away. It impacted with the stone wall and cracked into several pieces, and Alistair flung himself into his bed once more and cried himself to sleep.
.oOo.
From the window of her room, Isolde watched as the rest of the household said their goodbyes to Eamon's ward. It was a meager gathering - a few servants, a groomsman, the kennel master and a few mabaris, and the Arl. Gert, the cook, was on hand as well, and gave the boy a rough hug, her sturdy hands cupping his rounded face for a moment before she trundled off, likely headed to the kitchens to begin breakfast preparations. Eamon ruffled the boy's hair, and Alistair threw skinny arms around his waist. Even from this distance and at this early, not-quite-light hour of the morning, Isolde could see that the boy's eyes were reddened and his face puffy from tears. He nuzzled his head into Eamon's shirt, and her husband's arms went around the child, awkward. Always awkward - Eamon had never connected with Alistair in the way that Isolde _knew_ he would connect with their children. When the Maker saw fit to bless them with children, of course... which she prayed would be soon.
Eamon knelt before Alistair, his strong hands lightly gripping the boy's upper arms as he said something. Sound was impossible to make out at this distance, but whatever it was, Alistair nodded, his face solemn, and then his face crumpled, eyes squinching shut as he turned and clambered into the back of the wagon. He settled himself in among the crates, pulling his cloak around his body, a small cloth bag of his few possessions serving as a pillow to his auburn head. Isolde knew just what that bag contained - two changes of clothing, extra socks, and a book of blank vellum, half-filled with drawings and sketches. Eamon straightened, his eyes arcing over to his steward as he pulled a paper from his pouch. He gave it into the hands of his steward, then the two men shook hands. Isolde hoped the man would remember to obtain some of the perfumed soap she liked, the one from the Orlesian stall in the Denerim town square. It was on the list Eamon had given him, but Maker only knew if he would recall just where to get it.
She turned away from the window as the supply wagon began to rumble off, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. At last, the lad was gone. For the first time in years, she felt as though she could breathe more easily, and she climbed back into the great bed in her room and snuggled down between the sheets, a delightful drowse overtaking her.
Birdsong and the bright mid-morning sun woke her a few hours later, and Isolde's heart was light as a feather as she sent Gwena to the kitchen for a breakfast tray. Alistair was gone, and with him, the awful rumors! No one could accuse Eamon of sending his own son away to the Chantry. At last, the stigma of the bastard would be gone from her life. She felt like caroling for joy. Her soft-boiled egg had never tasted better, and she treated herself to an extra pat of butter for her toast, ignoring Gwena's derisive sniff.
Isolde tended to a few household chores that day. She spoke with Gert about the supplies they had on hand, and sent a contingent of hunters out for fresh meat. The recent heat wave had spoiled a batch of milk, so she arranged for the cooks to make clabber cheese from the curds. When Eamon's steward returned, he would bring dyes and thread for winter clothing, and she set one of her maids to measuring the household. Everyone would receive a new outfit, and there would be the recycling of cloaks and shoes, the older and more worn pieces being repaired or cut down. She joined the women in the afternoon as they spun and wove, enjoying the female company and even taking on a share of the spinning - a task she personally hated. But one could only do so much fancy work in a frontier castle such as this one. After she'd finished the altar cloth for the Chantry, there was nothing left that needed her deft embroidery needle, so she put her nose to the grindstone and joined the other women in the more practical sewing. A few merry, social hours passed, and then she left the servants to their work and went to see about dinner preparations.
She found Gert crouched in the corner, sobbing her eyes out. The hefty cook had begun to prepare an afternoon snack for the lad before remembering he was no longer there, and it had sent her into a tizzy. She was inconsolable over Alistair's leavetaking, and Isolde spent a few uncomfortable minutes trying to reassure her that the lad would be taken care of, without success.
"'E was such a good boy, mistress," Gert blubbered. "The on'y boy I'm likely to 'ave, and I didn't tell 'im. I never told 'im that I loved 'im. I was 'arsh, I was - an' all 'e wanted was a lil' love. A lil' love, a fam'ly... Isn' that all any of us want?" Gert was waxing philosophical, for her. She blew her nose into her apron, her words jangling in Isolde's skull. She recalled the last thing the boy had said to her, discomfort waging a war within her.
_"Are you giving me a brother or sister?" _His hopeful face, shining with light... Isolde's stomach twisted as she remembered her own hate-filled words to Alistair.
The arlessa fled the room after not very long, seeking something, _anything_ else that needed doing.
She passed by the chamber that had served as Alistair's school room, and her footsteps paused, the silence seeming uncanny. Always, at this time of day, Alistair was seated at his small desk, Chanter Sarah's droning voice lecturing about something, or coaching him through an assignment of some sort. Her feet carried her into the room, and she pursed her lips, trying to decide what it would become now that the small nuisance was no longer a part of her home life.
Her eyes were drawn to the miniature desk, and she opened the lid, wondering if she should save it for her own child, or if she should... she lost her train of thought as her eyes raked over the piece of vellum that lay atop the other papers and supplies. Delicate hands lifted the paper from the grained wood, and her heart stuttered as she realized just what was on the page.
A sketch of herself, face smiling, hair neat and tidy, her arm slipped through Eamon's, stared back at her. Her husband's face was smiling as well, and they were in fancy clothing. In front of Eamon stood a small boy whose hair stood up a bit in front, and on the boy's shoulder, Eamon's hand was laid. All of them, standing together as though they had posed that way, the perfect picture of a happy family.
The sketch was rough, and lacked fine details, but it was clear who it was, and Isolde felt a twinge at her heart. Had the boy drawn it as a gift? She turned it over, and on the back were scrawled the words "My family".
She laid it back on the desk, her hands trembling ever so slightly, and stalked out of the room.
.oOo.
Isolde was in her room seated before her vanity, her shaking hands trying their best to twist her hair into its usual chignon but finding the task to be outside their ability. She cursed under her breath and laid the slender hairpin on the table to press her fingers to her eyes.
He was _gone_. She should be happy about it, but now she was wondering if she hadn't been selfish. Eamon had never said he would name the boy his heir - why had she been so worried? Was she truly so vapid as to send him away from the only home he'd had, the only father figure he'd ever known, and - she swallowed to think of it - the only mother he'd ever cared for? Between herself and Gert, she supposed they'd made a sort of parent for him... it had hurt her heart to see the drawing Alistair had done. She'd never thought of herself as his mother, and it had never occurred to her that the boy might _wish_ for her to be his mother. Only Eamon had cared for her so much. Her own family had been political - her own mother had cared more about her potential marriage, and it was only her brother Rene who had made her feel truly loved - until Eamon. Now she wished she had given Alistair more of a chance. She'd been so blinded by the rumors, her upbringing in political Orlais masking the true thing that mattered. And now, it was too late... he was gone.
A soft tap on her door brought her out of her reverie.
"Come," she called, and Sylvie, one of the maids, pushed the door open and peeked in at her.
"Mistress," she said. "What would you have me do with Master Alistair's things?"
"His things?" Isolde said, her voice faint.
"He left some clothing in his room. Shall I..."
"I shall look through them," Isolde said, pushing herself away from the vanity. Her honey-blonde hair fell around her shoulders in soft curls, and she brushed them back as she followed Sylvie to Alistair's room.
She had rarely been in here, and she found herself looking around, curiosity overcoming her aversion. The walls had been tinted a soft blue, while the curtains and bedspread were of a deeper shade. A small model boat was perched on a shelf, along with another collection of drawings. Isolde found herself wanting to go and look through them, but Sylvie gestured to the bed, and Isolde stepped over to begin the task of sorting through the clothing that had been left behind. Her gaze continued to drift around the room, and her eyes fell on a few shards of... glass? Broken glass on the floor?
"Sylvie, is that broken glass? Sweep it up, please," Isolde said, irritated. Had the boy broken something and not told the maids?
"Yes, mistress," Sylvie murmured, and returned a moment later with a hand-broom and dustpan. She made quick work of the glass, and then moved to another place in the room that apparently needed the broom's attention. Her movements grew hesitant, and she straightened up from the floor, a bit of something held in her fingertips.
"What is it?" Isolde asked as she folded a shirt.
"Mistress, this appears to be a bit of broken jewelry." Sylvie brought the shard to Isolde, who turned it over in curiosity. This looked like Alistair's locket - but why was it broken?
She set the shirt down on the bed and moved to the small mess on the floor, kneeling to look more closely. Her fingers gathered the pieces into a pile, and then collected them into her palm, along with the chain. The locket had been made of a kind of clay, then painted. Isolde had only seen it once or twice since the boy kept it forever around his neck, and she wondered what would possess him to remove it. It was a shame that it had been broken, and she was on the verge of telling Sylvie to toss it in with the rest of the trash.
"Is that Master Alistair's locket?" Sylvie said, her voice reverent. "Oh, mistress! Why would he leave that behind? It was his own mother pictured there, it was!"
Isolde's heart skipped a beat. _That_ was why he wore it?
She swallowed, and her fingers curled closed, trapping the loose bits within her palm.
"See that the clothing is given to the servants who have children of a size, Sylvie. And do not disturb me. I shall be down for dinner," she said brusquely, and hurried from the room.
.oOo.
Isolde did not consider herself to be artistic, but she was neat-handed. She could sew, spin, and do fancy needlework. Her eyes were bright, and sharp enough to see the individual leaves on the trees when she and Eamon went walking - something she knew he was having trouble with already. She seated herself at the table in her room, a small pot of glue and the broken locket set before her, and it took only a few minutes of work to fix.
The locket had split in a very clean way - her clever fingers found it simple to fit the pieces back together, and she held the shards tightly against each other in her fingers, counting to one hundred before she loosed her grip, wanting to be certain that the glue would hold. When all was reassembled, she brushed her fingers off and smiled at her handiwork. The locket was as good as new, almost. A faint network of cracks could be seen across the back, but that couldn't be helped - she had done the best she could. She left it sitting on the table to cure overnight, and closed the door softly behind her.
.oOo.
Dinner finished and his face washed, Alistair curled himself deeper into his makeshift bed in the wagon. The stars were bright as fire in the sky above, and he yawned, the long day of travel colored by his grief closing his heavy eyelids. In his fingers he clutched his letter to Duncan, and rolled tightly within the vellum was the picture he'd drawn for his mentor... the Grey Warden griffin.
End file.
| fanfiction |
Total reflection in a solar collector?
So, I was wondering how radiation is kept inside a solar thermal collector?
The sun light (or its photons) penetrates through the glass and is then absorbed by the absorber layer. In turn, the absorber layer radiates in the infrared. The glass layer is almost opaque for this wavelength and thus the thermal radiation is kept inside. That is kind of "semi-classical" picture.
My question is, can this process be also understood in terms of the classical concept of total reflection?
No it is separate issue to total internal reflection.
The important thing here is frequency dependent emissivity of the materials. Very simply speaking, the absorber needs to have high emissivity in the optical and NIR region (so it strongly absorbs sunlight) and low emissivity in IR, so that the thermal energy is not radiated away. It is like a green house.
You can concentrated light using total internal reflection, read about luminescent solar concentrators.
I will update this answer with some diagrams from my lecture notes when I get back to my laptop.
| stackexchange/physics |
Super Smash Brothers 1. And So It Begins
So, I got this idea from two sources: the Hey Arnold! Halloween special, and Nintendo Nut1's story _Brother Squadron_, which is a really great story, by the way. This is my Halloween story!
Zelda: It is?
Link: But it's well past Halloween.
SHADDUP! Anyway, folks, here it is, my most planned story: **War of the Weirds**! Hope you like!
Pichu: Yeah, for his sake...
WHAT WAS THAT!
Pichu: Nothing...run away! (Everyone runs away)
Hmm...It's just not as good written as it is seen...oh, well. Here's the full summary, for all you curious types:
Ness and Pichu are determined to outscare Link and the others this Halloween, so they perform a radio show saying that aliens are attacking, also using the fact that several Smashers are dressed as aliens themselves to aid their cause. However, all hell breaks loose when the TV station picks up the signal and broadcasts it to the whole of the Smash Island, throwing it into mass chaos, havoc, and destruction. With the military on their heels and time running out, can Link and his friends save the Smashers before they and the Island are reduced to rubble?
Link: Whoa...sounds cool.
Just read, thank you very much.
* * *
"_Hear the sound of the falling rain..._
_Coming down like an Armageddon flame (Hey!)_
_The shame, the ones who died without a name..._
_Hear the dogs howling out of key,_
_To a hymn called 'Faith and Misery' (Hey!)_
_And bleed, the company lost the war today..._"
* * *
_**Chapter 1: And So, It Begins...**_
As the autumn winds caressed the Smash Island in all its warmth and glory, the days slowly ticked by until that fateful day: October 24, one week before All Hallows' Eve, better known as Halloween. The Smashers were getting ready for the annual party and costume contest; some going to more extreme lengths than others. In the lounge, a boy and a small mouse Pokèmon were grinning as the television in front of them displayed various images. A teenage young man in a green tunic was also watching, along with an Italian man in green and a humanoid fox.
"I love this show." Ness told Pichu as they watched the show, _The Z Files_. "It's so cool...look! There it is!"
"The mother ship...that's so cool!" Pichu said in response. "I bet they attack Nintendo tonight!" The TV said otherwise, though.
"_Tune in to the Z Files next week, when aliens attack the planet!_" Both Ness and Pichu sighed in disappointment.
"I can't believe you people can watch that garbage." Fox piped up. "Their writing is terrible!" Ness and Pichu turned back to the TV screen in response as creepy music blared from it.
"_Next, it's Alien Today, with your host, Jonathan Reed!_"
"Alien-a Today! I-a love this show!" Luigi said from his position on the couch.
A man of twenty-odd years had appeared on the TV. He had bronze-colored hair and a bizarre machine-like eyepiece on his right eye. He spoke with an air of brooding intensity. "_UFOs, flying saucers, they loom large in the imagination, but, indeed, do they exist? We now know that this planet is watched closely by intelligences greater than Nintendo's. We are scrutinized and studied, this small spinning fragment of solar driftwood. As your host and reporter and writer and producer, I will be your guide on your quest to make contact on Alien Today!_" The lights on the set suddenly brightened, revealing the words 'Alien Today' behind him, curving around the intense young man.
"Okay, couch potatoes, enough of the tube." Link stood up from the couch and turned off the television, much to the displeasure of the other Smashers. "It's time for our meeting of our annual Smash Mansion Halloween party."
"Hey, Link, can Ness and I help out this year?" Pichu piped up.
"Oh, no, Pichu." Link chastised. "Halloween is a serious business, and it's not for kids."
"But -" Pichu was cut off by Link, and he was indignant.
"Now, now, now, Pichu. The purpose of Halloween is to scare the living daylights out of everyone until they scream bloody murder and beg for mercy! I love a good Halloween prank, and this year, we're going to do it better than ever! Now go to bed." Link then turned to Fox and Luigi, who were talking to each other, and announced, "Fox, let's start with the costume committee report.
"The costume committee report is as follows: Peach will be a witch."
"Like-a that's a stretch..." Luigi muttered under his breath.
"Luigi will play the executioner!"
"Wait a minute, I-a thought you said I was going to be-a Frankenstein!" Luigi shot out.
"No!" Fox protested. "This year I will play Frankenstein!"
"You and-a what army, old man-a?" Luigi retorted. "You-a told me last-a year that you-a would play the-a bride of Frankenstein!"
"Yeah! I play." Fox reported. "I will play Frankenstein! I like it!"
"Don't-a you tell me..." Meanwhile, Ness and Pichu were indignant that Link shot down their idea. But their disappointment melted away when something clicked in Pichu's mind, and his frown was replaced by an evil grin.
"So, our usual Halloween plan, Pichu?" Ness asked the conniving young Pokèmon.
"No, Ness. This year I think the grown-ups will have a good scare, and I think it should involve aliens."
* * *
"Hey, Da-I mean, Kratos." Lloyd greeted the Seraphim. "What are you doing?"
"I'm waiting for someone." Lloyd looked bewildered, and Kratos explained, "Yuan and Botta are supposed to be here for our weekly poker night."
"Oh..." Lloyd I. turned on the TV, which, coincidentally, was airing _Alien Today._
"_Perhaps across an immense, ethereal gulf, intellects vast, cool, and unsympathetic regard PlanetNintendo with envious eyes..._" A knock on the door was heard as Kratos let in Yuan and Botta, the latter of whom was carrying a poker mat under his arm. The sounds of setting up the mini-casino drowned out the next few lines from the TV, but after setting up, they were under way, although everyone's attention was on the TV. "_...reporting accounts of actual encounters with alien beings too hideous to describe, more **thing** than sentient being!_"
Botta chuckled. "I can't believe this guy. Every week it's another close encounter." He then tossed a poker chip into the pot. "Raise you 50 gald."
"I'll see your 50 gald." Yuan said. He then regarded of the aliens, "You know it's all a fake. That's 50 gald to you, Kratos."
"And I raise you 100 gald." Kratos tossed two poker chips into the pot. "I'm telling you, it's true, you guys. That Reed guy's an expert. He knows what he's talking about."
"You mean you actually **believe **that junk, Kratos!" Botta spat out incredulously.
"Believe it? Course I believe it! I had a close encounter myself once."
"Kratos, please don't start..." Raine groaned from the other room as Lloyd listened on with interest.
"Happened nearly 20 years ago." Kratos began. "I was steering a Rheaird carrying cut-rate Sybakian transistors across the Grand Tethe'alla Bridge. All of a sudden, the radio starts acting funny. Grass all around me is blowing flat. There's this weird light coming from all directions. Next thing I know, I'm wandering around the parking lot of the Meltokio smorgasbord. Now how the heck did that happen?"
"Did anyone else see this flying saucer?" Yuan asked.
"Nope. I was the only witness." Yuan and Botta looked at each other, then at Kratos skeptically. He growled, "You don't believe me, do you? Mark my words, flying saucers do exist and we're going to see aliens someday, and they're going to look exactly like that!" He pointed to a picture of an alien, and Lloyd suddenly had an idea that would make Halloween interesting.
* * *
"...and we'll look exactly like this." Lloyd said to his assembly of friends in the kitchen, pointing to the alien picture he head taken from Kratos' room after the poker game.
"But, Lloyd!" Genis protested. "I wanted to go as pirates!"
"No, Vikings!" Falco shot out.
"How about clowns?" Pikachu added.
"We must dress as aliens!" Lloyd bellowed angrily. "The whole point of Halloween is to scare people and make them give you candy!" Everyone sighed in disappointment, and then Lloyd began giving orders. "Colette, Pikachu, Falco, you get the silver fabric. Genis, you scrounge up some foil. We're going to need lots and lots of foil." The halfling flashed a smile and a thumbs-up at Lloyd, who grinned. "Treecko, you get the face paint." He then saw Ness and Pichu carrying an extension cord outside the lunch counter, and yelled, "Ness! Pichu! You in or out?"
"Definitely out; we've got something planned for Halloween night." Pichu told them. His mind sparked an idea, and he grinned. "Hey, Link and the older folks are holding a party in here Halloween night."
"Wha-? And they didn't tell us?" Lloyd spat out. "Then we're crashing it!" He was received by lots of cheering from the assembly gathered around him. Ness gave Pichu a warning look.
"Wait a minute; you're having all of them show up at that party?"
"They'll be our alien invasion; it's perfect!" Pichu said slyly, staring at Lloyd as he tucked his hair under a pot, stuck it on his head, and wrapped a cloak around himself. "If we time this right, we'll scare Link and the others right out of their minds."
* * *
A few more days passed, and the bell at the Grand Metropolis soon rung out the dreary, cold hours for Halloween night, fear and panic lingering on the wind's breath. At the Smash Mansion, Zelda, dressed as a pirate, (Imagine Tetra from Wind Waker, except with long hair and more height to her physical stature, and you get Zelda) handed out candy to various kids from the Grand Metropolis that knocked on the door of said Mansion. Lloyd was looking at himself in the mirror, and he grinned. He looked so...so...terrifying. He decided to try it on Kratos, who was reading a newspaper. "I missed the spread by one lousy point on that one...come on, I got to have won something...what's going on?"
"Kratos!" Lloyd exclaimed.
"What?"
"What do you think of my costume?"
"It's fine, Lloyd." Kratos said, not looking up from the paper.
"Kratos, you haven't even looked at my costume."
"I know these things. You look nice."
"DAD!" Lloyd's patience was deteriorating rapidly. "I just want you to look at the costume I'm wearing."
Kratos looked up, and almost hid a smile. "I see it; it looks fine." He then turned back to his paper. "Oh, how could Eagleland win again!"
"Well, something's better than nothing..." Lloyd muttered to himself. "If anyone needs me, I'll be out trick-or-treating..." Passing by the door, he was amused to see Link, dressed as Legolas from Lord of the Rings, standing at the door with a bowl of worms and cockroaches in it. Man, he would scare the crap out of the kids good...and he had that chance as the trick-or-treaters rang the doorbell.
"Trick or treat!"
"Oh, you all look so adorable. Why don't you help yourself to some...WORMS AND COCKROACHES!" The kids screamed and ran away, dropping their precious sugary loot in the process. "Happy Halloween!" Link yelled as he picked up the fallen candy and the wussier of the trick-or-treaters ran away back to the city.
Meanwhile, the party was well under way in the cafeteria, as many of the Smashers mingled and talked. Fox and Luigi were arguing about their choice of costume, though.
"You-a can't be a Frankenstein-a!"
"NO! I am Frankenstein today!"
"Oh, this-a is where your-a scars come in-a handy..." Somewhere nearby, Sheeda was playing bagpipes, and you could hear Roy complaining about his costume, which was Dracula.
"Lilina, what did you do to my cape?"
"I think it looks great, Roy..." The girl replied, dressed as Lyn from Fire Emblem. "I have sixteen holes in my fingers; I don't know what more you want of me!"
A jukebox in the corner of the room was playing all kinds of music, from pop to rock to R&B to hip-hop. Had one taken a closer look, however, they would have noticed a network of wires climbing up the wall and into a stationery jack-o-lantern. They wormed out of the pumpkin, and ascended the walls up to a makeshift station that Ness and Pichu had set up on the rooftop. Various tables surrounded them, and on those tables were items like an empty mayonnaise jar, a bowl of pasta, and most importantly, a radio transmitter hooked up to the jukebox. Ness asked Pichu, "Well, Pichu?"
"It's show time. It's 7:49." Pichu said, looking at his pocket watch. "I told Lloyd to bring everyone over at 8."
"Hey, Pichu! I see them." Ness said, pointing to the roadway in front of them. "They're at least 50 yards away from the Mansion."
"Looks like they went to town and ate dinner..." Pichu noted.
"Thank goodness security's off tonight." Ness added. "Otherwise, our prank wouldn't work."
"Let's go, Ness." Pichu said, taking a position next to a phonograph. "It's time for the alien attack." He put on an empty record on the phonograph and played it, making an eerie scratching sound as it did. Pichu gave the thumbs-up to Ness, who took several seconds to clear his throat before speaking down the phonograph's stereo, deepening his voice and making it unrecognizable.
"_We interrupt this broadcast to bring to you a special bulletin. A large, saucer-like craft of unknown origin is reported to have landed at the Driscoll Pier in Nelson's Landing._" Pichu grinned widely, and Ness had to stifle a chuckle as to not blow their cover. Meanwhile, the Mansion Halloween party was conversing loudly, and Link was trying to quell the situation.
"Quiet!" Link commanded, to no avail. "Shh, shh—quiet, everybody. Quiet! What? Quiet, everybody; something's going on!" The group of Smashers finally shut their mouths, only to be horrified as the 'broadcast' dragged on.
"_I repeat: there are reports of an alien spacecraft landing at Driscoll Pier in Nelson's Landing._" Everyone at the party listened on with interest. "_I'm at the scene, where a small crowd has gathered around the scorched area where the saucer-like craft has landed. Wait, wait!_" Lilina gasped and embraced Roy for comfort. "_The top of the craft...seems to be opening, unscrewing like a huge lid._" On the roof, Pichu had opened the jar inside the trash can, making it sound like something huge was opening. Ness grinned. "_Now it's opening...and...some...thing...is coming out._" Pichu then scurried over to the valve on a nearby oxygen tank and opened it, giving off a HISS as it did. He squelched pasta in his hands, tossed bags of flour to the ground, and smacked the hell out of a punching bag, all as sound effects for the broadcast. "_Oh, my! Several of them, several...with huge, bulbous heads! I can hardly bear to look at them! They're...so...revolting!_"
"This is a joke, right?" Daisy whispered to the startled Link, who could only listen on in unease.
* * *
**Meanwhile, on Route 280 between the Grand Metropolis and Chancellorsville...**
A young man of only 16 sat in a news van, parked at a lush, forested rest stop between cities. His freckled face was full of fear and worry, and he brushed his bronze locks nervously out of his eyes before replacing his glasses. He was manning the editing station in the van. He grabbed the walkie-talkie nervously, switched it on, and spoke into it. "Uh, Mr. Reed, sir? This is Johnny. Uh..."
It was none other than Jonathan Reed, the host of _Alien Today_, who picked up on the other line. "_Come in, Johnny._"
"Uh, yeah, sir, can I come back to the station now?" Johnny asked, stuttering and sweating. "It's...uh...it's Halloween night, and I-" He never finished his thought.
Jonathan Reed, sitting in his studio at the Television B TV Station on Chancellorsville's outskirts, did not sound at all happy that his assistant was backing out on him. "No, you can not come back to the station! It's All Hallows' Eve, the perfect night for aliens to try and infiltrate our planet disguised as Nintendians!" His voice lowered to a whisper that had a threatening tone to it. "I sent you out to look for signs of paranormal alien activity, and that's what you will continue to do until your shift ends at 10 o'clock!"
"_But I..._" Johnny started.
"Over and out, Mr. Johnny." Reed muttered, unceremoniously hanging up on the poor guy.
Johnny, having been defeated, could do nothing but sigh as he got into the news van and drove towards the Grand Metropolis. 15 minutes later, the sound of whooshing cars and people's conversations welcomed him into the city as he followed the highway past the different buildings and close to the Mansion. He beat on the steering wheel like it was a bongo, and sighed. "I can't believe this...like I'm really going to find aliens on Halloween night." He decided to turn on the radio for some tuneage, and got something else entirely.
"_Seven or eight aliens have climbed out of the spacecraft._" Ness's voice blared through the radio as Johnny was listening. "_Oh, I see their leader. If possible, this one is more hideous in appearance..._" It took a full five minutes for Johnny's brain to register the broadcast, and he flipped.
"HOLY COW!"
"_They've now left the landing site and are proceeding to the West Side!_" Ness continued. "_I believe they're headed down Route 280, towards the Smash Mansion!_"
"Smash Mansion?" Marth paced around the Mansion's cafeteria, twirling his sword about. "_Our _Smash Mansion?" Everyone gasped, and Daisy fainted into Luigi's arms. He caught her without mishap.
"Smash Mansion?" Johnny asked, flooring the pedal and speeding down the highway like a bullet, past a sign saying 'Smash Mansion: 7 miles away.' Johnny slowed down a bit, and he saw Lloyd and his troupe dressed as aliens about 25 yards away from the Mansion. "Oh, my gosh! The aliens! I...got to get this on tape!" He nearly dropped his phone in excitement as he called the TV station.
"_Jonathan Reed here..._" the alien show host answered.
"Boss? Mr. Reed? I found aliens!" Johnny said excitedly.
"_Great Scott, man, get it on video!_" Reed's voice blurted out in shock. Johnny got out a camera and began to position himself in front of the opulent Mansion. Meanwhile, inside the building, Link was trying to get everyone under control and avoid unnecessary panic, with some extent of success.
"**_Now, listen_**!" he bellowed loudly. "You all know there's no such thing as aliens. Now, let's all calm down; this is no time to panic." Several moments later, the doorbell rang, and the room erupted in chaos, havoc and noise as the Smashers began to panic again. Link just sighed and strolled over to the door, exasperated at his comrades' overwhelming stupidity. "It's just the door, you ninnies!" He opened the door, and Lloyd and his friends, dressed as aliens, stood on the doorstep. Somehow, Link had not noticed their costumes. "Yes?"
"Trick or treat!"
Link finally took notice of their costumes, and he screamed to high hell. "AAH! It's the aliens! They're here!"
"One side, Linky-boy..." Samus commanded as she fired several Charge Shots into the group. The 'aliens' panicked and ran away while Johnny was at the entrance, trying to film the aliens in a group shot. He only succeeded in filming a partial as Treecko ran down the poor cameraman, screaming for his mommy as he did. Needless to say, Jonathan Reed, who was at the station receiving the video feedback, was not pleased with the sudden cut-off.
"Johnny? Come in, Johnny..." He didn't receive an answer, and Reed threw the walkie-talkie to the floor in annoyance, breaking it into a few hundred pieces. "Damn it! I've lost the picture...I'm surrounded by incompetence!" He grabbed the video from the VHS player beneath the big screen and scrambled out, running to the nearest newscast set in his hurry.
* * *
"Well, I'm glad to see Lloyd's enjoying trick-or-treating." Kratos told Raine, who was playing Solitaire. "It's just you, me, and the wheel." He turned on the TV to watch _Wheel of Fortune_, but was cut off within the first five minutes.
"_You! Out of that anchor chair!_" Reed said to the newscaster on set. He was about to ask, but was forcibly thrown from his chair. "_I'm taking over the whole station!_"
"Oh, what now?" Kratos asked. The TV screen was replaced with a special bulletin with Reed in the newscaster's chair.
"_We interrupt this broadcast to bring you a special bulletin. Ladies and gentlemen, I have grave news! Radio transmissions were picked up tonight at the West Side Peninsula, near the Smash Mansion, reporting that aliens have landed!_"
"I knew it!" Kratos said, pounding his soda into the armrest. "I knew something funny was going on tonight, Raine!"
* * *
At a military base in Nelson's Landing, four people were hunched at a table with cards and various poker chips stacked in the center. The first was a man of 27, with curly beige hair and green eyes. Another was an intense man of 24, with brown and white hair and glasses perched in front of turquoise eyes. The third was a young man of 22, with silver-blue hair and purple eyes, and the fourth was a girl of 18 with teal-green hair, brown eyes and a nasty cut across her right cheek. All were hunched over the current game as an older man of 35 with black hair stroked his shaven beard in amusement. None would guess that this motley group of five was the leaders and top generals in the Smash Island's military. Anyway, the three men had folded and let their cards fall to the table while the girl was grinning ear-to-ear.
"Don't tell us..." the curly-haired man said as the girl showed them a royal flush. "Gaugh! Hey, Jairus!" he called to the man watching them. "You play in my place!"
"No, thank you, Joseph." Jairus replied. "The last time I ever gambled was the first time I played poker with a mathematician."
"So much for that..." Joseph said, blowing some stray curls out of his face.
"Oh, come on! It's probably just luck, you guys!" the girl squeaked.
"Pfft...yeah, right, Penelope." The glasses man replied in amusement. "You probably rigged this game!"
"That's mean, Damian!" Penelope sobbed.
"Damian!" the silver-blue haired man said. "Now's not the time...now apologize to her."
"Sorry, Penelope." Damian told the sobbing girl, before turning back to the young man in annoyance. "But come on, Andrew! There's like a million in one chance to get the needed cards!"
"Then there's still that chance, is there?" Andrew retorted, eyes twinkling.
"Ah, screw this." Damian muttered. "I'm watching TV."
"Come on! Don't be a poor sport!" Penelope taunted.
"Whatever..." Damian pushed the ON button and noticed the newscast. His eyes widened. "Hey, guys? Take a look at this!"
"Take a look at what?" Joseph asked.
"Just get over here!" That called the others' attention, and watched the newscast that followed. "_...Radio transmissions were picked up tonight at the West Side Peninsula, near the Smash Mansion, reporting that aliens have landed!_"
"Aliens?" Penelope asked. "Whoa!" This captured the generals' attention, along with the attention of everyone on the island, including Botta in Mauritania, Yuan in his Nelson's Landing hideout, and Peach, who was shopping for cake ingredients in Mauritania's Market Street.
"_Before we lost contact with our reporter at the scene, we received this video fragment._" He played the same video footage that Johnny was starting to record before he was trampled by Lloyd and the others. This had net a slew of different responses from the audience. Kratos dropped his soda on the floor; Yuan had inched closer to the TV; Peach's eyes widened as she dropped her groceries; Botta spat out a glass of water he had been drinking. Meanwhile, the five generals: Jairus, Joseph, Damian, Penelope and Andrew, were all frightened to various degrees as the newscast continued its fearful course. "_I think the meaning of this footage is self-evident. Aliens have indeed landed among us! They intend to take no prisoners, and their ultimate goal clearly is to enslave the Nintendian race!_" Suddenly, one of his aides rushed up to Reed and whispered something in his ear, and Reed's eyes widened as he nodded at the soundcheck person. "_Just a moment, just a moment-I'm receiving a radio transmission from the scene. An unknown source..._" He signaled with his hands, and Ness' radio newscast went live on the air as everyone on the Island who had or was near a TV listened on with interest, fear and doubt.
"_I see it—huge—like nothing I've ever seen: the mother ship!_" Ness bellowed through the phonograph stereo on the Mansion's rooftop. "_I repeat, it's landed at Driscoll Pier, and it's huge, with pulsing rings of light around it! The mother ship!_" He then whispered agonizingly to Pichu, "Pichu, cue the lights!"
"Young Link, come in, Young Link!" Pichu hissed into the walkie-talkie. "The eagle has landed."
"I don't see an eagle here, Pichu." Young Link protested, from his lookout point at the edge of the Driscoll Pier in Nelson's Landing. "But I'm going to go ahead and plug in the mother ship." With that, he took care not to be seen as he followed the cord over to the plug, and stuck in into a socket at a nearby junction box. The water tower at the edge of the pier instantly became aglow as the shiny platinum surface reflected the light from the Christmas light strings Young Link had raided from the Mansion's closet and wrapped around the water storage tank. "It's pretty, Pichu! Over." Suddenly, the power junction began to spark, and several minutes later the power failed, lights being snuffed out all over the island, from Chancellorsville to Mauritania, from the Grand Metropolis to the Smash Mansion. The only city that didn't go out was Neonopolis, which had a back-up power plant. "Hey! All the other lights went out! Now isn't that a coincidence? Over..."
"Look!" Fox panicked, pointing out the window towards Nelson's Landing, where they could see a glowing something over the water. "It's the mother ship!"
"AUGH!" Luigi screamed girlishly. "It's-a the end of the-a world!" With this outburst, everyone in the Mansion screamed themselves into a panic. Likewise, in many of the cities across the Smash Island, everyone panicked and ran around, screaming, and some of the people broke storefront windows and started riots, causing mass confusion, panic and disarray all over the island nation. As police sirens echoed through the empty air that night, Pichu was trying to contact Young Link again, but to no avail.
"Young Link? Young Link?" He gave up and placed the walkie-talkie on the table. "Oh, well. I wonder if our little radio show scared anybody."
* * *
"MEN!...and, um, women..." Andrew addressed the four other generals in the room with him, along with several platoons of soldiers. "You have heard the news, right?"
"You mean the radio announcement?" Mitchell Eldridge asked. He was a young man who headed the Nanotechnology Division of the military. "Sure, I think everyone on the island heard it."
"Did they now?" Antoinette de Lyon asked. She headed the Riot Control division of the military. "I wouldn't say that much..."
"Unfortunately, Eldridge is right." Andrew motioned to Damian, who handed him a roll of paper. Reading it, he explained: "Bristol here has been getting reports of the condition of the island. As far as we know, the TV newscast was broadcast to everyone on the island with access to a TV."
"Holy crap..." Penelope squeaked. "So what do we do now, Andwoo?"
"Don't call me that..." Andrew muttered as several of the guards were trying desperately to hide their laughter. "Ladies and gentlemen, we must stop this alien invasion from tearing apart our homes, our lives; yes, the very fabric of our society! There is a chance that many of us will not survive tonight...but we must take that chance if we are to rid this island of the approaching menace." He clenched his fist and shouted to the assembly before him. "ARE YOU WITH ME?" The crowd of soldiers shouted and screamed in general agreement. "Good!"
"But how exactly are we going to handle this, milord?" Joseph asked. He had a rose in his hands and was showing it off in an elaborate stage bow.
"We're going to split up; you mutton-headed flat! What else did you think we were going to do? Cavanaugh!"
"Yes?" Jairus asked.
"You will take a few soldiers with you to guard the Merrimac Dam outside the Grand Metropolis. We don't need the aliens knocking out the main power generator for the island. Salazar!"
"Milord..." Joseph answered.
"You will take more troops with you to the city of Chancellorsville and camp-out in the nearby ruins to take out any aliens if they survive against Cavanaugh and his forces, which would be highly unlikely. Bristol!"
"What is it?" Damian asked.
"You and your forces will work with Antoinette and her forces in Neonopolis to keep the peace, in a sense. Keep riots from breaking out there. Use deadly force, if necessary, which I hope won't be needed. Argosy!"
"Yes, Andwoo?" Penelope squeaked.
"Didn't I tell you to stop calling me that? Oy..." Andrew grumbled. "Anyway, just guard the area around Mauritania and the nearby Angel Summit. And you must also eliminate any remaining aliens if there are any left after passing through the other three."
"What about me?" Mitchell demanded.
"You're going to stay here with me in Nelson's Landing. I'll guard the city and also find a way to destroy the mother ship here, too, before the otherworldly reinforcements arrive. Does everyone have it?" After receiving several cheers and yeses from the military standing before him, Andrew asserted, "Okay, guys, let's go all out!"
"YEAH!" Before everyone left, Andrew had called for Penelope to stay behind. When everyone left, he decided to chat with the young girl.
"So, um...you okay?"
"Yeah." Penelope chirped. "I guess it's time to put up and shut up..."
"Very true..." Penelope turned to leave, but Andrew stopped her once more. "Hey, wait!"
"Yes?"
"Um...if we both get out of this alive, how about we share a bit of lunch at the Wheel of Cog restaurant in Neonopolis to celebrate? Just the two of us, hmm?"
"Really...?" Penelope could feel the blood rush to her face, and jumped into Andrew's arms. "I'd love to, Andwoo!"
"Penelope..." Andrew sighed. He put her back onto the ground, and let the female general leave for her destination, leaving him, Mitchell and their troops with the emptiness of silence in the military base once more.
* * *
Meanwhile, at the Smash Mansion, Link and Zelda were piling bags and various belongings into the back of Link's minivan. Link was just about done when Zelda rushed back into the Mansion hurriedly, nearly trampling Kirby in the process. She came back moments later with a huge box of canned goods and a medical kit. Handing them off to Link for storage, she gasped, "By Din's Fire...what a night!"
"What a night indeed..." Meanwhile, Ness and Pichu had sneaked off the rooftop and out into the courtyard, where they saw both Hylians pile various objects into a green minivan. Curiosity got the better of them as they stepped over to the loading area, where Pichu was mistakenly picked up. "Ai—oh, sorry, Pichu. I thought you were a package." He waved his hand theatrically to the landscape of the island. "Now where have you two been? Can't you see that aliens are attacking and the island is in flames?"
"Whoa, slow down, Link!" Pichu squeaked in its high-pitched voice. "It was us! We did it to scare you."
"We did a radio show on the roof!" Ness added. "It was us!"
"This is no time for jokes, you guys!" Zelda protested, hauling more canned goods into the minivan. "Look!" She pointed to the faraway water tower at Nelson's Landing. "There's their mother ship!"
"Zelda, that's the Driscoll Pier water tower in Nelson's Landing." Pichu explained. "Young Link's over there. He lit it with Christmas lights."
"Who? Wha—?" Link stammered. "But then, what about those silver, bulbous, ugly-looking creatures that came to our front door!"
"That was Lloyd and Falco and Pikachu and the rest of the Smashers we know." Pichu stated.
"Whoa, wait a minute!" Zelda said in tones of surprise. "That was you on the radio?"
"Yeah!" Pichu said. "We used your old radio transmitter in the storage room and set it up so you guys would pick up the broadcast at the Halloween party."
"Yeah!" Ness added. "Check this out!" He picked up an amplifying cone from a nearby box and spoke into the larger end first to deepen his voice, the same way he did so with the phonograph. "_We interrupt this broadcast to bring to you a special bulletin. Aliens have landed._" When he finished, there was a bit of an extra twinkle in Zelda's eyes, and Link had a smile playing on his lips.
Link was the first to respond, and he laughed jovially. "Well, what do you know? That was you! Oh, very impressive."
"But what about Jonathan Reed flapping his gums about it on TV?" Zelda asked the two youngsters while placing the cone into the minivan. "How did you convince him?"
Pichu was thrown for a loop with that question, and his jaw dropped to the concrete floor, color draining from his face. "Wait a minute. **Jonathan Reed** was talking about it on TV?"
"Yeah!" Zelda continued. "It was a special bulletin, just like your prank! The only difference was that he was showing video of the same aliens that came to our front door! The news is all over the nation; the island is in panic!"
"Uh-oh..." Ness breathed.
"The TV Station must have picked up our radio show!" Pichu reasoned. He turned to the Hero of Time and asked in a fearful manner, "Link, what happened to Lloyd and the Smashers after you saw them?" A piercing scream from the front gate of the Mansion caught everyone's attention and Pichu and the others turned to see Lloyd, Falco, Colette, Genis, Pikachu, Treecko, Mario and Mewtwo (surprise!) run past the main gate, knocking over a few garbage cans strewn about on the street. After them were several Smashers, whom Link identified as Daisy, Roy, Lilina, and Samus, wielding their weapons and trying to slaughter them. They didn't exactly hit their mark, indicated by a tree that fell over the wall and into the driveway. Next was a few Wire Frames from the training grounds, trying to calm the hyperactive Smashers, and following them was Master Hand, who was trying to keep everyone from running away at one time. After the parade of various Smashers, Link just sighed and shook his head in complete exasperation.
"Well, Pichu, looks like we'd better save your friends. Hop in, guys!" With that, Link locked the trunk and hopped into the driver's seat, with Zelda, Ness and Pichu not too far behind. They drove out of the garage and onto the cobblestone driveway and were about to turn left onto Route 280, past the abandoned news van, when out of the blue, Bowser stumbled onto the road, furious. His shell was painted camouflage, and there were stripes of black underneath his eyes. Had he not looked angry, he would have been a hilarious sight, but with that dark scowl, he looked like a vision of Hell on Nintendo. Nevertheless, Link asked politely, "Bowser, what are you doing? It's a bad night to be out!"
His eyes, full of fiery hate, narrowed into little slits. "No one has the right to take over the world without **my** say-so!" Link and Zelda just sweatdropped, Ness' mouth was agape, and Pichu was holding back laughter. "Don't wait up." He snarled as he took the news van and sped off down the highway, skid marks on the road the only indication of Bowser's direction. All four just sat in Link's minivan and stared at the empty road before them until Zelda finally spoke.
"Crazy old Koopa..."
"Yep..." With that, Link hit the pedal and sped off down the highway, towards the Grand Metropolis. He thought all he had to do was to rescue the Smashers, but boy, was he wrong. He was very wrong.
* * *
"_I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies,_
_This is the dawning of the rest of our lives..._
_On holiday..._" –Holiday, Green Day
* * *
Yep, that's the first chapter. I decided I had to use every scrap of skill I had obtained from reading and writing to type up this story. Please review after you read! It won't hurt you one bit, nor will it take you umpteen minutes!
Gamer21
P.S. Nintendo Nut1, I hope you don't mind my using your "put in songs into the story to get people in the mood" method! PLEASE?
Nintendo Nut1: I don't.
Eliwood: What am I doing here...?
EEP! (faints)
2. A Long Way Down
Chapter 2 of War of the Weirds starts right now, folks. Oh, and Nintendo Nut1, you might recognize quite a few of the moments from your story, _Brother Squadron..._
NN1: Didn't I tell you I don't mind?
No.
NN1: T.T NO ONE LOVES ME!
Link: (trying to be nice) It's okay. I don't think you're **too **bad...
NN1: Oh, thank you, Link! I feel so...HAPPY! (glomps Link)
Link: AAH!
Pichu: Now, about _Brother Squadron_, he has the entire story saved to his computer. It'd be kinda hard **not **for him to copy the whole thing.
SHADDUP! Here's the story...now excuse me while I 'chastise' Pichu.
Pichu: DON'T HURT ME! (sobs)
NN1: Sucks to be Pichu. (eating chocolate)
Link: Yep.
**Responses:**
**_Anters_**: Ah, that's quite alright. Most of the time, I don't have enough time to update because of homework.
Anyway, I do think the plot is quite good. Quoting GunpowderWizard, it's quite fun to see an innocent little prank go horribly wrong. Also, I'm planning a story for each Smasher, so each of them will get some spotlight. Pretty neat, huh?
Also, you are right-I am planning a sequel to my _Amazing Race_ story. I have several people that want another race like that...oh well. At times like this, all you can do is keep writing. Okay, then...ttyl!
**_Kirbstar_**: Glad to see you're enjoying this story...I know I am. And all the young ones will be connected to the 'alien invasion' in some way, shape, or form.
Also, adding Mewtwo was funny! You'll see why in a future chapter.
**_Lightpaladin_**: Oh, it's quite all right. I don't think I'll have this done by Halloween...
Link: You got that right.
NN1: Shush! (turns Link into a wolf)
Wolf Link: T.T Not funny. (Nintendo Nut1 squeezes him) X.X
**_Polska_**: You like Green Day? Trust me, there's enough Green Day songs in this story that it'll make you faint.
**_RoyalFanatic_**: Oh! What's the big secret? I won't tell a soul... ;)
Also, characters from two of your favorite games (Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones and Tales of Symphonia) will appear! Isn't that great?
**_GunpowderWizard_**: Ah...this is going to turn into hell for our little pranksters, I can assure you of that...heh heh heh...
Pichu: (gulp)
And no, I don't have an MSN Messenger account, although I want one so bad!
**_Nintendo Nut1_**: We'll see if I can put in some more Marth and Roy, alright? And I've been planning this story for **six months**, so I should think it'll be good.
**_razzkat_**: And a Happy Halloween to you, too.
**_Opus Triumphant_**: Thanks! And thank you for being my first reviewer! Anyway, I love the fact that you have taken the time to read this. If you're going to review all the chapters, then check for me if I've written it well, alright?
All right, then. Let's punch in and get to work.
* * *
"_Must be something they're hiding,_
_Must be reasons that no one will dare to tell._
_Must be something inside me;_
_But I don't think so anymore..._
_It's hurting again now,_
_And I don't need friends when I have foes like you..._
_It's hurting again now,_
_It's killing me to be here all alone..._
_Go away; it's all the same..._
_There's more for me..."
* * *
_
_**Chapter 2: A Long Way Down**_
**The Merrimac Dam, Grand Metropolis**
"How long is Andrew going to make us stay here!" one of the soldiers complained. "We have lives, too, you know!"
"Aah, shut up, Johnson. We've only been here for five minutes." Another soldier scolded.
"Really? I thought it was six..." As a chilling wind blew across the length of the dam and leaves danced around the soldiers, Jairus Cavanaugh stared into the night sky as he smoked. A serenade of blues and blacks greeted the general, as he stared into the night sky and watched the stars dance across the sky, carefree in their movements. The elder general sighed and drove his cigarette butt into the concrete of the wall he was lying upon. He sighed pensively; his only comfort left in this world was the night sky, left after that apocalypse had destroyed Earth and borne it again as Nintendo.
His personal reverie was interrupted by the sound of a car horn. Irritated by the noise and bright lights, Jairus jumped off onto the road and nearly decked the nearest soldier in his sights. "Who the hell is this?"
"Don't know. Guy says he's looking for the aliens." Jairus raised his eyebrows and strolled languidly up to the minivan, where Link and another soldier were yelling angrily at each other. Sighing in exasperation, he shoved the guy aside.
"Who is this I am talking to?"
"Look, my name is Link, okay?" Link explained in a cool manner. "I'm just looking for my friends, who dressed up as aliens for Halloween. They're being mistaken for the real thing!"
"Yeah!" Pichu added. "It was all a prank-mmph!" Link quickly clasped a hand over Pichu's mouth. He let it go after a few seconds as Jairus' eyebrows shot up in confusion.
"Don't tell him that, you idiot!" Link whispered nastily to Pichu. "We don't exactly know how we are going to handle this, but we sure as hell don't need the military on our heels!"
"Look, we haven't seen any aliens so far." Jairus answered.
"Oh, are you sure?" Link asked a little too quickly. "They're really noticeable and ugly and gross, and..."
"We haven't seen any."
"Are you sure you haven't?"
"Are you saying I'm stupid?" Jairus growled threateningly. His face shifted closer to Link's, and you could hear his ragged breathing. Link "Do I look stupid to you?"
"N...no..."
"Good." Jairus growled. He was about to let him pass when something opposite of the dam caught his eye. His eyes widened as he recognized them as the 'aliens' that Andrew had warned them about, followed by an angry mob of Smashers. Grabbing the Dragunov sniper rifle strung onto his back, he looked through the scope and adjusted it as necessary, aimed it at Lloyd's head and got ready to pull the trigger. Link noticed, however, and lightly rammed the general with the minivan's bumper. Lloyd's eyes widened as a bullet whizzed by his ear, followed by the loud BANG of the Dragunov seconds later. "You idiot! I-!"
"You nearly killed my friends!" Pichu shouted from the back of the car in protest as aliens and Smashers alike ran by them. Jairus stared on and growled, stomping his foot into the dam roadway, but unfazed, he pulled out a P99 and shot at the aliens.
"What the hell are you doing?" Zelda growled. "You're going to kill them!"
"I'm the one who should be asking you that!" Jairus retorted hotly. "You nearly ran us down!"
"Get out of here!" a voice yelled. It belonged to the same soldier that was arguing with Link, and he was holding a mean-looking rocket launcher in his hands. Link and the others had enough sense to scramble out of the car just as the soldier pulled the trigger. As they ducked behind a nearby wall, the missile struck the car and exploded, sending a shower of debris all over the dam roadway. The steel fireball of Link's car flew upward and fell, striking a piece of the nearby tourist center and sending it crashing to the bottom.
"Johnson!" Jairus protested. "I told you not to fire!"
Johnson protested. "Man, Jairus! I never get to shoot anybody!"
"Calm down..." Jairus said, moving his arms as to calm the trigger-happy soldier down. "We have plenty of stops to make tonight. You'll have your chance of shooting someone later tonight." The wording and his tone of voice didn't produce the desired result, because all Johnson did was sulk. But at least he shut up. "Thank you!"
Meanwhile, Link, Zelda, Ness and Pichu realized suddenly that, for the time being, no one was watching _them._ They slid quietly behind a concrete wall and crouched down, eyeing the road to the other side of the Merrimac Dam. Two more walls and a concrete tower would provide some concealment, but they would have to cross an open stretch of road to reach the other side itself. They shrugged and began moving.
They weren't even halfway to their goal when Johnson noticed them again. "AHA! TAKE THIS!"
"NO!" Jairus screamed. It was too late, however, and Jairus watched in horror as Johnson pulled the trigger on the rocket launcher again. Link and Zelda narrowly dodged the rocket and jumped onto the building below the dam's edge, but Ness and Pichu was less than lucky. They were hurled across the dam onto the roadway and simultaneously knocked out by stray concrete. Johnson was about to fire the rocket launcher again, but Jairus lowered the barrel and pointed it at the ground. "Johnson, you idiot!"
"Fine, then!" Johnson threw the launcher to the ground and sulked like a child that didn't get his way. "Don't give me a gun, then!"
"Not that!" Jairus pointed behind the soldier to the portion of the dam nearest the Grand Metropolis. "The way you're aiming, you're going to destroy the dam!"
"Oh, come on! It's not like we're standing on the-oh, crap..." Oh, crap, indeed. A large, ominous crack had formed in the asphalt of the roadway, concrete and metal falling into the reservoir and the bottom of the dam itself. As the tourist center crumbled and fell into the river far below, Johnson screamed like a girl, "What do we do now?"
"What else do you do when something's collapsing underneath you as you speak?" The dam gave off a large GROAN as it shook underneath all of them. "Retreat!"
"Aye-aye!" The sound of screeching tires and the smell of burning rubber echoed through the air as several soldiers rushed down a mountain path next to the dam in Humvees down to a train far below them, at the edge of the intake tower. Link and Zelda stared out below to the train, but suddenly, Johnson came back with the rocket launcher a third time to hit the two.
"So that's where we need to go..." Zelda turned around, and saw the barrel of Johnson's launcher trained at them. "Link! Look out!" Realizing that another explosion was heading their way, Link grabbed Zelda in his arms and leapt off the side of the building as another BOOM echoed throughout the canyon. Fumbling with the Hookshot and only seconds until they began falling, Link finally shot it at the top of the building's wall, acting as a rappel device and letting them hang from the building safely.
More explosions went off, and both Link and Zelda watched as fire, burning barrels and charred debris were pitched over the roof and down to yet another building below them, striking fatal blows to the soldiers below them. Glass daggers shearing their arms and flames licking at their bodies, Link and Zelda lowered themselves to the ground before collapsing in exhaustion. "Did we both make it out alive?"
"I think so..." Zelda answered, gingerly touching her wounds and reeling in pain.
"Here..." Link had tossed her a red potion from his knapsack while downing another one himself. "You'll need it."
"Thanks..." After consuming the medicine, she tossed the empty bottle at Link and asked, "Now what do we do?"
"We get off this thing before it bursts." He grabbed a Desert Eagle pistol and its holster from a fallen soldier, along with 4 clips of ammo from the other soldiers. He also grabbed a P99 and its holster, along with 5 clips of ammo, and tossed them to the Hylian princess. "Damn...it looks like we'll have to fight the military to get them back. I think you'll need to use this if we're going to have a chance against these guys..."
"What?" Zelda shrieked in terror. "I don't even like the Ray Guns in the Mansion, and I have to use this?"
"I'm sorry..." Link sighed ruefully as he prepared for Zelda's reaction. "You have to." As she sobbed into his shoulder, he held the princess close in his arms, to protect her as a father protects his child. "I really don't want you to use this weapon, either. But if we are to survive and rescue our friends, it's the only chance to ensure our survival. Will you do this?"
Zelda choked and nodded.
Link's face broke out into a grand smile. "You know what...I'll help you train as we go along in this journey, all right? Also, I am well aware that you are dabbling in the healing arts..."
"You are?" Zelda choked.
"Yes...can you use all your skills to keep us alive?"
"Of course!" She let herself be swept away in Link's hug, all her fears and worries seemingly floating away like feathers in the wind.
* * *
Meanwhile, at the bottom of the canyon, Johnson and another soldier were hoisting their new captives into the bullet train. Amidst the explosions echoing from the dam, the astonished 'ooh's that were breathed from soldiers watching the fiery spectacle, and the grunts of strong men carrying various boxes of guns and food onto the train, Jairus Cavanaugh was coolly staring into the comforting night sky, the small trail of smoke from his cigarette languidly floating up and into the sky.
"Um, sir?" The eldest general turned to see Johnson standing there, with a clipboard in his hands. "I...apologize for earlier..."
"Look at what your trigger-happy desires have created." Jairus nodded in the direction of the hydroelectric monstrosity, as fiery hunks of metal and crumbling debris rained into the river near the docks they were standing on. "I hope you're happy."
"Sorry, sir..." After a few tense moments between the duo, he stated, "But the military's bullet train is ready for safe and speedy evacuation, sir."
"Do we look anywhere near ready, Johnson?" Jairus motioned towards the boxes of food and supplies being carried onto the bullet train. "We'll wait until all the supplies are boarded onto the train before we make our departure."
"But, sir—!"
"DID I STUTTER?" Jairus yelled angrily at Johnson, who was using the clipboard in his hands to hide his face. "I don't care if the dam bursts by the time we get our supplies aboard! We will not move until my word. Do I have your support?"
"It goes without saying, sir..."
"Good. Now leave my presence at once." Jairus resumed staring up into the sky while blowing out a puff of smoke from his cigarette, and Johnson had no choice but to follow the general's orders as he went his way.
* * *
Link had grabbed Zelda and held her delicate frame close to him as he jumped off the side of the dam once again, using his Hookshot to avoid becoming a splat on the ground. As he continued to rappel down the side of the dam, he came to a platform jutting out the side and stopped for a break. "Hey, Zel...you still alive?"
"Yeah...the last time I checked, I was..." Zelda gasped as more flaming debris fell from above. She then looked at the P99 given to her, and asked nervously, "So, um...how do you fire a gun?"
"What, you haven't used the Ray Guns or the Super Scopes at the Mansion?"
"N...not particularly..."
Link just sighed as he helped her through the process. "Hmm...it looks like all you do is pull the trigger on this one. BANG!" He formed his hand into a gun shape and pulled an invisible trigger. "You try now..."
Zelda steadied herself against Link and aimed the gun into the sky, at a piece of falling debris. Two seconds later, a gunshot echoed throughout the canyon as the piece of debris burst into dust. "Wow...I did it!"
"Hey, Zeke! I think I heard something out there..." The blood drained from Link's face as his heart skipped at least three beats. But he kept a cool look to make sure Zelda didn't panic. The last thing he wanted was a frightened comrade to give away their position. Without warning, he grabbed her wrist and dragged her behind a steel crate situated on the platform big enough to hide the both of them from view.
"Be quiet and stay still..." Link told the anxious princess. "I'll take care of this...you just keep quiet until I say so." He quickly wormed his way up to the doorway, taking great care to not let himself be seen.
"Well, whaddaya want me to do?" another voice screeched.
"For the love of God...take a goddamn look, Zeke! It's not that hard!" As Zeke carefully stepped out, he gazed around the lookout with attentive dark eyes, his hand reaching for the Magnum in his leg holster. As he was about to step back into the dam, he felt a hand cover his mouth and a leg trap his in a chokehold. His eyes widened as he felt a gun barrel touch his head, and fell over to the ground, cranial matter oozing from the hole in his skull. Link carefully stepped into the room, and was greeted with a series of shouts.
"What the hell-? Who are you?"
"Who cares, let's shoot him!" Link quickly rolled behind a crate and ducked as bullets whistled through the empty air where his chest was moments before. Carefully gazing out while the soldiers reloaded, he fired twice and peeked at the soldiers, killed from fatal wounds to the chest. Link glanced around and cracked a bit of a grin.
"That takes care of that..."
"Not quite." Link cringed as the point of a revolver was shoved into the back of his neck. A male of dark skin grinned with crooked teeth, pushing it further on a segment of his vertebrate. "Do you have any last requests?"
"How about letting me go, huh?"
"Why, you imprudent—!" Before he could finish, another gunshot rang out, and Link felt the pressure on his neck lessen. The gunman fell over with a gaping hole in his cranium as his Magnum clattered to the floor beside him. Link was about to swivel his head around to locate the source of the shot when he saw Zelda standing in the doorway, a wisp of smoke floating out from the barrel of her P99.
"Um...are you okay, Link?"
"Yeah...thanks for the help, Zel." The princess giggled a little bit, and then stared at the dead soldier on the floor.
"Not bad for a first shot, huh?"
"I'll say..." Link said, looking at the gun wound. As he did so, he swiped a grenade from the corpse. "A remarkably clean shot through the head."
"Hey, who are...?" Both Hylians felt the color drain from their faces as two soldiers showed up framed in the windows on either side of the room, rappelling equipment strung to their belts.
"Zelda! MOVE!" As bullets whizzed past their fleeing figures, Link had yanked out the grenade's pin with his mouth and tossed it into the room. The soldiers' eyes widened, but they never stood a chance. As Link grabbed Zelda, jumped off the ledge, and launched the Hookshot into the wall, a fiery cloud of smoke erupted from the doorway behind them as the soldiers were incinerated from the blast.
* * *
"Sir!" Johnson yelled nervously as the blast echoed throughout the canyon. "I think those two from the roadway are still alive!"
"What!" Jairus yelled. He grabbed a set of binoculars from a crate sitting next to him and glared upward towards the source of the blast, and noticed Link and Zelda traversing the flaming wall of the dam. "How the hell did they survive that?"
"I don't know, sir! What do we do?" Johnson panicked.
"...activate the flaming barrier." With that, Jairus sprinted through the mess of soldiers hurriedly packing supplies into the bullet train, and skidded to a stop in front of a junction box on the side of the dam. Swinging the door open, he pounded the large red button inside, and grinned when flames sprouted up from the edge of the dam. "That'll stop them in their tracks."
"And if it doesn't?" Johnson asked worriedly.
"Don't be so anxious." Jairus sneered. "We'll be long gone by the time they get past it."
* * *
"Uh-oh...these flames may present a bit of a problem." Link stated after nearly landing in them rappelling down the side of the dam. Zelda wasn't as lucky as part of her dress was charred.
"Maybe there's an emergency shutoff switch somewhere?" Zelda asked. Link just stared at the princess, who just gave a shrug. "Just suggesting." Link just sighed and stepped into the bombed-out doorway behind them, and nearly gagged.
Small pillars of crumbling debris began to form on the floor. Guards were lying every which way, killed from the blast, and the wooden rafters had fallen and lying on the side, splintered and ablaze. On the other side of the room was a fuel line that lay intact, running alongside the wall and up to the edge, where the flames were shooting out. "Well, it looks like you're right. Come on..."
As they made their way through the room towards the fuel line, they had to quickly roll as parts of the ceiling above them began falling to the floor, evaporating in a shower of dust. Amazingly, they made it through the fiery gauntlet and onto the small ledge next to the dam and followed the gas line up to a large tank sitting on the ledge. Because it was too big to hop over, Link and Zelda slinked over to the opening past the tank, near a switch embedded into the wall.
Several soldiers burst out of a door on the other side of the gap, wielding pistols and Magnums. As bullets tore by their quivering forms, Zelda squeaked as a bullet came very close to splitting her head open like an overripe melon. She screamed and slid down the wall in panic, inadvertently flipping the switch in the process.
Steam ruptured forth from the grate underneath the Hylians' would-be executioners, scalding and stunning them for only a few moments. But they were long enough for Link and Zelda to take out all the soldiers with some well-directed lead to the skull. They slumped over, dead, as Link cautiously tiptoed over to the gas tank, motioning for Zelda to follow as soon as the coast was clear.
"Here's the source of the flames..." Link said.
As Zelda spun the circular red valve to the left, she said "This should shut off the barrier." And lo and behold, the flames on the edge of the dam shuddered, spluttered and died away, retreating into the pipe on its edge.
* * *
"SIR!" Johnson had panicked yet again, and ran up to Jairus, who was overseeing the supply line, disobeying his superior's order not to be anxious. "The flaming barrier is down!"
"Didn't I tell you not to be anxious?" Jairus growled at the sergeant. "I've already sent up a unit to stop them. Even if they breach our final line of defense, we'll be long gone by then."
"I should hope so..." Johnson stated as the soldiers around him hoisted the last of the supplies onto the train. He looked over to the windows, where Ness and Pichu were pounding on them in a vain attempt to escape. "Otherwise we'll have problems with those two."
"It took you that long to notice?" Jairus muttered incredulously. He just shook his head in exasperation and continued chewing on a cigarette. "Whatever. Just do as I say, and stop panicking." At that point Johnson wisely shut his mouth for the time being.
* * *
"Phew...that was tiring." Link said, wiping sweat off his brow and glancing around his surroundings. "We better leave now."
"Yeah...Link, look out!" Before Link could ask what was going on, Zelda had shoved Link past the gas tank and into the alcove in the side of the wall. Just as they did so, a large BOOM echoed throughout the canyon as the gas tank nearby was swallowed in a white ball of flame. The fire carried into the barrier pipe and into four more gas pipes running down the side, causing more explosions and sealing the dam's fate. Zelda carefully stuck her head out and saw a mean-looking guard with an AT-420 rocket launcher in his hands. "Oh, crap..."
"What is it, Zel?"
"There's a guy with a rocket launcher outside..."
"Great...hold on...I have an idea." Link had started talking in a barely audible tone to Zelda by the ear, and when he pulled away she shook her head in disbelief.
"You want me to WHAT!"
"Come on, Zel. It's not going to be _that _bad..."
"I can't believe I let you talk me into this..." Sighing, she stepped out into the open, in full view of the heavy weapons guard. Lobbing a shell in her direction, she pulled out a translucent blue crystal and concentrated her energy upon it, whispering chants of Hylian tongue as she did. A blue crystal shield appeared in front of her and bounced the shell back at the unsuspecting guard, blowing him into the dam and sending the rocket launcher at Zelda's feet. She smiled and put away the crystal, letting the blue field of energy dissipate. "You can...come out now, Link."
Link grinned as Zelda tossed the rocket launcher at him. "Man, Zelda; that was cool! I told you it would work!"
"But will I have to do...this...again?" Zelda asked, a little exhausted from having to use Nayru's Love to reflect the rocket. "I think I used...up more energy...than I needed...to use..."
"It's okay...I hope..." Link said, letting the princess fall into his arms. "Hopefully this'll be the only time you have to use that."
"I hope so, too..." Zelda said, leaning upon Link's shoulder as they reentered the dam. However, several soldiers had scrambled out from behind the rubble and starting to fire at the two Hylians. Leaving Zelda behind the wall, Link had rolled past the opening and behind the crate, picking off the soldiers one by one. However, it seemed to him that the soldiers were multiplying like cockroaches.
"There's too many of them!" Link panicked.
"Link...Link!" When Link turned to look at Zelda, she pointed up to the ceiling, which was cracked and crumbled, at then at the AT-420 rocket launcher strapped to his back. Link followed her finger, and grinned in understanding.
"I see...good idea!" While the bullets from the enemies flew above his head, he carefully trained the rocket launcher and aimed it at the most cracked part of the ceiling. Suddenly, the room burst in the sounds of collapsing concrete and the pained shouts of soldiers as the entire ceiling caved in on them, burying them alive and also putting out part of the fire inside the chamber. "That'll shut 'em up for a while."
"I hope so..." Zelda said. With that, Link scooped Zelda up in his arms and jumped off the ledge, using the Hookshot to stay aloft against the wall. Meanwhile, a plume of smoke, fire and ash erupted from the hole behind them, incinerating the room and the soldiers buried inside. Stray concrete flew out into the river below, and one happened to land next to Jairus Cavanaugh's foot.
"They're here..." Johnson stated.
Jairus just looked at him with an air of brooding intensity and of high command. "I can see that, you moron." He shifted his gaze to the group of soldiers hauling the little left into the train, and he saw Ness and Pichu banging their fists on the windows. "All soldiers board the train for emergency evacuation now! Do not sit and haul the supplies any longer! We are pulling out at this minute!"
"Right, sir." While the soldiers, Jairus and Johnson sprinted through a mess of dropped crates and scrambled onto the train, Link and Zelda touched down on a glass canopy that covered a helipad feet above the raging river. Three soldiers touting pistols and an AK-47 sneered dangerously at the two Hylians, pointing the guns at their heads.
"Stop right there, fools!" The leader said, pointing the gun at Link's head. When Link saw Ness and Pichu banging on the window of the nearby train, he quickly glanced around and saw that he and Zelda were standing directly overhead the helipad.
"Sorry, guys...I've got a train to catch." With that, he shot out the glass beneath him. As the other three fell to their deaths, Link landed upright on the helipad, only to fall to the ground moments later because Zelda landed right on top of him. "Um, Zel? Are you okay?"
"Oh...yes, I am. Sorry..." Zelda scrambled off the Hero of Time, saying nothing out of embarrassment. Link turned around and saw that she was blushing so badly he thought her head would overheat. "Don't worry about me...we still have to rescue Ness and Pichu!"
"How are we supposed to do that?" With the train speeding away and the dam collapsing behind them, how _would _they saw the young ones?
* * *
"_As the world falls away, and I can't find a reason...
_
_As the world turns to grey...
_
_It's killing me unwillingly, and I am just the same as you..." _-World Falls Away, Seether
* * *
WOO-HOO! That's chapter 2 for y'all. Hopefully this'll compel you to review! Please?
NN1: Do it or I'll send Eliwood over to your school to create pandemonium!
Hmm...how about the entire Fire Emblem goon squad?
NN1: YAY!
Eliwood, Marth, Roy, Sheeda and Lilina: (weapons ready) Bring it on! (They all run into a school and create pandemonium.)
Link, Zelda and Pichu: O.O
Sigh...such is the way of life, friends. (pulls out a police hat and a whistle and points to the left) All right, people, panic in this direction!
Gamer21
3. Train Chase
Pichu: ...hello? Anybody there?
(silence)
Zelda: What's up?
Pichu: I can't find the author.
Link: Oh well. Maybe we should start the story now, hmm? But first...the reviewers!
**Responses:**
**_Opus Triumphant_**: Why, thank you! Hopefully this next chapter will meet up to your standards?
**_Kirbstar_**: Okay, yes, I got some of the lines from "A Bug's Life." I like the movie!
Two, this was supposed to be an original idea. It was just pure coincidence that it sounded like _Shadow the Hedgehog_.
As per your theory, that might happen...you'll have to see.
**_Nintendo Nut1_**: Whoa. That's kinda creepy. How the hell do I keep guessing these things?
**_Anters_**: You are most welcome. The website is having some problems with some things, so I more or less have to put up with it. And you think that's the end of it? Heh, think again...we've got a **long** way to go before this is resolved.
**_GunpowderWizard_**: Um, Chicken Little? I haven't seen it yet...
Mindless destruction is good for the soul.
**_RoyalFanatic_**: Let's see...yes, Kratos was abducted by aliens. And if you think that's funny, watch his behavior as the story progresses. It'll make you laugh so hard that you'll...well, you'll laugh really hard.
As for the Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones character appearances, there are three intermissions: one after _Night Storm_, another after _A Show of Force_, and the final after _Thunder Road_. Their first appearance is the first intermission, and the final is at the end of the _A Simple Exchange_ chapter. Keep an eye out.
**_Lightpaladin_**: Thanks! This next chapter's for you, then.
Link: Well, that's done and over with...let's start up this thing! WOO-HOO!
* * *
"_And I'm a death threat haven't slept yet,_
_Baby, why the wake up call?_
_I'm the bad boy; tell the tabloids!_
_Everything's my fault._
_Whoa whoa whoa yeah, write it write it,_
_Whoa Whoa whoa everything's my fault,_
_Everything's my fault..._"
* * *
_**Chapter 3: Train Chase**_
**The Cobalt Canyon, Smash Island**
As the scowling figure of Jairus Cavanaugh paced up and down through the steering cabin of the bullet train, Ness and Pichu were struggling to escape the grasp of Alabama Johnson, Jairus' subordinate and the same person whose trigger-happy reflexes obliterated the Merrimac Dam. As the militant conductor pushed the lever slightly, the train picked up speed as it began to roll out of the station at the bottom of the dam. Soon they were at full speed, and the lights lining the side of the canyon became white blurs against the ebony and sepia of the canyon walls.
"Stop your squirming, you fuckballs!" Johnson shot out angrily when Pichu tried to jump at the train's controls. Jairus just growled slightly at his subordinate's supreme lack of tact.
"Do you think you could make your use of vocabulary a little less obtrusive, man?"
"Sorry, sir. Won't happen again..." Johnson waved his hands back and forth nervously while withering against Jairus' powerful scowl.
"I hope so..." Jairus got up from where he was sitting and started to mull his way over to the door.
"Where are you going?" Johnson asked with sudden annoyance, his anger about babysitting two kids getting the better of his fear for the moment. Jairus just gave him a piercing look, instantly shutting up the young man.
"I'm having some dinner. Don't wait up." Jairus casually nibbled at a cigarette as he stepped out of the front car and towards the dining car, leaving Johnson and the conductor with the squirming youngsters.
* * *
"What are we going to do?" Zelda asked as pieces of concrete fell around them. The bottom of the dam was in chaos; the buildings around it were exploding and going up in flames while various people, from soldiers to dam workers, began to panic and run around aimlessly instead of trying to escape the fiery destruction. An explosion from a nearby construction crane sent a steel girder flying into the dam with enough force that it drove straight through it, sending an ominous crack inching up the wall. They could see water and concrete forcing its way through. "I don't want to die!"
"I don't think we'll have to..." Zelda followed Link's gaze to a sports car near the west landing, a plasma cannon (A/N: STARFOX! XD) lying in the passenger seat. "A leisurely train chase will do us some good, huh?"
"Okay, but I'll man the plasma cannon..." Zelda said as Link jumped into the driver's seat. As the engine turned over, Link smacked the dashboard in annoyance, and the sports car jerked forward down the landing and into the flaming warehouse ahead of them.
"What are you doing!" Zelda yelled.
"Sorry!" Link apologized. "It's not exactly as easy as it looks..." After a few tense moments of trying to wiggle the shift around, Link finally got it to start, and they were soon speeding out of the warehouse in a flurry of sheet metal, flaming debris and splintered glass, landing onto the ground several feet below them. The forsaken whine of an alarm rang throughout the grounds as a large titanium door began to slide in front of the exit. "Oh, you've **got** to be kidding me..."
"What is it?" Zelda asked, popping her head out of the window.
"We've got a major problem on our hands..." Link glanced in the direction of the giant slab of metal that was barring their way, inching ever closer with each passing second. "Can you take care of it?"
"I'll try..." Zelda hoisted up the large cannon, teasing the trigger, and peered through the scope. The large titanium door loomed ever closer, and Link was wondering if they were going to hit it when the door exploded in a shower of sparks, melted metal and plasma. He looked back at Zelda, who grinned.
"Nice shot."
"Thanks..." Zelda giggled. With the road cleared, they sped along smoothly until they came to a small bridge that ran above the river. But with the Merrimac Dam collapsing around them, the entire wall next to the bridge gave way, and the sheer strength and force of the pent-up water destroyed it with little effort on the military. "I don't think that was supposed to happen...Link?"
"Hold on!" Before Zelda could hear what Link said, she watched as he sped up and over the fallen roadway, the high-pressure spray of water drenching both her and the car, with only mere droplets tapping at Link's cheek. As they landed rather roughly on the other side of the ruined creek, Link grinned; they were home free.
...Wait.
...Something was wrong. Terribly wrong.
As Link began to wonder what the hell was going on, his ears picked up a consistent purr that was associated with an engine. If there was an engine, engines meant cars. And where there were cars, there were...
"Zelda! GET DOWN!" he yelled at the princess of Hyrule, flooring the pedal and nearly throwing her out of the car with the sudden burst of speed. Zelda, puzzled, blinked over her shoulder. A bullet barely missed her temple and rocketed into the desert soil. Three soldiers inside a military Jeep, all wielding mortal machine guns, whooped and hollered as they chased the Hylians through the parched, cracked ground at the bottom of the canyon. Her exhausted eyes caught the fountains of earth exploding from the impact of the shots, and she managed to get inside the car, but not before crying out in agony as one grazed her shoulder. "ZELDA!"
"I'm okay...it's only a scratch..." Zelda said, trying to hide her shoulder from Link, as to not worry him. However, the fact that her blood stained her magenta blouse and seeped onto her skin was one she couldn't hide, and Link scowled.
"Anyone can see as bright as day that you're hurt, Zel." Link removed the large green hat plastered to his head, and tore it into long strips of cloth, which he wrapped gently but tightly around the flesh wound. "That'll have to do until we find someplace more...quiet."
"Thank you, Link..." Zelda whispered, kissing him lightly on the cheek.
"You can thank me when this is over." Link growled. Suddenly, gunshots rang out in the car as Link, never taking his eyes off the road, shot out the locks of the sunroof. As the felt-covered sheet of plastic fell harmlessly to the seat next to him, he grinned as the road was long and straight. Reaching into the back, he scooped the plasma cannon in his arms and slid noiselessly up to roof, where he could see the Jeep, cackling and roaring towards them. He grinned at the soldiers' surprise, which turned to pure fear as Link sent a mad barrage of plasma shots upon the Jeep. He roared with revenge, body racking with the wicked rattling of the gun. There was an almost simultaneous explosion as the Jeep was consumed in a white ball of fire, cremating the soldiers alive.
Zelda sighed in relief as the car slowed to reasonable speeds of around 15 mph as the minutes ticked slowly by. At last, Link let himself drop into the car. "They're gone for now. Here." He handed the plasma cannon down to Zelda, and stated matter-of-factly, "We'll have to stop meeting our military friends like this; we can't have people driving up and waving firearms around whenever they feel like it. It's becoming altogether too popular a sport to ignore."
"Yeah..." Zelda said. Suddenly, her shoulder shot in pain, as if to remind her of the wound she had sustained during Link's crazy driving stunt.
"Here you go." Link tossed her a bottle of red potion. Zelda began to wonder how many of those things Link had, and languidly glanced into the contents of his satchel. Her eyes widened at the sheer amount of red potions and medical supplies inside it, and Link sheepishly explained, "I kind of sorted through Dr. Mario's med supplies, and tossed most of the red potions and bandages inside before we left the Mansion."
"Are you sure that's enough?" Zelda asked sarcastically, though there was an extra twinkle playing upon her eyes.
"If it isn't, then to heck with this thing." Link grinned, holding up the satchel. As his eyes darted around to comprehend their surroundings, he noticed the railway bridge running adjacent to the road, with the bullet train several miles away. He scowled and replied, "We still have some friends to save, Zel. Get in." With both Hylians jumping into the car, the screech of rubber on asphalt echoed through the canyon as the car sped down the roadway, quickly closing ground.
* * *
"Sir?" Johnson had made his way to the dining car, at the conductor's request. While dragging Ness and Pichu with him, he noticed Jairus sitting at a table and staring out the window at the scenery that sped by them, munching on a turkey slice as if it were chewing gum and idly playing with a glass of wine as he did. "There's something the conductor wants you with..."
"Already?" Jairus asked, swallowing the turkey. "What does he want now?"
"Uh...it concerns the two people whom we saw back at the dam, sir." Jairus' eyebrows rose in silent surprise, but he said nothing as he got up from the table and walked to the front car, Johnson and the two youngsters following close behind. It took several minutes to reach the conductor's car, and even then it took a fair amount of energy to bring Ness and Pichu under control.
"What is it?" Jairus asked, rather annoyed he had been interrupted during his meal. "What is so important that it needs my attention here and now?"
"Our friends from the dam are pursuing us." The conductor pointed to a small black-and-white monitor off to the side, where the sports car Link and Zelda commandeered could be seen following them through the canyon.
"Link!" Ness cheered on.
"Keep going, Link!" Pichu screamed. "You're so close!" Jairus furrowed his eyebrows and looked on in silent shock, and then sighed.
"Activate the defense turrets." Jairus gestured to a large red button on the dashboard, covered by a glass box. "That should stop them. If it doesn't, God forbid, we'll stop them ourselves."
"Why you—!" Pichu suddenly leapt at Jairus as if to shock him, but Johnson caught him in midair and held a pistol uncomfortably close to the Pokèmon's head.
"Don't try anything stupid, you. Move." Johnson dragged them over to another car, leaving Jairus and the conductor to their silent mission. Jairus just sighed and followed suit after him.
* * *
Link and Zelda had been speeding quite smoothly along the tunnel, chatting a bit about past memories about their exploits in Hyrule. Things around them were pretty quiet, until...
"Holy shit...that better not be what I think it is!" Link's eyes widened as a mounted missile launcher sprouted up from the roof of one of the train cars. Their initial shock clouded to fierce determination as several rockets whizzed by their car and into the canyon walls. "I thought that was a normal bullet train!"
"It looks like there was more to it than meets the eye!" Zelda replied as a missile detonated into the canyon wall behind them, just feet from their current position. "What the heck do we do now?"
"We're not going to die because...um...we'll dodge them at all costs!" Link suddenly swerved into a small cave to avoid the missiles...and came out the other side and into the view of a guard tower of some sort. Suddenly, two guards on motorcycles raced out into the open, letting loose a hail of bullets from the submachine guns and into the car, shattering most of the windows and nearly bursting Link's cranium apart. "Holy—!"
"Aieeee! They're shooting at us! Again!" Zelda screamed.
"Not on my watch, they're not." A smirk playing upon his face, Link swerved into both of their would-be assassins riding on the motorcycles. They flew into the canyon wall, flying off their beasts as the motorcycles themselves exploded and caught fire upon contact with the wall. Link smirked as they drove past the fiery wreck of motorcycles littered across the ground. "That'll teach them...I hope."
"I don't think so..." Link followed Zelda's finger to the cliff ahead of them, where a menacing Black Hawk chopper had flown up in front of them, firing missiles into the canyon walls. He had to swerve out of the way before several boulders crashed into the ground where the car had been moments before.
"Jesus Christ! These guys are everywhere! Zelda, take the wheel..." Before Zelda could object, Link had grabbed the plasma cannon from the back and stuck the barrel out the window. Bullets from the copter ricocheted off the canyon floor as Link sent several plasma shots into the copter, hitting with deadly accuracy. Zelda had mere seconds to swerve off the cliffside and towards the ground as the chopper exploded above them, sending charred metal and broken glass shaped like daggers into the ground next to them. As of the car, it bounced off the ground a bit before landing with a metallic THUD, sending Link crashing into the dashboard. "Eh...sorry, Zel. Didn't expect that to happen..."
"..." Zelda just sighed as she scooted back into the passenger seat, flattening the folds in her dress as they sped down the canyon once more.
* * *
"Goddamn, they destroyed our chopper!" Alabama Johnson spluttered in disbelief as he and the general watched the car from a TV surveillance screen in the train's steering cabin. "Who the hell are these people?"
"GO LINK AND ZELDA!" Pichu squealed from where he was tied to the chair, along with Ness.
"SHUT UP!" Johnson grabbed his pistol and whirled around, pointing it menacingly in-between Pichu's eyes. The Pokèmon squeaked and shut its mouth.
"Johnson!" Jairus scowled. "Don't...do that." Johnson had groaned in response as his trigger-finger twitched, still pointing the gun at Pichu. "Johnson...Johnso-BAMA!" He yelled his nickname loud enough to be heard a few cars down, where some soldiers were having dinner.
"I never get to shoot anybody!" Johnson protested, waving the gun wildly. "Never! You never let me do what I want!"
"Oh, shut up, stupid-ass." Jairus growled as he nodded at the train conductor. "Speed it up, will you? We have to lose the tail."
"Right." The train conductor pushed the lever forward, sending the needle past 200 mph. Then Jairus reached over and pounded the fire button on the train's control panel, sending several missiles towards Link and Zelda.
"Hahaha...farewell. You two were a most excellent number."
* * *
"I wonder what this was used for." Zelda stared, glancing out the window of the car. Blazing right by them were several pillars, a large stone wall crumbling within the grasp of the Cobalt Canyon, and some rusted machinery that included a turbine of some sort, a construction crane, and a rusty wreck of a bulldozer, almost completely swallowed up by the harsh sand. Beyond that was a large concrete wall, riddled with cracks, several concrete pillars, and a slab of rock that had fallen over into the sand, forming a ramp of sorts.
"Looks like the construction equipment used to build the dam." Link noted as the smell of rust and stale concrete choked the air. "They probably abandoned it here because of the difficulty removing it from the canyon floor."
"That explains it..." Zelda sighed. Suddenly, an explosion shattered the silence of the tranquil drive. Craning their heads forward, Link and Zelda were just in time to see a rocket blast tear apart the base of a large concrete pillar near the 'ramp'. With its structural integrity compromised, the pillar and a part of the wall standing with it collapsed in a shower of dust, brittle concrete and rusted rebar, blocking the road completely. "Ack! We're trapped!"
"What!" Link panicked. "Where did _that_ come from!"
"Who cares? Get out of the way before we crash!"
"Heh. You think I _want_ to crash?" Link asked cockily. Before Zelda could retort, he had swerved sharply to the left, the sound of rubber grinding on gravel echoing through the air. It soon flew off the makeshift ramp on the left, sending the car flying past a crumbling pillar and into the ground. It took all of Link's considerable force to bring the car more or less under control, nearly slamming into the side of a nearby wall in the process. Sounds of screeching could be heard as the car tore up the ground in a squeal of acceleration. "So much for a smooth landing..."
"You can say that again..." Zelda replied, shaking herself off to regain her bearings. The car bounced along the dusty road and out of the ruined construction site, onto the canyon's once abundant, overflowing riverbed. After glancing around, she noticed something truly incredible. "Link! We did it!"
"What?" Link wondered aloud. He was about to sigh in frustration when he casually glanced in Zelda's direction. He blinked several times, and cleared his eyes with his hand — he wasn't hallucinating. Despite the military's best efforts, the bullet train their friends were captured and imprisoned in was in front of them, only separated by several thousand feet of empty ground before them. Link's crazy driving stunts had actually shortened the distance between the car and the train, until you could almost reach out and touch it. "Hey...you're right! We did it!"
No sooner had he said that, a military Jeep teeming with the shouts and curses of the rambunctious soldiers had sped out of a hidden alcove in the walls and sped up towards their location, the distance growing shorter with each passing minute. "Oh, for chrissakes..."
"Great. I probably jinxed it..." Zelda sighed. "Well, better do what I do, then." Link didn't even need to ask what she was about to do; she had grabbed the plasma cannon and fired off several shots in their direction as her body shook with the gun's obnoxious rattle. Repeating the performance from before, the entire Jeep exploded and killed the soldiers, sending a fireball into the air and crash-landing into the scorched earth with a metallic THUD. With that, Link floored the pedal as the car sped up towards the train, dust and gravel flying into the air behind them.
* * *
"Wouldn't it be easier for you to let us go instead of keeping us here?" Ness asked the general, where he and Pichu were now handcuffed to a helicopter platform they had rigged to the train. Leaning onto the chained copter, Jairus Cavanaugh just stared at them in unconcealed distaste.
"Riiiiiiiiight..."
"You're lucky little bastards, you got that?" Alabama Johnson blurted out contemptuously, shaking a fist at the two Smashers. "Working with the aliens to conquer Nintendo? We could've executed you for crimes against the Smash Island right when we captured you, but did we? Noooooooooooo...we took mercy! Now I think we should've killed you on the spot!" He would've pulled out his revolver and shot them both, but Jairus placed a hand on his shoulder to calm the trigger-happy soldier down.
"Popping them right now will not solve anything." Jairus coolly replied. "We'll pump them for information first. Then, once we get the plans for the alien invasion, you can see to it that they are executed."
"But why not you?" Johnson blurted out suddenly. "If you're not going to shoot them, why keep them?"
"They have...much-needed insight regarding the alien's plans, Johnson." Jairus spit out his cigarette and ground it into the metal floor of the helipad. "Besides, if you get to shoot them, we'll solve two problems at once: getting the information and your calming down for a while."
"Why, you little-!" Pichu jumped up in a furious rage and tried to hit the general with his tail, but because he was cuffed to the railing, he ended up getting caught in mid-air and landed on his back against the metal grating. Ouch...As Pichu rubbed his back, trying to ease the pain; Johnson laughed mockingly at the two youngsters and began to taunt them.
"Feels good, doesn't it? To get your hands dirty?"
"Fuck you." Ness growled in retaliation. Jairus just sighed; this would be one of those **long** nights.
* * *
The winds whipped their faces and the dust slapped onto their cheeks as Link and Zelda continued their relentless chase of the bullet train, closing ground each minute. However, before they could even so much as blink, the train began to pick up speed, whizzing through the canyon and regaining lost distance to escape the Hylians' car.
"Link! They're getting away!"
"Not if I have anything to say about it, Zel!" Link kept his eyes fixed onto the cracked riverbed that stretched beyond until his clear blue eyes made out a slab of rock pointed upward towards the tracks. Flooring the pedal, he drove the car off the rock and bounced onto the tracks, the car bucking and jumping all over the rails, trying to steady itself. The intense heat formed by the tires grinding against cold, hard metal had melted the vulcanized rubber, leaving the hubcaps grinding against the rails. As sparks flew under the car and the high-pitched squeal of metal on metal stung the Hylians' ears, Link pressed the pedal and sent the needle flying past 200 mph, sending it so fast down the track until 50 feet separated them and the train. "Zel! Take the wheel for me!"
"Wha-what do you need me to do?" Zelda squeaked.
"Keep the car steady." Link had grabbed the plasma cannon from the backseat and opened fire on the back windows, cracking the glass before shattering it outright. Ducking into the car to avoid the glass daggers, Link lifted the barrel of the plasma cannon and opened fire on the back end of the train itself and ducked back into the car. Upon impact, the plasma exploded against the soft metal and destroyed the back end of the train, leaving a huge metal network of gears and wires hanging out. Then, to Zelda's surprise, he shot out the four metal rods holding the top of the car, sending the metal canopy flying onto the track.
"What are you planning to do?" Zelda asked curiously, over the high-pitched squeal of grinding metal.
"This." Link retook the controls and floored the pedal as hard as he smashed the front end of the car into the back of the train, sending a small tremor throughout it. Jairus Cavanaugh, Alabama Johnson, Ness and Pichu could feel that. The two youngsters were smiling at the thought of being rescued, while the soldiers' expressions were more vague; more ominous.
"Can I go after them now?" Johnson asked Jairus hotly, waving his SPAS 12 into the air.
"You have permission. Take your best shot and take these two with you as bargaining chips, if need be." Jairus calmly replied, shoving Ness and Pichu into the trigger-happy soldier before stepping into the car ahead of them. "Also warn the soldiers in the cars behind us, Johnson. You might need all the help you'll get. Meanwhile I'll call for reinforcements from the Army training facility in the Grand Metropolis."
"Aww...that's no fun..." Johnson balefully muttered. But he shrugged it off and dragged Ness and Pichu with him, despite their screaming, and cocked the SPAS 12 he was lugging before he licked his lips. This was going to be sweet...
Meanwhile, Link had hopped onto the hood of the car and grabbed the window into the train, pulling himself up into the train car before turning around and yelling to Zelda, "Hurry up and get in!"
"But, Link...! I...I don't know if I can do this..." Zelda whimpered.
"Trust me!" Link yelled. "I'll catch you!"
"O...OKAY! I hope..." With Link's support, she hesitantly started to stand and worm over onto the hood of the car before tripping and nearly falling off the car. Link nearly shouted an 'Oh, shit!' into the canyon, but Zelda carefully crawled over to Link and grabbed his hand. With one final puff of exhaled strength, Link used all his strength to pull the Hylian princess into the train car, both of them falling onto the floor in exhaustion.
"Thank...you, Link..."
"Hey, you're welcome. Are you okay?"
"I think so..." And just in the nick of time, too. The car suddenly detached from the train and skidded before hitting a jump in the rail, hurling it into the air and smashing into the canyon wall before it rolled down the train tracks, breaking off pieces, and dying in a fiery explosion. Link had to shield his eyes from the blast as a lazy plume of smoke floated up into the sky.
"I don't think that car can be used anytime soon." Link chuckled wryly.
"You think?" Zelda giggled. After a few more minutes, she turned around to the hallway leading down the train. As the room quivered sliding down the tracks, she sighed. "Well, it's time..."
"Yes...we're coming, Ness and Pichu. Hold on..." Link whispered as they ran down the hall and treaded quietly into the first car...
* * *
"_I went to heaven, but couldn't get in,_
_For what I have done._
_I said, 'Please take me!' They said, 'You're crazy!_
_You had too much fun.'_
_You can't save me,_
_You can't change me,_
_Well I'm waiting for my wake up call,_
_And everything's my fault..._" –Save Me, Unwritten Law
* * *
Zelda: Well, that was fun...
Pichu: I FOUND THE AUTHOR!
Link: What? Where?
(inside bed) Ooh...I feel so sick...
NN1: Poor guy.
Eliwood: Oh well.
(cough wheeze hack) Read and review, please...oh, my aching head...
Gamer21
4. An Old Friend
Woo-hoo! I feel so much better...thank you all!
Link: The people who aided him through this trying time will receive a gift in their e-mail. Check it out.
Anyway...Nintendo Nut, what are you doing with that chainsaw?
NN1: I'm not doing anything odd or suspicious!
Eliwood: You **do **realize that by saying that you are doing something odd and suspicious?
NN1: I am?
Zelda: Too late to feign injured innocence now...
Pichu: Um, yeah, whatever. Here are the review responses for you all.
**Responses:**
**_Nintendo Nut1_**: ...augh! Now **I'm **confuzzled! IT HURTS! (bangs head on wall)
Everyone else: O.O
**_Kirbstar_**: Oh, yes. You hit that one on the head. This may be crazy now, but their troubles are just beginning...
Pichu: (gulp)
**_RoyalFanatic_**: Yesh, yesh, it'll be funny. Keep reading on, my friend!
P.S. Because all my attention is devoted to this story for the moment, it may be a long time before I update _New Smasher on the Block_. Yeah.
**_Lightpaladin_**: Don't worry, I will. Good luck against Branford!
Okay, then. START THE STORY! ...hey, Nintendo Nut! Don't chop up the curtain!
Eliwood: You people see what I have to put up with every day?
_Oy, vey...
* * *
_
"_I've waited for this like it's a violent game._
_I'm in between Grand Theft Auto and Max Payne._
_I'm the magic in the hands of David Blaine._
_I spit so much blood I'll leave this microphone stained._
_Along came a spider spinning webs of hatred._
_Welcome to the wonderful world of entertainment,_
_Where stars are born and celebrities tell lies._
_The revolution will now be televised._"
* * *
_**Chapter 4: An Old Friend**_
**The Military Bullet Train, Cobalt Canyon
75 miles away from the Grand Metropolis**
The bullet train rolled through the Cobalt Canyon on its way to the Grand Metropolis. It was never functional at night, but even when it was day, night or whatever, Sergeant Le Rouge of the bullet train Defense Force couldn't tell and couldn't care less. He paced up and down the train car and looked over the guards' shoulders at the computer screens they were manning, bored out of his skull and wishing for anything to break through the monotonous night.
There were footsteps beside him, but Le Rouge didn't bother to look away from the computer screen, knowing it was only Captain Dartmouth. "Give me a damage report."
"No damage so far, sir; I'm still checking." Dartmouth answered blandly.
"According to this, though, there's been a breach on the back of the train. We may have an intruder." Le Rouge said matter-of-factly. He turned to Dartmouth and shouted, "What are you waiting for? Start looking!"
"Yes sir." As Dartmouth strolled towards the back of the train, though, a pair of hands grabbed him and dragged him to the back of the train...
"What the hell is taking him?" Le Rouge grumbled several minutes later. "It doesn't take forever to inspect the goddamned train!" Grumbling to himself, he mulled over to the back of the train, flaunting a M16. When he reached the back end of the train, he saw Dartmouth; eyes agape, mouth open, a bullet hole in his forehead. "What the hell?"
Before he knew it, a pair of gloved hands had grabbed him by the neck tightly. There was a snap, and Le Rouge fell over onto the ground, instantly dead. Having done what was needed, two shadows darted through the train car to the door on the other side, but not before grabbing the M16 from the dead soldier.
"Don't we already have a gun?" Zelda asked Link as he readied the M16 for use.
"I know; we could use the extra firepower, though."
"Oh..."
* * *
"Dammit, where are they?" Johnson growled as he chained Ness and Pichu to the wall. "What the hell are they doing?"
"Patience is a virtue." Jairus retorted. "We, as the military, should hold the highest of virtues first. Even **you** should know that right about now."
"Oh, shut up."
"LET US GO NOW! OR...ELSE!" Pichu threatened.
"Or else what?" Johnson sneered. "You're going to smack us? You're in cuffs! Get used to it!" Jairus sighed as Johnson's and Pichu's argument deteriorated into a shouting match that could be heard from space. Needless to say, Jairus was in a bad mood and probably wouldn't get out of it anytime soon.
"_Oy, vey..._Johnson! Stop arguing and keep an eye out for the intruders!"
"Eh...sorry, sir." Johnson sheepishly apologized, scowling at Pichu because he was reprimanded. "Won't happen again, sir."
"I sure as hell hope not." Jairus said, leaving the train car and making his way to one of two helicopters. He pulled out a pair of garden shears and began breaking the chains...
* * *
"Man, this is boring." Staff Sergeant Normad muttered balefully as he watched the door. "Whoever the intruder was could be gone now."
"Yep..." Command Major Sergeant Benson said. "I feel sleepy...I think I'll take a little nap..."
"Yep..." Before anyone knew it, they were asleep.
Suddenly, two shadows darted out of their hiding place and carefully sneaked past the sleeping soldiers. Quick hands snatched the guns from their backs and their sidearms, and quickly tied up the soldiers, being incredibly careful to not wake the slumbering guards. Satisfied with the work, the two shadows darted past and into the next train car.
"Nice work." Link complimented Zelda. "Didn't know you could restrain people like that."
"You learn some things when you're on the run from a certain evil Gerudo King."
"Heh, I hear that." Link and Zelda sneaked into the next car, which housed the missile launcher that fired on them during their jaunt through the canyon. Being quiet, Link carefully slinked over to the first guard manning the computer, snapping his neck. Then he pressed himself against the wall, and motioned for Zelda to do the same.
"What's up?" Zelda whispered.
"Stay here." Link slowly inched out of his hiding spot, around the large missile launcher. Zelda wondered what he was doing until she noticed the soldier stepping towards her. Her first instinct would have been to run, but she saw he had something metallic in his hand—a small automatic pistol. As he continued to walk towards the frightened princess, she fought back a scream, but he continued to walk towards her...
"Eep! Oh, no...Link, where are you?"
"...? What was that?"
SNAP...
When Zelda looked out several minutes later, Link had snapped the soldiers' neck, and was picking up the fallen pistol next to him. "Link! Thank god..."
"Good thing I took him out, huh?"
"Yeah," Zelda replied, cuddling Link. "We'd better go. Ness and Pichu-."
"I haven't forgotten." Link whispered as he entered the next train car. "Let's move."
* * *
"What exactly are you planning to do with that CAUTION tape, Johnson?"
"How else am I supposed to restrain these two, huh?" Johnson argued with Cavanaugh as he tied Ness and Pichu's wrists together and dropped them unceremoniously to the floor.
"You _could_ grab a rope from somewhere; maybe the kitchen?" Jairus snapped. "Honestly, I thought you of all people would have more sense than that..."
"Oh, shut up."
"Do you think we'll let you get away with this?" Pichu snapped.
"Heh. I should be asking you that." Johnson sneered menacingly. "You helped aliens in invading Planet Nintendo, the warm pulsebeat of the free world. You are letting your Smasher friends run loose in the Island, and now you think that we are fools? Bah! Inconceivable."
"Oh yeah? They'll stop you, Johnson." Ness growled. "I know they will."
"They're two people, kid. What can two people do?"
"Quit fucking around, Johnson! HIDE!" Jairus snapped, hearing several footsteps from the door across them. Grumbling, he quickly ran out the train car and towards the front.
"Geez, don't bite my head off..." Johnson grumbled, pulling duct tape out of the folds of his sleeve and taping Ness and Pichu's mouths shut. Working quickly, he pulled out a long cord and tied it to the knot holding Ness and Pichu's binds together, then unwound it enough to reach the kitchen. He fed it through a hole in a cabinet above the door, then hopped inside it and closed it up...
* * *
Meanwhile, Link and Zelda had stopped short of the door, formulating a plan to rescue the two friends from the military.
"So, how do we do this?" Link asked the Hylian princess.
"There are only two people. I could distract them while you undo their binds..."
"Okay...for a lack of a better idea, we'll go with that." Link and Zelda passed through the door into the dining car, weapons drawn, and Ness and Pichu were on the floor of the car, bound and gagged.
"Whoa." Zelda replied. "There's right there. Let's free them."
"Yeah." Link started over, but suddenly they were moving towards a door off to the side. "Hey! Where are you going?"
"MMPH!" Ness valiantly tried to yell while shaking his head no, but couldn't.
Curious, Link followed them into the room beyond the door, which turned out to be the kitchen. Rows upon rows of wine bottles were stacked neatly against the left-most wall, while various utensils were stacked on metal shelves to the right. Ahead of the door was a large refrigerator. Upon entry, Link reached down and undid Ness and Pichu's gags. "You okay?"
"Link! It's a trap!" Ness blurted out.
"What!" Suddenly, the door was sealed shut behind him, and Alabama Johnson bashed out the cabinet door with his fist, stabbing Link in the forearm and pinning him to the wall. "AAH! What's this!"
"This is revenge, you bastard!" Johnson yelled indignantly, punching Link in the face.
"Oh, yeah!" Link coughed up some blood, but managed a nice front kick to Johnson's stomach. He slammed into the fridge door, the handle digging into Johnson's back.
"Grr! You little!" Johnson punched Link again in anger, but was quickly countered when he attempted to kick. Link had used his free hand to punch his ankle, and Link kicked Johnson into the fridge again. "Damn you, you little..."
"I won't go down that easily!" Link yelled. He had mustered enough strength to pull the knife out of his forearm and swiped at Johnson with it. Unfortunately, Johnson ducked and tackled Link into the wall.
"GO LINK!" Pichu cheered.
"Take him down!" Ness added.
"SHUT UP!" Johnson yelled angrily. Furious, he threw Link into the metal shelves of utensils. Link tried to use them as cover, but Johnson got to him first as he planted a kick into Link's chest, forcing him into the counter. Johnson grabbed two chef knives nearby, one in each hand, and furiously swiped at Link again, but this time with no effect as Link ducked out of the way. "Goddamn it..."
"You couldn't hit a target if it were in your face!" Link retorted as he whirled around the fumbling Johnson and grabbed a frying pan from the top shelf, using all his might to slam it into the back of Johnson's head. Johnson wasn't knocked unconscious, but the shock had forced him to drop the knives. Sneering, Link had slammed Johnson into the counter, into glass bottles of wine and cooking oil. Glass shot up and cut both of their faces, and Link had shoved Johnson again into the other utensils and even into the stove.
"That tears it!" Johnson growled through gritted teeth, not even noticing the blood that trickled down his forehead and over his cheek. He aimed a furious kick into Link's groin, and slammed Link's arm into the stove; the same one Johnson had stabbed earlier; causing Link to cry out in pain.
"LINK!" Zelda yelled, banging on the door in panic.
"Oh, shit..." Ness and Zelda seemed to be thinking the same thing.
"Why, you..." Suddenly, Link kicked Johnson hard in the groin, knocking a silver lighter off his belt, and punched Johnson in the face, forcing him into the stove.
"No more games..." Johnson growled. Darting his eyes around, they rested on a weapon: a cleaver. He grabbed it and tried to slice Link with it, but missed with every swing. He did manage to slice open a gas line, though.
"Geez, you can't hit worth crap..." Link sneered, slamming Johnson into the wall fridge, kneeing his groin, and punching him in the face.
"Oh, nice one!" Pichu cheered.
"It ain't over yet!" Johnson growled, elbowing Link so hard that he was forced to reel back. Seizing the opportunity, Johnson kicked Link into the stove, grabbed the severed gas line, and tried to strangle him with it. Struggling valiantly, Link almost gave up hope. But when he noticed how close Johnson's arm was to his mouth, he used his strength to reach over and bit Johnson so hard it sent him reeling. "AAAH! What the fuck!"
"Didn't like that?" Link sneered, coughing a bit. Even while recovering, he managed to score a direct hit on Johnson's nose, breaking it and making it bleed profusely.
"Why you little!"
"Shut up!" Link growled. He kicked Johnson in the stomach again, forcing him to the wall. Then Link assaulted Johnson with several punches and a kick to the leg, as well. But nothing could prepare Link for what happened next:
"That's it! DIE, DAMMIT!" Suddenly, Johnson kicked Link into the metal shelves, and he collapsed from the pain. Then, as if to eradicate him permanently, Johnson shoved the metal shelves to the floor, making sure Link was between them, and repeatedly kicked it, forcing Link to cry out in pain each time. "How do you like that, huh? You punk!"
"AAH! Stop!" Zelda yelled. "Link! Get up!"
"HAHAHA! No one can stop me now!"
"Man, hillbilly, you need to lighten up." Link snickered. Johnson turned to the elf, and he was holding Johnson's lighter in his hands. Flicking it on, a steady flame burst forth from the metal as he threw it into the gas hissing in front of the sergeant. Suddenly, a huge plume of flame erupted in the kitchen, and Johnson was thrown backwards into the wine rack before he slumped over, dazed. It added some comedy to the situation when several bottles fell out of the rack and cracked Johnson's noggin, effectively knocking him out. Crawling out from under the shelves and pushing himself upright, he asked, "Did everyone make it out alive?"
"I think so..." Pichu replied. He looked and smelled somewhat singed, but otherwise he was perfectly fine.
"It'd be nice if someone untied us right about now?" Ness snapped bitterly.
"Heh. Same old Ness." Link replied, waving the gag around in his hand. "Maybe I should put this back on, huh? I don't even get a 'How have you been, Link' or nothing."
"Well, sorry!" Ness growled. As Link undid the bindings, Zelda had rushed into the room, seeing as the doors were now unlocked, and embraced him.
"You're okay!"
"Could've been better..." Link replied, gazing disappointedly at his clothes. Much of them were either torn apart or bloodied from the scuffle with Johnson. He also stared dismally at his arm, and then to Ness and Pichu; they looked and smelled somewhat singed. "Eh, sorry about that, guys."
"It's okay." Pichu smiled. "This happens to me a lot."
"So you were behind the explosions in the kitchen?" Ness asked.
"Hey, it's not my fault! It's like every time I cook something, it blows up in my face!"
"All right, calm down." Link said. "So, Zelda, we should-Zelda?" Link swiveled his head from side to side, looking for the Hylian princess, but had no luck. Looking questioningly at Ness and Pichu, they shrugged in response, and Link continued to search. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary; the severed gas line, the fallen metal shelves, the empty spot under the wine rack-wait, the empty spot under the wine rack? Link turned to gaze upon the wall as if expecting to see Johnson there, but there was nothing except several puddles of wine around the broken bottles. "What the hell?"
"Hahaha!" Johnson's voice blared over the intercom. "You are really stupid, Link! Why should I have those two hostages when I hold a more important card in my hand?"
"Link!" Zelda shrieked. "Help me!"
"Johnson! Why don't you die already?" Link yelled in response. Hearing nothing but static from the intercom, he cursed silently to himself. "Goddammit..."
"Now what?" Ness asked.
"...come on. We gotta go after him." Link said, grabbing a nearby ace bandage and leading the two out of the kitchen and into the next car. However... "Whoa. What's a Black Hawk chopper doing on a bullet train?"
Ness shrugged as he hopped into the cockpit of said chopper. "Dunno, but I could fly it."
Link decided to poke his head inside. There was a rope lying in the corner, and he also noticed a map on the chopper's wall and several missiles hooked to the wings. He smiled as a plan formed in his head. "Oh, I got an idea. It's..."
* * *
"All right, Johnson! I'm coming out to where you are!" Link yelled as he stepped into the next train car; an ace bandage wrapped around his arm. He was pointing his gun ahead of him as if expecting some nasty surprise.
Suddenly, he flattened himself against the wall and watched several bullets whiz by him, planting themselves into the door and the nearby doorframe. "Drop and slide, whoever you are!" Johnson's voice yelled from the other end. His hair was messed up, his clothes covered in wine and dry blood, and his face cut and drizzled in blood. In one arm he carried a 9 millimeter; in the other arm he held the Hylian princess as a hostage.
"I don't think so!" Link yelled, quickly darting to the other wall as more bullets whizzed by his fleeing figure. Opening up a nearby junction box, he pressed all the buttons inside it, deactivating the lights in the next car. Then he pulled out a smoke grenade, pulled the pin and hurled it into the space ahead of him. Meanwhile, in the air...
"All right, here we go!" Ness yelled. He and Link had broken the chains holding the chopper to the train, and while Link ran into the next car, gun drawn, he and Pichu had turned the ignition and roared into the air.
"Do I have to do this?" Pichu yelled over the chopper. Ness had tied both ends of the rope around the Pokèmon's waist and to the metal guardrail into the chopper.
"You have to trust Link on this one!"
"All right..." Pichu nervously gulped, closed his eyes, and jumped out of the cockpit, letting himself fall and fall until he bounced around. Opening his eyes, he was dangling from the chopper next to the bullet train, but the next minute smashed into the window.
"Can't hold it steady..." Ness muttered to himself.
"Down!" Johnson pushed Zelda into the ground and fired two shots at Pichu, cracking the window next to him. Link took this chance and ran forward into the next set of alcoves, pressing himself against the wall. Johnson yelled, "You think you can stop me?"
"Why else would I be here?" Link retorted. Spying a red handle on the wall, he smashed the glass cover and pulled the lever, opening up the door next to him to reveal the canyon walls next to him. Ness had noticed this and flew a little closer, making a dangling Pichu appear in the door next to him. "You let Zelda go, Johnson! She has nothing to do with this!"
"Oh, she has everything to do with this." Johnson retorted loudly. "You made it her business when you tried to go up against the military! You can't stop the unstoppable!"
"But you can die trying!" Before Johnson knew it, Zelda had pushed him into the ground, smashing his face and knocking the gun out of his hands.
"Why you little bitch!" Johnson yelled, kicking Zelda in the stomach. As she fell over, doubled in pain, he was about to strike again when Link tackled him to the floor, punching his nose again. "AAH!"
"Link!" Zelda yelped, clutching her side in pain.
"Get out of here, Zelda!" Link yelled. Johnson squeezed his arm, causing the Hero of Time to cry out. As much as she hated to leave him, leave him she must as Zelda wended her way over to the back, where Pichu was hanging outside.
"P-Pichu! What are you doing!"
"Zelda!" Pichu yelled. "You're going to have to jump!"
While Zelda was preparing for a precarious leap of faith, Link and Johnson continued to exchange blows, to the arm or leg or side or face. As Link punched him in the face, Johnson continued to struggle to get out of his grasp as Zelda grabbed the rope and hoisted herself on before she and Pichu began to climb up into the cockpit. Johnson noticed this, as he wasn't very thrilled.
"No more games, you filthy piece of shit!" Suddenly, Johnson hit Link's side hard, giving him enough of a narrow window to free himself from the Hylian's grasp. Next, showing bitter contempt, he punched Link twice in the back and kicked him hard in the jaw, sending Link reeling. Then, in an angry burst of speed, he grabbed the gun from the floor, ran over to the door and fired at the two. It didn't hit the rope, thankfully, but a bullet lodged itself in Pichu's shoulder blade, causing the butterscotch-furred Pokèmon to cry out.
"Why you little..." As Ness flew upward to escape, Link ran and smashed Johnson into the wall, trying to grab the gun out of Johnson's hand. They began to trade blows again, Johnson smashing Link's side and Link scoring a hit on the sergeant's jawbone. Eventually, Link tried again to grab the gun out of Johnson's hands, but Johnson smashed his hand again, sending him reeling. Then Link's eyes widened as Johnson pointed the gun at his forehead.
"Haha! It's come to this: you, me and a gun!" Johnson growled angrily as he cocked the barrel with his thumb. "Any last words?"
The train sped out into the industrial, futuristic city of the Grand Metropolis, passing through a tall railway bridge built over the Toutle River, calm and serene. Suddenly, an insane plan brewed in the elf's mind, but he chose to take it as the only choice he had.
"It's not my time to die, Johnson." With that, Link took a suicidal leap out of the train and toward the river below. Johnson fired at the elf, but found his efforts futile as Ness, he, Pichu and Zelda safely in the cockpit, pressed a red button and sent a missile flying toward the train.
"Your turn to do the dying, sergeant." Ness replied as Johnson watched the missile smash into the cars ahead of him. Everything was enveloped in a fiery cloud of smoke as the bullet train exploded, taking a sizeable chunk of the bridge with it. As flames licked at Link's back, he pulled out a bomb from his satchel and hurled it into the river below, sending a fountain-like blast of water into the air. Link braced for impact and plunged into the river. Thinking fast, he swam away from the bridge and towards a small sandbar in the river as stone, charred metal and embers splashed into the river behind him.
"Phew..." Link sighed, gasping heavily. He watched in relief as the chopper flew down to the sandbar. Climbing in, he remarked, "That went well, didn't it?"
"You can say that again..." Pichu grumbled, wincing as he tried to stretch. "My back hurts..."
"And my side..." Zelda added.
"Okay, okay, hold on..." After removing the bullet from Pichu's shoulder blade, Link handed both Pichu and Zelda a red potion before using one himself. "Hopefully, that's the last of it..."
"_Bravo._" A voice boomed over a walkman in the control panel. Link, Ness, Pichu and Zelda turned to see another chopper in the air, hovering close to the collapsed bridge. "_You have done well to stop my trigger-happy subordinate, but I can assure you the rest of us aren't as easy to defeat._"
"Who the hell are you?" Link retorted into the walkman.
"_I am Jairus Cavanaugh, one of the five elites of the Smash Island Military._" The voice answered. "_Heh...you think we will let you and your otherworldly friends try and take what's ours? Think again, pal._"
"Look, my name is Link Alben Gaiden, not 'pal', Jairus." Link growled. "And we will be nice; if you threaten our fellow Smashers, though, we will defend them."
"_Heh...we'll see._" As soon as Jairus finished speaking, the chopper ahead of them suddenly turned around and flew into the city, but not before firing a missile at the Smashers.
"WHOA!" Ness barely had enough time to evade the missile as it detonated in front of a nearby skyscraper. "That was close..."
"Go after them!" Link commanded. "That man is our only clue to the others' whereabouts."
"Got it." And the chopper chased Jairus into the city, not knowing what to expect from a military elite...
* * *
"_Move out the way when I'm passing through!_
_I got heads to the front and the back of you!_
_I got the world in my hands; you can have it too;_
_I got two middle fingers and they're pointing at you!_" –Messiah, Dead Celebrity Status (Alabama Johnson's theme)
* * *
Well, there's chapter 4 for you all.
Link: R&R!
Pichu: And keep Eliwood away from the sugar at all costs!
NN1: Oops... (girlish giggle) ...I didn't do it? (Feigns innocence, a.k.a. snuggles Link)
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Gamer21
5. Night Storm
Eliwood: (sugar-high) HEY I KNOW A GAME! I DO I DO I DO I DO I DO I DO I DO!
Pichu: What?
Eliwood: (sing-song) We pick up the Pichu and bonk him on the head! (picks up Pichu and bonks him on head)
Pichu: OOW! (shocks Eliwood)
Eliwood: (dazed)
NN1: (ditzy) Oh, that looks fun!
Pichu: SAVE ME!
You see what happens when you leave someone next to the sugar?
Zelda: Poor Pichu...oh, well. There's nothing we can do.
YES THERE IS! HEY, NINTENDO NUT! LINK SAYS HE WANTS TO SCREW YOU!
Link: WHAT! I NEVER SAID-
NN1: Oh, Link, you naughty boy, you. (winks, grabs him and drags him off to bedroom)
Link: AAH! GAMER21!
Zelda: NO! LINK! I'LL SAVE YOU! (grabs a **huge** spear and runs after them) CHARGE!
Heh heh heh...poor guy. Here are the review responses for you people:
**Responses:**
**_RoyalFanatic_**: Let's see...Bowser and Pikachu are guaranteed a part. Dunno about the others.
**_Kirbstar_**: Whoa. A whole hour? Wow... oh, well. Thanks for reading.
**_Lightpaladin_**: Aww, I'm sorry to hear that. Better luck next game!
**_Nintendo Nut1_**: Yep, you caused it. See what happens when you leave the author alone with the sugar?
**_Anters_**: Glad you like it! This chapter should be enjoyable, then!
Pichu: Why did I get stuck with him? (points to Eliwood)
Eliwood: 8D
(singing Michael Jackson) Cause it's the thriller! Thriller night; and no one's gonna save you from the beast about to strike...
Pichu: NOOO! (so scared he wets self)
Eliwood: O.O
(sing-song) Start the chappie!
* * *
"_I'm supposed to be the soldier who never blows his composure,_
_even though I hold the weight of the whole world on my shoulders._
_I am never supposed to show it, my crew ain't supposed to know it;_
_Even if it means goin' toe to toe with a Benzino it don't matter._
_I'd never drag them in battles that I can handle unless I absolutely have to;_
_I'm supposed to set an example._
_I need to be the leader, my crew looks for me to guide 'em;_
_If some shit ever just pop off, I'm supposed to be beside 'em._
_That Ja shit I tried to squash it, it was too late to stop it._
_There's a certain line you just don't cross and he crossed it._
_I heard him say Hailie's name on a song and I just lost it._
_It was crazy, this shit be way beyond some Jay-z and Nas shit._
_And even though the battle was won, I feel like we lost it;_
_I spent too much energy on it, honestly I'm exhausted._
_And I'm so caught in it I almost feel I'm the one who caused it;_
_This ain't what I'm in hip-hop for, it's not why I got in it!_
_That was never my object for someone to get killed;_
_Why would I wanna destroy something I help build?_"
* * *
_**Chapter 5: Night Storm**_
**Grand Metropolis
The Industrial District**
"...they don't know who they're going up against." Jairus growled, steering the chopper through the streets of the industrial city. Normally, they would be full of happy Trick-or-Treaters and their signature hovercars, but tonight was different. Many of the cars were overturned, fires were set among the smaller of the buildings and rioters swarmed the streets, hurling whatever they could find at the cops. Jairus grunted, and spoke into the microphone in the panel. "Garrison, this is Cavanaugh, over. We may have hit a snag in our plans."
"_This is Garrison._" Andrew's voice answered through the speaker. "_What's the problem?_"
"The Merrimac Dam and the bullet train have been hit, sir. Over 50 of our men are confirmed dead."
"_Fifty of our men? On our own soil?_" Andrew remarked in shock. "_How the hell did this happen?_"
"It looks like the aliens have some contacts living on the Island." Jairus coolly responded. "An inside job...I'll take care of it: quick, clean and contained."
"_...Goddammit, fifty men?_" Andrew was still reeling in shock. "_How many more have to die...ahem. Has this insider been identified?_"
"Yes. Look in the Smash Island database for a person named Link Alben Gaiden."
"_...all right. I hereby give you permission to eliminate this bug by any means necessary. Take him down._"
"Right, sir." Jairus responded coolly.
"_Good. Don't make me have to take care of business._" With that, the line went blank, leaving the general to his thoughts. After several tense minutes, Jairus picked up the walkie-talkie again, speaking into the mic:
"Hello? Yes, this is Cavanaugh. Let 'em have it."
* * *
"What the hell is this guy planning to do?" Pichu asked suddenly, as their chopper soared through the city, leaving the crumbling bridge behind them. "There's only one of him..."
Suddenly, several missiles sailed through the air and toward them. If Ness hadn't maneuvered out of the way in time, the missiles would've taken them out. They watched as they smashed into an energy tank behind them, causing a great explosion that shook the city around them. Pichu screamed, "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?"
"Look down there; you'll find your answer." Link replied, pointing to the window. Pichu looked, and he saw a gunboat in the river below them, aiming its cannon at the underside of the chopper.
"Oh, shit..."
"Watch your language!" Zelda reprimanded.
"Sorry..."
"I'll take care of that." Link replied. Pulling out his trusty brown satchel, he produced a round black bomb from its depths. Then, using a match from one of several in his pocket, he struck it, lit the fuse, and dropped it in the direction of the gunboat. A large BOOM followed a second later, and an ascending pillar of smoke floated up to the chopper.
"Phew." Ness sighed. "Let's hope nothing else like that happens."
"Yeah..." Zelda replied, looking out over the city and the mobs crowding the streets. "Wonder what's going on down there?"
* * *
**The Missionary Alley, Grand Metropolis**
"WE'RE NOT ALIENS!" Lloyd yelled at the mob of people that surrounded them. Up front was Daisy, wielding a pitchfork, and Roy and Lilina were a little behind her, weapons drawn. Near the center was Samus, and farther to the back were some of the Wire Frames from the Mansion. They were all accompanied by a huge mob of anti-alien freedom fighters, wielding everything from pitchforks to Molotov cocktails to sawed-off shotguns. "We're just a bunch of kids out trick-or-treating dressed as aliens!"
"Don't be fooled by them!" Daisy yelled over the unruly mob. "That's what all aliens say!"
"Get it through your thick heads! We're some of the Smashers from the Smash Mansion!" Lloyd retorted. "This is just make-up, see?" Lloyd rubbed his face and held out his hand. Everyone continued to stare intently at them, tightening their grip on their weapons. Lloyd, confused, looked at his hand, and to his horror, the make-up didn't come off. "Hey, it won't come off."
"Get them! Get the creeps!" Daisy yelled. A chorus of approvals followed, and the mob continued to close in.
"Not now! _Tzay, min po, katzef!_" Mewtwo yelled forcefully. Suddenly, the entire mob was in frozen suspension, their faces etched with anger and bloody murder. Lloyd sighed and motioned for the others to climb over the wall. Once they were over, they continued running toward the freeway.
Above the panicking screams of the terrified denizens of the Island, Lloyd shouted, "That was brilliant, Treecko! The face paint won't come off? What kind did you get, anyway?"
"I got something called 'Permanent Exterior Latex' because I figured we'd be outside all night!" Treecko responded.
"Grah!" Lloyd growled in frustration. "I'm surrounded by idiots!"
* * *
**The Skies Above the Grand Metropolis**
"Well, that went well..." Ness gazed out over the majestic city, marred by pillars of smoke, billowing flames and the occasional collapsed skyscraper.
"Indeed..." Pichu remarked. "I thought it would cause something, but I didn't expect them to cause this much destruction."
"Um, guys?" Zelda asked, pointing ahead of them. "Isn't that a missile?"
"Oh, shit!" Ness swerved to the right and watched as a missile from a nearby Apache just missed the chopper by mere inches. The missile continued to fly past them and into the nearby convention center, sending dirt, concrete and debris into the air in a fountain-like display. After destroying the enemy Apache, Ness bellowed, "We have to follow that guy, Cavanaugh or whatever his name is."
"Oh, yeah." Link replied. "Keep an eye out for him."
"There he is!" Zelda squeaked, pointing to a retreating chopper far into the distance.
"Right." Swerving through the buildings and damaged buildings of the city, Ness flew the chopper in the direction of the Toutle River snaking through the metropolis. Following it, they were soon led to a large man-made waterfall in front of the City Council building, complete with palm trees, flags and a bridge right next to the waterfall for tourists. "Whoa. That's pretty cool."
"Ness!" We don't have time to browse!" Pichu panicked.
"Sorry..." Making a hard left turn into the nearby street, Ness had barely enough time to dodge several missiles that flew harmlessly into the sky. "What the heck?" Looking ahead of him, two military Humvees had driven up to the highway ahead of them and were firing the deadly explosives at the chopper itself. Beyond that was another Humvee carrying soldiers. "Not this again!"
"You know the drill, Ness." Link replied. Somewhat annoyed at the mass of enemies, Ness launched two missiles: one at the bridge and another at the convoy. Two enormous BOOMS echoed through the urban canyon as the highway collapsed, taking the two Humvees with it. The second one smashed the convoy, and it detonated; taking a sizeable chunk of the road with it.
"I swear! Can't these people leave us alone for a change?" Pichu burst out as a mean-looking Cobra darted in front of them, detonating several missiles near the chopper. As it shook from the recoil, it sent everyone flying in various directions. Staggering to its feet, Pichu added, "This is ridiculous! We haven't done anything wrong!"
"They think we have." Link growled as Ness destroyed the enemy chopper ahead of them. "As long as they act on what they think, they'll never leave us alone."
"...this sucks..." Pichu replied as Ness continued forward.
* * *
**The Merrimac Dam, outside the Grand Metropolis**
"What on earth?" A news van screeched to an unceremonious halt as the driver looked out and into the giant crevasse where just half an hour ago, the dam stood. "Holy crap..."
"_Johnny!_" Reed's voice yelled urgently into the radio. "_What the hell's taking so long? Hurry up!_"
"But, sir..." Johnny panicked. "The dam's gone!"
"_What do you mean, 'gone'?_" Reed retorted hotly.
"Just what I said, sir! The dam's gone!"
"_In-fucking-credible_..." Reed muttered to himself, the sound of which seemed to be intently focused on something or other. "_...very well. I'll send a chopper over to pick you up._"
"Thank you, sir." Johnny answered.
"_Hmph. Just don't forget the camera. We'll need it._" Reed turned off the walkie-talkie, leaving nothing but static on the radio. Sighing, Johnny just sat down and waited for the chopper.
* * *
**The Skies Above the Grand Metropolis**
"Hey, shit!" Link screamed in panic as another chopper fired missiles at them. "What the hell's wrong with these people?"
"They can't seem to take a joke." Ness bluntly replied as they flew into a riverside part of the Metropolis. Spying several decrepit buildings to the side of the river, he suddenly broke out in a wide grin and began whispering to the others. "Hey, how about we... ... ... ...okay?"
"Blinder..." Pichu said as Ness pressed the missile button. The military in the other chopper wondered what was going on until Ness fired a missile into the crumbling supports of the decrepit skyscrapers. Suddenly, accompanied with a loud groaning noise the skyscraper fell onto the next one, which feel into the one after it, creating a domino effect that sent the final skyscraper towards them. Trying to get away, the chopper was too late as it fell on top of them, forcing it into the water and destroying it along with a gunboat that was sent to ambush the Smashers and sending a huge fountain-like blast of water and rubble into the air.
"Phew...hopefully they'll leave us alone." Link replied. To his dismay, after flying through the streets up towards the main factory plaza, another gunboat had decided to use them as target practice. "So much for that..."
"Yeah..." Zelda sighed as she pulled a bomb out of Link's satchel. Lighting the fuse, she held it out the window and let it drop onto the gunboats, sending scorched metal and charred flesh into the nearby windows and the river.
"This is seriously becoming a problem." Ness replied as he flew into the core of the Factory District, the distant HEXAeco Tower aglow from the light of nearby fires, set by rioters inside the chaotic city. Inside the core itself was a huge cylindrical pit, covered in steel pipes and girders. Energy was flowing through them and into the floor of the pit far below, covering the floor with pure energy and making it look like a giant lava pit. "Whoa...that's so cool!"
"I wonder how far it is to the floor..." Pichu added. "Probably wouldn't want to know..."
"_Holy...how the hell did you get here?_" Suddenly turning toward the factory building, the surprised foursome turned to see Jairus Cavanaugh's chopper hovering in the air in front of them. "_Who the hell are you people?_"
"Um...we come in peace?" Pichu said uncertainly.
"SHH!" Link warned, placing a finger on Pichu's mouth.
"_...shit! I must get to the base!_" Jairus replied in a strangely panicked manner. Pressing a button, he sent a missile into the wall of the factory, sending metal, energy and factory workers flying out of the building. Then, without a second thought, he directed the chopper into the smoldering hole left in the factory wall.
"Follow him!" Link yelled urgently, pointing to the hole in the wall. Chasing Jairus into the factory, he watch as the general weaved in and out of the machinery and energy pipes built throughout the large warehouse; Jairus was flying erratically as to try and shake Link off of his trail.
"_You all may be skillful pilots, but no match for me!_" Jairus yelled into the walkie-talkie.
"We'll see about that..." Ness muttered under his breath as he launched two missiles at the chopper. Thinking quickly, Jairus lit several packages of flares and kicked them out the window, redirecting the missiles into the flares. A large explosion resonated throughout the warehouse, sending a cloud of fiery smoke billowing through the halls and the main assembly chamber of the factory. "Holy shit!"
"Reverse it!" Pichu panicked.
"I'm trying!" Ness yelled. As the chopper soared through the flames, all four had to close their eyes from the brightness of the white hot balls of flame. Several minutes later, the chopper emerged from the other side of the smoke cloud, looking and smelling somewhat singed but otherwise in one piece. "That was close..."
"Indeed."
"_Impossible! How the hell did you—!_" Jairus' voice blurted out from the walkie-talkie. Getting very pissed off, he punched a nearby button on the controls and sprung a fully-loaded machine gun from the underside of the chopper. Then, steering a joystick in the direction of the pipes, he opened fire, rupturing said pipes and sending flame jets into the center of the room.
"Uh-oh...better be careful." Zelda replied.
"Oh, shit..." Link whispered.
"FLY, NESS, FLY!" Pichu yelled.
"Hold on!" Ness yelled as he twisted the control stick in various directions. Thankfully, they weren't even grazed by the flame jets, or worse, the pipes themselves. As the room behind them flooded with energy, they entered a storage room, blown open by a missile courtesy of Cavanaugh's chopper. Steering through the hole, Ness found himself out over Gulf Herringway, a body of water that held the main ports of the Grand Metropolis. As such, docks, shipping containers, and portside boats bordered the Herringway Avenue with its shops and hotels. Scanning the horizon for any signs of Jairus' chopper, Ness asked, "Where the hell did he go?"
"I think **that** may answer your question, Ness..." Zelda replied, pointing toward the gulf ominously. Looking over, all four Smashers watched as a giant metal helipad and three steel towers rose out of the deep of the gulf, Jairus' chopper landing on the top. The three towers flickered, and suddenly a pale blue wrap of energy surrounded the metal structure.
"_Hmph. You think you can stand against the military?_" Jairus' voice taunted. "_Think again._" Suddenly, several drones popped out of a panel underneath one of the towers, guns drawn and firing in the general direction of the chopper.
"Ack!" Ness yelled as one of the bullets struck their mark, embedding itself into the young psychic's shoulder.
"MOVE! I'll take over." Link replied. The chopper began to circle the barrier wall in a straight line, running at a quick, yet steady pace as the auto-driver was set and running. Several missiles slammed into the sides of the generators as lead from the machine guns mounted under their chopper took out the military drones. Only the faces of their enemies dared to poke out from the window, ducking back inside to avoid shots that ricocheted off the steel plating of the chopper.
As Link continued to circle the impregnable barrier, Pichu had found a rocket launcher with seemingly endless ammo stashed under the seat and poked the barrel out of the window, aiming for the blue pulsing orb. He pulled the trigger...
"Generator down, repeat, generator down!" Pichu screamed above the deafening noise of explosions as the tower crumbled and collapsed into the murky waters of the gulf.
"Keep going, Pichu! Take them all out!" Link whooped as the ionic shield began to weaken in glow.
"_Goddammit..._" Jairus' voice grumbled as the tower sank into the sea. Meanwhile, a crowd had gathered around the docks to watch the fiery spectacle, their cheers for both the Smashers and Jairus echoing through the crisp autumn night.
This phase of the battle went on tediously, as the more drones were shot, the more that took their place. The defense force slowly multiplied like cockroaches, and they were just as nasty. But lo and behold, eventually the last generator smashed into a million tiny fragments and collapsed into the sea.
"Last generator down, repeat, the last one is gone!"
There was a startled gurgle from Jairus Cavanaugh followed by a low hum as the ionic shield flashed one more time before fading away. It was fully down and un-operational. Sensing he was close to defeat, Jairus grabbed an MK2 Detonator and waited...
"_Hmph. You've done well to get this far, Gaiden. But don't think this is the end._" Jairus spoke into the walkie-talkie.
"It is the end of this battle." Pichu said as he fired shell after shell upon the giant metal structure. Joined with Link at the missile controls, the metal base began to sway, creaking and groaning after each explosion.
Finally, after several missile attacks, Pichu aimed at the base once more. The butterscotch furred Pokèmon pulled the trigger...
...and Jairus Cavanaugh leapt off the roof and straight down toward the water. Fiery pieces of metal flew over the helipad and began to fall straight into the sea as the metal base finally snapped at the base and leaned over toward the sea. Showing no fear, Jairus fired the MK2 Detonator into the sea and dove into the resulting geyser of water. Thinking fast, he then swam away from the base as the giant metal structure plunged into the sea behind him and exploded, letting a giant fountain-like beast of water into the air before all became quiet again.
"Phew..." Zelda sighed as she handed Ness a red potion after removing the bullet from his shoulder. "It's over."
"No, Zel..." Link replied. "Jairus said not to think it was the end. For all we know, our problems may just be beginning..."
"So now what do we do?" Pichu asked.
"We prepare for battle." Ness answered. "We have to save our friends...no matter the odds. It's our fault they're in this situation, anyway."
"All right." Link replied. "I know a place where we can find some weapons."
* * *
**Ammo-Nation Gun Parlor, Grand Metropolis**
"FOX! LUIGI!" Link burst out upon entering the gun store. Indeed, Fox was checking a gatling gun on the shelves, while Luigi inspecting a silver revolver. "What the hell are you two doing here?"
"We're going to fight for our planet, Link." Fox replied solemnly, posing with a machine gun.
"And-a if we have-a to blow off a few heads-a, then so be it-a." Luigi added. "Besides-a, I-a don't want to be building some kind-a of a monument for some alien-a king! What if he-a picks me and does-a something—!"
"Calm down, Luigi." Link replied. "There's no alien invasion." After having Ness and Pichu relay what they did to the other Smashers and how they did it, Link added, "That enough of an explanation for you?"
"Holy shit, kids..." Fox whispered.
"Mamma mia!" Luigi burst out.
"But now we have a large problem..." Pichu added. "The military's on them like bloodhounds on a scent, and I'm afraid if we don't do something soon, they'll..." Pichu trailed off and stared uncertainly at the ground, unable to say anything more.
"Well, that's a problem..." Fox replied. "But how the hell will we beat these guys? They have armies, they have tanks, they have choppers, and they have guns!"
"Did-a he mention the-a guns?" Luigi plaintively added.
"Yes, he did, Luigi." Link replied. "But we can't just let them get killed out there."
"...you're right." Fox grinned slyly. "Besides... You ain't going on the battlefront without me backing you up."
A big smile spread across Link's face as he placed a firm hand on his shoulder, to which Fox did the same, that same warm grin on his furry face. Everyone knew these two couldn't be far apart when facing a major fleet, and their latest fight would be no exception.
"Count-a me in, Link." Luigi added, stepping up to the elf. "I'll-a make sure that my-a brother and everyone else-a makes it back safely."
"All right." Link smiled. "We'd better stock up first, though."
"Yeah, and it also looks like your clothes need some help, too." Fox pointed to the others' clothing, already torn apart from knife slashes and bullets.
"We can worry about that later..." Link sighed, looking around the shop. Suddenly, he stopped in front of a platinum revolver on display in the center of the room. "Whoa...that's so cool."
"You like?" another man whom Link recognized as the shop owner replied. "Aah, you have a good eye for guns, my friend. This one made my career." Pulling the gun out of the display case, the gun shop owner put it on the counter and gestured, "This is my multi-purpose, multi-function revolver."
"Cool...I like this." Link replied.
"Then you'll love the attachments." The gun shop owner pulled out a briefcase with darts of all colors and several .44 calibers. "See these green darts? They're Datura knockout darts. Shoot it at someone, and they go down for twelve hours. They wake up not knowing who the hell they are, how they got there and their head's splitting like a cord of firewood." He then pulled out a red dart from the briefcase. "These are tranquilizer and blood-spatter darts. They give off the appearance of a kill shot without the aftereffects, like death...yeah. You also got exploding darts and radio surveillance ones. It also comes with your standard .44 caliber bullets, just in case things get nasty."
"Whoa..." As Link played around with the gun, the shop owner smiled and said, "Do you like it?" Without waiting for an answer, the gun shop owner said, "Take it. I can tell from your eyes that you won't misuse it."
"Really?"
"Yes. Go ahead, my friend."
"Thanks!" Link replied.
"You're welcome. By the way, you'll need this." The gun shop owner handed the elf the briefcase of darts, and he added, "Anything else you want?"
* * *
**VICTIM Clothing Store, Grand Metropolis**
"So what do you all think?" Link, Zelda and Ness asked Pichu, Fox and Luigi. After the gun store, they had made their way to a clothing store in town to change. Link had ditched the cap and donned a beige leather jacket, a green sweatshirt underneath, blue denims, and black shoes with red racing stripes on the side. Zelda kept her gold headband, but changed into a pink vest on top of a yellow shirt, and blue shorts that stop halfway down her thigh, knee-high socks and brown walking boots. Ness had kept his cap, but changed into a black shirt, denims and silver shoes.
"That's pretty good. No one will recognize you."
"Cool. We'll get that." After leaving the store and dumping their old clothes into the dumpster, Link sighed. They would go against the military to save their friends, but at what cost?
* * *
**Meanwhile, at the Military HQ in Nelson's Landing...**
"Hey, Andrew. Got Cavanaugh on the line for you." Mitchell replied, handing the walkie-talkie to the blue-haired general. With eyebrows raised, Andrew picked it up and spoke into it.
"What happened?"
"_Not exactly what was expected, sir._" Jairus' voice answered from the other end. He was inside the ZIP clothing store, looking for something to replace his drenched attire. "_The contacts seem to have taken out both our train and our base._"
"...where are they headed?"
"_Our intelligence believes they are en route to Chancellorsville, sir._"
"...all right. I'll alert Salazar to their change in route, and we'll strike them hard there. Thank you." After turning off the walkie-talkie and asked Mitchell, "They blow up our train; blow up our base; ...who the hell are these people?"
"I don't know, sir...I guess all we can do is wait and see."
"Perhaps you're right..." Andrew replied, sighing to himself.
* * *
"_It wasn't my intentions, my intentions was good;
__
I went through my whole career without ever mentionin' Suge!
__
Now it's just out of respect for not runnin' my mouth,
__
and talkin' about something that I knew nothing about.
__
Plus, Dre told me stay out; this just wasn't my beef.
__
So I did, I just fell back, watched and gritted my teeth_
_While he's all over TV, down talkin' a man who literally saved my life;
__
Like, fuck it! I understand this is business,_
_And this shit just isn't none of my business;
__
But still knowin' this shit could pop off at any minute cuz,_
_Step by step, heart to heart, left right left_
_We all fall down like toy soldiers..._
_Bit by bit, torn apart, we never win_
_But the battle wages on for toy soldiers... _" –Like Toy Soldiers, Eminem (Jairus Cavanaugh's theme)
* * *
And then there were six.
Link: (looking at new clothes) Sweet.
NN1: (in underwear) EEE! You look so cute! (glomps Link)
Link: NOT AGAIN!
Holy shit, Nintendo Nut, put some clothes on!
Zelda: WHA! HAVEN'T YOU LEARNED YOUR LESSON? (attacks Nintendo Nut1 again)
Pichu: Catfight!
Eliwood: Ugh...my head hurts...what the hell happened?
You don't want to know, Eli. You don't want to know...(sigh)
Pichu: Sigh?
No one's reviewing other than Kirbstar, RoyalFanatic, Nintendo Nut1, Anters and Lightpaladin...after this chapter, if I don't get more reviews, I'll remove this story.
Link: WHA?
(sigh) Oh well. Review, please. Aah, who am I kidding? I'll delete this at the end of the month...
Gamer21
P.S. Happy Thanksgiving, peeps!
6. Intermission 1: Before the Storm
Okay, okay! Geez, I won't delete it!
Link: Nice one, Einstein. You got half the website yelling at you. WHAZZA MATTER WITH YOU! (smacks me upside head)
Geez, don't start, Link! Anyway, even though I will continue this story, I will no longer have the review responses. Quite frankly, they take too long, and they have the nifty new review reply on the website now.
Zelda: Now on with the story!
Yep...on with the story. And please, when you review, don't beat the shit out of me, alright?
P.S. These are after the events in both Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones and Tales of Symphonia, okay? Check it out.
* * *
_FLASHBACK: One week ago, October 24, 2005, 7:45 pm_
_**Castle Renais, Magvel**_
"_...and at 1500 hours, unfortunately, the relief effort escalated into violence." A young man replied, looking at several papers strewn about the desk. He was in his late teens, had long blonde hair tied back into a ponytail, and was covered in crimson-red armor. _
"_So it wasn't part of the plan for five of our soldiers to be killed in that riot, Forde? That's reassuring..." another young man replied. He was at least twenty, and he had bright green hair and olive-colored armor. "So now what am I supposed to tell His Majesty?"_
_Forde shrugged. "Maybe we shouldn't say anything, Kyle? He's already swamped with problems about rebuilding the country."_
"_I know; I don't want to upset him." Kyle replied, looking dismally at the various papers strewn about his desk. "But this...it's just too glaring. Adding that to the recent violence concerning bandits looting the towns...it's like throwing gasoline onto the fire."_
"_Well, what can we do?" Forde plopped down into a comfortable chair and yawned. "Our forces are stretched too thin."_
"_Maybe if you got up out of that chair and helped, things wouldn't be as bad!" Kyle retorted hotly. "Even looking at papers, you're always falling asleep! What's wrong with you, man?"_
"_Can you keep it down a bit?" Forde yawned again. "You're ruining my nap..."_
_Kyle threw his hands up in defeat. "Fine...you can sleep if you want, but what would General Seth say?"_
"_Wha-I'm awake!" Forde yelled somewhat. He stood up so fast the chair he was sitting in fell to the floor. "Don't bring him into this..."_
"_All right, I won't." Kyle replied. He handed Forde a folder and asked, "Now can you hand this to His Majesty?"
* * *
_
_**The Conference Room, Castle Renais**_
"_...and you have one more meeting with the head of the EPA concerning the forests your men are cutting down for relief supplies."_
"_A tree is a tree." The young man replied. Like Forde, he was in his late teens. Unlike him, though, he had electric blue hair and was covered in bright blue armor under his navy cloak. Sighing to himself, he brushed off his khaki pants and asked, "How many more can they look at?"_
"_I don't know, sir. But what of the relief efforts?"_
"_I may have an answer to that." Both turned to see Forde walking towards the young man. "Ephraim, we need to talk."_
_After some idle chit-chat with the other messenger, Ephraim asked, "What's going on, Forde? I have a relief meeting to get to..."_
"_Forgive me, King Ephraim, but five of our soldiers were killed today in another bread riot in a village in the Ide region." Forde replied point-blank._
"_Again?" Ephraim spat out. "Five of our soldiers? On our own soil? How the hell did this happen?"_
"_We're trying to work out all the details, Ephraim." Forde answered. "Kyle and I will take care of it: Quick, clean and contained."_
_Ephraim continued to stare in shock before regaining his composure and stopping in front of a giant oak door. "Goddammit, five of our men? How many more have to die?" Somewhat frustrated, he walked through the door into a large hall. In the center of the room was a large table, and ornate decorations of Renais' flag and seal were gracing the walls. Around the table were several other young men and women, almost all of them in their teens. "This is no longer a relief meeting." Ephraim announced to the assembly. "Forde has just informed me that five of our men were killed in a bread riot, this one centered in Ide."_
"_Oh, dear, not another one..." a young woman replied amidst the quiet murmuring. She was a pretty young blonde from Grado, and was dressed in a simple white dress and a blue necklace symbolizing her service to the temple. Looking at Ephraim with her bright blue eyes, she added, "That's the fifth one this week!"_
"_I know, Natasha." Ephraim answered. "Several riots have killed forces in Jehanna, Carcino, Frelia, Grado, and Rausten. But to think one would occur here..."_
"_Would be plausible since your army can't perform anything worth crap." Another young man interrupted. He had olive-green hair and piercing emerald eyes, and was dressed in an archer's attire: dark green shirt, loose white pants, traveler's boots and a leather quiver on his back._
"_Shut it, Innes!" Ephraim retorted. Grumbling to himself, he continued, "I believe at this point that there can be only one option left."_
"_What is it?" Forde asked._
_Pulling out a folder from a nearby desk, Ephraim opened it and passed its contents to everyone at the assembly. One of the persons, another young woman with pale-green hair tied into a ponytail and green eyes to match her hair, who wore a powder blue blouse that revealed her shoulders and a dress that reached just above her knee, asked, "Who are these people? They're certainly not from Magvel, much less the Theocratic Democracy of Rausten."_ (A/N: Or is it the over way around? I forget...)
"_They are royals and heroes, L'arachel; young men and women from lands different than ours who hold power in that country or have saved it from a violent catastrophe." Ephraim explained. "There are people from lands like Hyrule, Eagleland, Hoenn, Corneria and Symphonia."_
"_Wait, that's your plan?" Innes interrupted. "I don't mean to nitpick, but that's probably the worst plan I've ever heard."_
"_You're pushing it, Innes..." Ephraim gritted his teeth._
"_I don't know, brother..." a third young woman replied. She had long navy hair tied into a ponytail, big navy eyes, and wore a red shirt and revealing skirt, stopping at the middle of her thighs, along with white armor on her chest and shoulders. "I don't see anything wrong with trying this..."_
"_You would say that, Tana!" Innes retorted._
"_Well, sorry!"_
"_Anyway, what do you think, Eirika?" Ephraim asked his younger sister. Eirika was a young woman with long hair the same shade of electric blue as her brother's, and wore a gold chest plate over her red blouse, red boots and a revealing white skirt, which reached the middle of her thighs._
"_Hmm...well, I don't see any problems with that idea...let's try it."_
_Ephraim smiled, and then turned to the others and asked, "Anyone else in?" After receiving a chorus of approvals from the majority of the assembly, he replied, "Good." Sighing to himself, he muttered to no one in particular, "Hopefully things will get back to normal around here."_
_To his surprise, Eirika answered him, saying, "Yes...I hope so too. For the future of our homeland, I hope it comes true."_
"_Yes...Our father and Lyon would have wanted it that way." Turning to the assembly, Ephraim stated, "All right. We shall send Intel to a place called the Smash Island, because not only will many of these royals be there, but the island also has vast natural resources that we hope to obtain from negotiations with them."_
"_Hmph. Why don't you just buy the whole island?" Innes said snidely._
"_THAT'S IT!" Suddenly, Ephraim pulled out his spear and pounced on Innes, who pulled out his bow and started firing arrows in his rival's direction. Several minutes later there was a regular brawl on their hands as Ephraim and Innes resorted to dirty fighting, like tripping the other or whacking him upside the head._
"_Aagh! Stop it!" Tana protested. "That's enough!"_
"_Seriously, this is getting old!" Eirika agreed. Giving up on breaking up the fight, she sighed and said to Tana, "Ooh...our brothers fight so much it's not even funny."_
"_Oh, well." Tana sighed. "What can we do? It's like they're fighting every single meeting."_
"_So, all in all, it's a pretty normal day." A fourth young man replied. The red-haired, red-eyed teen was clad in a black coat and white pants. Sighing to himself, he pulled a coin out of his pocket and challenged, "L'arachel, heads or tails?"_
"_Heads, Joshua. Always." L'arachel replied._
_Flipping the coin into the air, Joshua caught it and sighed. "Dammit, you win again..."_
"_And that's your definition of normal?" a fifth teen sneered. He had long brown hair, a headband on his forehead, and was dressed in a rogue's attire._
"_Rennac, shut up." L'arachel said. Rennac just sulked and grumbled to himself._
_Watching the others boredly talk, place bets on the fight between Innes and Ephraim, or in Forde's case, painting, Eirika sighed and asked Tana, "Should we adjourn the meeting? I doubt anyone's paying attention anyone."_
"_Yeah." Tana answered. "Looks like we won't get anything else done...oh well..."
* * *
_
_**Five Minutes Later, in the King's Chambers**_
"_Aah...my arm...it stings..." Ephraim complained as his younger sister wrapped ace bandages all over his wounds._
"_Well, you deserved it!" Eirika teased, as she placed rubbing alcohol on one of her brother's wounds to clean it. As he winced at the pain, she added, "Really, is that a way for a king to act?"_
"_Sorry, sister..." Ephraim sighed. "But Innes is so annoying! Anyway, who should we send over to the Island?"_
"_Hmmm..." Eirika put away the medical kit and sat down on the bed next to her brother. After a few moments, she asked, "Why not Seth?"_
"_He's needed here." Ephraim answered. "He's pretty much the closest thing I have to the head of the army because the last one died in the invasion."_
"_Oh...okay..." After several more quiet moments, Eirika suggested, "How about Forde?"_
"_He probably wouldn't take it seriously. Probably take it as a vacation."_
_Giggling a bit, she then suggested again, "Why not Kyle?"_
"_Sigh...he's needed here, too." Ephraim said._
"_Franz?"_
"_He's working with Seth to restore order in Renais." Sighing, he let himself collapse on the bed and said through the blankets, "Who else could we send? I can't think of anyone else..."_
_Eirika was about to agree with her brother until the image of a certain blue-haired thief popped into her mind, a confident smile on his face and his hand in a 'V for victory' sign._
"_I may know someone who fits the bill..."
* * *
_
_**A Forest in the Ide Region**_
"_Hello?" Eirika asked, her voice resonating off the many trees within the grove. "Hello? Anyone in there?"_
_Suddenly a bandit had walked into the grove and saw the young Queen of Renais. "Heh heh heh...you're a pretty one, aren't you? The guys at the base will love you..."_
_Eirika darted around and pulled a rapier out of her cloak, swinging it just in time to parry the bandit's attack. "Oh, you're a tough one, aren't you?" the bandit sneered._
"_I will not let my land be plagued by bandits like you!" Eirika vowed, parrying several of the bandit's blows._
"_Well, so you're Renais' royal brat, eh? This'll be promising..." After several parries, the bandit had managed to knock the rapier out of Eirika's hand and used his foot to pin her wrist to the ground. "Heh. Any last requests?"_
"_I will not die here." Eirika answered. "My country needs me."_
"_Heh. Suit your-AAH!" Suddenly, the bandit dropped his axe and doubled over in pain, a gash on his side bleeding profusely. Before he even knew where the blow came from, he collapsed onto the ground, dead from a stab wound that tore apart his neck. After a few tense moments, Eirika was sure the bandit was dead and wormed her wrist out of the corpse's grasp._
"_Phew...that was close." Eirika sighed, picking up her rapier from the ground._
"_Ah, your Majesty." Eirika turned around to see the blue-haired thief looking at her from where he was sitting on a tree branch, wiping blood off his dagger. His turquoise eyes were searching, the wind whipping his navy cloak around his beige-clothed form. "What would you be doing in this forest in the middle of the morning?"_
"_Colm..." Eirika replied. "Thank you for your help, although I am capable of handling such a rogue."_
_Colm chuckled wryly. "You had the situation under control? Not from my perspective." Jumping off the tree branch and landing gracefully on the ground, he brushed some dirt off his cloak and asked, "So, tell me, what brings you to this forest, hmm?"_
"_Well...we could use your help in something. May I ask?"_
"_Shoot."_
"_We'd like for you to do us a favor, Colm." Eirika replied, pacing the ground and giving the corpse a casual kick. "Think of it as a chance to pay back your country for all of the wonderful freedoms you enjoy." _
"_...what's the catch?"_
"_We just need you to gather Intel, that's all." Eirika reassured the thief. "We want you to go to a land called the Smash Island, and see what you can gather from there. We have a passport and supplies waiting for you at the castle."_
"_Hmm..." Colm pondered. "I don't know..."_
"_Please?" Eirika asked, her eyes pleading. "Just this once?"_
"_...heh. I very well can't ignore a request from her Majesty, now can I?" Colm chuckled. "So when shall I leave?"_
"_You'll depart at first light tomorrow morning, all right? I'll be waiting in the castle courtyard."_
"_Very well."
* * *
_
_**Castle Renais Courtyard, the Next Morning**_
"_Heh. What's this?" Colm asked as Eirika handed him a large duffel bag._
"_I took the liberty of packing some supplies." Eirika responded. "There's some food, sleeping bags, extra clothes, plenty of gold-you'll need it. When you reach the Island, the innkeeper will give you a note. From there, you can do what you want."_
"_All right. Thanks, Eirika." Nodding at her, he walked out of the courtyard and up to a gentle Pegasus waiting near a tree overlooking the castle. Examining it, he wondered, "This how I'll get to the Island?"_
_The Pegasus whinnied and gently nudged Colm. He laughed and replied, "Yes, I like you too." Looking off into the distance, he smirked. "The things I'll do for my country..."_
"_W-wait!" a female voice rang out. Turning around, Colm beheld a young woman a year younger than him, one he knew too well. She had magenta hair and eyes, and wore a brown-and-orange headband, a mahogany shirt and magenta skirt, and brown walking boots. There was also a light green quiver strapped to her back. "Colm...you-you're not going somewhere, are you?"_
"_Neimi..." Colm sighed to himself. "Eirika wants me to investigate something in a place called the Smash Island. Stay here, all right?"_
"_No!" Neimi cried out, her soft eyes welling up with tears. "Please...every day I wonder what happened to you, whether or not you're still alive...please, don't do this. You're one of the few friends I have in this world."_
"_Oh, no...please don't start crying..." Colm replied._
"_Please...you promised me you wouldn't do anything dangerous..." Unable to take anymore, Neimi began sobbing and continued until Colm hopped off and tried to comfort her._
"_P-please stop crying, Neimi!" As she looked up at him with teary eyes, Colm explained, "I promise I won't get myself into trouble, alright? But I can't refuse because this is my home." After some thought, he finally figured out something that would help them both. "Tell you what: you're going to come with me. Then you can see to it that I don't do something stupid. But you've got to stop crying all the time. Understand?"_
"_I...well...alright." Neimi answered, finally able to dry her tears. With that, Colm helped Neimi onto the Pegasus and held on as it soared into the air, going to its destination: the Smash Island.
* * *
_
**Present Time: A Volcanic Crater Somewhere in the Mushroom Kingdom**
"Hey." A Koopatrol greeted a Koopa guard as they watched over a castle within the crater from a series of walls and watchtowers. "How is it?"
"Life is shit!"
"Well, what can you do?" the Koopatrol shrugged. Continuing his patrol, he was shocked to see a Koopa Car on the road, off in the distance. "What on Nintendo? Hey, Kolya! Hand me that telescope!"
"What for?"
"Just hand it to me!" After forcibly grabbing the telescope from Kolya's hand, he pointed it toward the Koopa Car and zoomed in. "Holy shit...Master Bowser has returned!"
"WHAT!" Kolya shrieked. "You're shitting me, right, Rammstein?"
"I shit you not." Rammstein the Koopatrol replied. Totally convinced, the two Koopas ran down the stairs of the wall and up to the gatehouse in front of the castle just as Bowser pulled in. Using the winch system, they spun the handle to open up the gate to said castle. "Master Bowser, how was the tournament?"
"Eh, not too bad." Bowser answered. "Where are Kamek and Kammy Koopa? It's urgent."
"Inside the Great Hall, sir."
"Good." Speeding down the brimstone path, Bowser screeched to a halt in front of the giant castle and walked through the precarious bridge above the volcano into the castle he called home. Walking through the surprisingly luxurious foyer, past all the guards, he entered the Great Hall, where Kamek and Kammy were hunched over a chessboard.
"Hmm..."
"Where to move...aha!" Kammy moved a rook to a space, and smirked. "Any move you make from now on will cost you the game."
"AAH!" Kamek pounded the table in all his fury. "That's the 300th time this week!"
"300th what this week?" Bowser asked, stepping up to the two feuding magicians.
"Ah! Your Smasheriness!" the old Koopa witch replied. "What brings you back from the Island?"
"We have a problem." Bowser replied. "You watch the news earlier?"
"Yeah." Kamek replied. "Aliens from another world have invaded the Island and are threatening the existence of the Nintendian race. I think it's a hoax, though."
"Hoax or not, if they take over, there's going to be some villainy shit going down." Bowser nodded. "I want to call in the coalition, Kammy. Show those aliens what happens when they try to do your job for you."
"That's the spirit, sir!" Kammy Koopa replied. "What shall we do, your Angriness?"
"Take 'em down!" Bowser growled. "Got anything good?"
"We hijacked a cargo ship full of military-grade weapons." Smirking, Kamek reached into the folds of his crimson cloak and pulled out a M16 assault rifle. "These military weapons are so cool...there are guns, grenades, electromagnetic pulse grenades...damn, these things can flatten an army with this shit."
"Sweet." Bowser smirked, pointing to the M16. "Gather the troops and arm them to the teeth with those. We're going to war."
"Yes, your Warlordiness!" Kammy replied.
* * *
**The Smash Mansion, Smash Island**
As the denizens of the Island continued to panic, incite riots, and in some cases cheer for the aliens, a certain red-haired Seraph was scrambling around the Mansion, gathering various items from different rooms in the manor and gathering them in the lounge. Once the task was done, he pulled out a wire and bent it in various places, forming a temporary antenna. Sighing and grumbling to himself, he pulled out a pair of headphones and plugged them into the Mansion's ridiculously large radio before turning it on. Working by candlelight, the Seraph twisted the dial in various degrees before getting a few garbled messages.
"_This is the Smash Island Emergency Broadcast System. Aliens have landed..._" Grumbling, the Seraph turned the dial once more. "_...are pouring into the streets, and swordsmanship classes are cancelled everywhere._"
"What!" the Seraph growled. "Swordsmanship classes cancelled? That tears it!"
"Umm...Uncle Kratos?" Turning, Kratos whirled around and saw his niece, Cecilia, standing in the doorway with a candle in hand. With eyes of fearful curiosity, she asked, "What's going on?"
"It's personal, Cecilia." Kratos growled, making his way to a closet. Yanking on a box, he dredged a military helmet from it, along with a camouflage bulletproof vest.
"Oh, no..." Cecilia whined. "Uncle Kratos...please..."
"They don't know I've been waiting for them, Cecilia. Ever since the Grand Tethe'alla Bridge...and this time, I'm ready!" Fishing car keys out of the box, Kratos shoved the box back into place and strutted determinedly to the garage.
"But, Kratos..." Cecilia worried. "Can't you just stay here and enjoy the candlelight?"
"I'm sorry, Cecilia..." Kratos called with a soothing voice. "But as long as there's a war going on, I can't help but be directly involved in some way, alright? Stay with your friend Marth, alright? And promise me not to open the door for any blasted aliens."
"Okay..." Cecilia blushed slightly. If there was one thing Kratos knew, it was how much she loved Marth.
As she walked back toward the cafeteria, Kratos made his way into the garage, blanketed in a thick layer of darkness and seeped with the smell of soot and gasoline. Throwing the light into the darkest corners, he finally found something he wanted: a vehicle covered in a sheet. Throwing it off, it turned out to be a large camouflage color Humvee. Smirking, he fingered some paint and put in on his face for camouflage. "You and me have had this date for a long time, baby." Putting the key into the ignition, the Humvee roared into life as it reared up and smote the great oak door covering the garage, freeing it from its concrete prison as a shower of splinters spread into the front yard.
* * *
**The KourTrajme Chateau, a Cliff Overlooking the Fooji Mountains**
The trees of the large forest masked most of the moonlight and left white patches of ground in between the winding forest path up to the large chateau overlooking the tranquil Fooji Mountains. And traversing the path was a young teenage woman, her piercing blue eyes making out the treacherous wooded path before reaching her destination: the chateau on top of the cliff. A rough, unshaven guard barred the way into the chateau, and grunted when the young woman approached. "Halt! Who goes there?"
"It's me, you dummy." The woman replied coldly. "The password is...mumble...mutter."
"Pass boss." The guard replied upon confirmation. "The rest are waiting inside."
"Thank goodness." She replied, walking into the main hall of the chateau. There was a medieval magnificence about it; it suggested a baronial hall of feudal times with its oaken panels, its high ceiling, its vast refectory tables where two score men could sit down to eat or congregate. Sighing to herself, she stripped off her cloak to reveal a beautiful girl with gray-slate skin, intricate navy markings on her arms, legs and belly. She was clad in a white halter top, a blue skirt with a long slit on its side up to her waist, and brown hiking shoes. Brushing some of her raven locks out of her eyes, she wondered aloud, "What the hell does Maxwell want to talk with us about now?"
"I don't know, Celsius; I was hoping you'd tell me." Whirling around, Celsius shot several icicles at her target, but he calmly raised his arm and the icicles melted instantly. Smirking, he replied, "That's not going to work, you know."
"Efreet..." Celsius growled under her breath. The being named Efreet was like a large demon: small head, large torso, no legs, and there were demon eyes on his crimson skin. Grumbling to herself, Celsius muttered, "What do you want?"
"Really, is that any way to greet an old friend?" Efreet replied, bitterly sarcastic.
"Just leave me alone." Celsius replied as she made her way to a large conference room in the center of the chateau. Seated at the head of the table was an old man in rich purple robes, holding a staff and a book in either hand. Scattered around the table were other...beings of the sort. "What's the big idea, Maxwell? Calling us out here in the middle of the night? It better be good..."
"Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning..." someone snidely replied. The voice belonged to a large mole with what seemed to be a large red ribbon on his head. He also had a large shovel by his side.
"Gnome, please! Now's not the time!" Celsius snapped.
"Well, sorry!"
"Calm down." Maxwell replied. "I've gathered you all here because—" He stopped short when he noticed that three of the chairs were empty. "Wait...where are the Sylph?"
"The...Sylph?" Gnome asked, whirling his head around. "Hey, they're gone!"
"We already know that." Celsius said sourly. "And only a sapskull like you would take ten minutes to notice that."
"Hush, nigga!" Gnome retorted as Celsius fumed.
"We can't start the meeting if they're not here." Maxwell replied, folding his hands and placing them on the table. Suddenly, two teenage girls burst from a nearby hallway and stumbled up to Maxwell, both panting heavily and sweat running down their faces. One of the girls had teal-green hair and blue eyes, and wore a skin-tight green bodysuit with several intricate designs on it, along with blue gloves and boots, and an amethyst necklace around her neck. She also had three pairs of eagle's wings protruding from her back. The other girl had flowing, lavender hair and purple eyes, wore a skin-tight bodysuit similar to the first girl's, except it was a slate color with purple designs on it. She also wore blue gloves and boots, had a bright blue ribbon in her hair, and had butterfly wings protruding from her back. When they rushed in, Maxwell asked, "Sephie! Yutis! Where have you two been?"
"We can't find Fairess anywhere!" Sephie, the girl in green gasped.
"You haven't seen her, have you?" Yutis, the girl in purple, added.
"No, why?"
"She's missing!"
"WHAT!" several of the beings spat out.
"Now, come on." Gnome smirked. "It's normal for her to be gone 2, 3 hours at a time! How do you know she's missing?"
"She hasn't come back since yesterday." Sephie answered.
"...okay, she's missing."
* * *
**Lake Ponce De Leon, Nelson's Landing**
"Wow! This place is beautiful!" a teenage girl replied, flying over the Smash Island. She had brilliant pink hair and pink eyes, wore a lime-green bodysuit and orange boots and gloves, had a beret perched on her head, and had large flower petals protruding out of her back that she used as wings. Squealing happily, she wondered, "I wonder what it's like up close..."
Meanwhile, on the ground, several soldiers were monitoring the skies from the rooftops of various shops and from the skyscrapers near the historic districts of the French Quarter and New Orleans; part of the city of Nelson's Landing. From their perch on the Ponce De Leon Bridge, once known as the Pontchartrain, a soldier cried out, "Hey! We got something!"
"What is it?" his commanding officer replied.
"I don't know..."
"That doesn't sound good..." a third soldier replied.
"Well, whatever it is, Garrison's orders were to shoot anything and everything out there." The CO replied. "Open fire! I repeat, _open fire!_"
"What in the world...?" the young girl asked as she flew closer to the bridge. A gunshot rang out, and suddenly the girl felt a rush of pain shoot into her wing as the iron round pierced her wing. "AAUGH! What the?"
"Keep firing!" the CO commanded. "Give it no quarter!"
"EEK!" the girl screamed, avoiding several shots that came close to tearing apart her already wounded wing. Chanting to the air around her, she produced a giant shield that ricocheted the bullets speeding towards her. Her strength giving out, she let herself fall onto a rooftop below, her body bouncing off the roof as she landed hard on the stone.
"Yes!" the soldier cheered.
"Not just yet. Find the point of impact and capture whatever that was!" the CO commanded. "Bring it here to me!"
"Yes sir!" Climbing into the jeep, the soldiers sped dangerously through the debris-gutted streets as panicking trick-or-treaters ran by them, screaming and running each other down. When the soldiers reached the impact site; a local pizza parlor, they broke down the door and rushed up the stairs, despite the owner's yelling out strings of Italian curses directed at the troops. Breaking down the door, they scanned the site. "There's nothing here!"
"No, there was something here." A soldier replied, pointing to a pool of blood on the roof. "But it disappeared."
"Where did it go, then?" the soldier asked.
Meanwhile, the girl in question had managed to stagger off the rooftop clutching her bloody wing and sneak off the fire escape, before jumping off the metal catwalks and onto the alley below. Running away from her pursuers, only one thought ran through her mind:
"_Sephie? Yutis? Where are you? Please help me..._"
* * *
Link: My goodness...
Yep. We got some covert shit from Magvel, war plans from Bowser, Kratos' vow to eradicate the aliens, and a fellow Sylph being shot from the sky by the Smash Island's militia. What else could we ask for?
Pichu: Something.
STOW IT! Anyway, read and review, okay? Don't make me try and delete this again...
Gamer21
7. Making Contact
Link: Where's the author?
Zelda: Don't tell me he got sick again...or is plotting to delete this again...
(Walks in with several ice cream cakes)...?
Pichu: Hey, author dude! Did you get sick again? Or did you try something?
Eliwood: I thought it was Gamer21, not "author dude."
NN1: (pulls out telescope) Where did he go...?
AHEM!
NN1, Eliwood, Link, Zelda and Pichu: (screams)
Dudes and dudettes, calm down! I just got out of a meeting with RoyalFanatic. (Holds up packages) She gave me several ice cream cakes for the road. Now which one's the chocolate turtle...?
NN1, Eliwood, Link, Zelda and Pichu: MINE! (Grabs at bag of cakes just as I pull out a chocolate turtle ice cream cake)
O.O Holy-! ...anyway, I just got off the phone with RF, and she's very excited. So no screw ups!
Link: GET YO HANDS OFF MY CAKE!
They're not listening..._oy, gevalt...
* * *
_
"_She's scared that I will take her away from there._
_Dreams that her country left with no one there;_
_Mesmerize the simple minded!_
_Propaganda leaves us blinded..._" –Hypnotize, System of a Down
* * *
_**Chapter 6: Making Contact**_
**The Chancellor's Hotel, Chancellorsville**
Several people milled about the modest lobby of the hotel as the owner, a bald man with a thick handlebar mustache, watched over his hotel with sleepy gray eyes. The hotel was pretty clean: a polished oak floor, chairs and benches at various parts of the room, stairs up to the rooms, potted plants in the corners, and a green and red rug in front of the entrance. The people had become tense from the newscast two hours ago (it started at eight in the evening, remember, so it's ten o'clock now), and many people were gossiping amongst themselves as the minutes ticked slowly away. The man sighed as he fingered an envelope he had received from two days ago, staring cryptically at the seal engraved onto the front.
He was snapped out of his daydream by a young man's voice. "Ahem...are you the owner?"
"Yes, I am?"
"Good." As the young man stood at the check-in desk, his female companion sitting groggily at a chair, he asked, "How much would it be for a room and a meal for two?"
"Well, young fella, for a room and a two-person meal, it will be $125." For some reason, the young man seemed familiar to the hotel owner, but he couldn't put his finger on it...
"Will this do?" The young man fished 50 gold coins out of his satchel.
"That will do nicely, sir." The owner gestured to a room upstairs. "Number 17. Your meal will come up shortly."
"Thanks." The young man made his way up to the room, his groggy female companion following him. Opening the door and without thinking, he collapsed onto the only bed in the room, and fell asleep instantly.
Meanwhile, the owner finally figured out what was troubling him. Searching through his desk, he dredged a picture from a drawer in his desk of that same young man, the one he received with the mysterious sealed envelope two days ago. Flipping it over, there was a single sentence scrawled on it:
_If you see this man, give the included envelope to him the first chance you see him.
* * *
_
**Room 17, The Chancellor's Hotel**
"_Room service!_"
Groaning, the young man slowly awoke to find that something was weighing him down. Trying to see what it was, he nearly jumped. His companion had also gotten into bed without a second thought, and she had wrapped her arms around his torso and was uncomfortably close, her head resting in-between his shoulder blades. Trying not to wake her up, he carefully wormed his way out of bed and opened the door.
"The food you requested, sir?" the waiter asked with an air of indifference.
"Yes, that's mine. Thanks." Closing the door, the young man was a bit surprised to see a large beige envelope with his meal. He would have shrugged it off had he not noticed the seal of Renais engraved into the front. Curious, he pulled out a dagger and tore the envelope open:
_Colm,_
_If you are reading this note, then I would assume you have made it safely to the Smash Island. That's good. Anyway, I want you to go to the Forest Falls Pawn Shop on the eastern end of the city, near where the coast borders two bodies of water: Gulf Herringway and the Pemberton Channel. When the owner sees you, he will ask, "Is the baked Alaska ready." Reply, "Yes, it will be right on time." Once you've said that, you will receive your next set of instructions._
_Do this for me, and I will let you come home, okay? Thank you again for undertaking this task for me._
_Eirika, Queen of Renais_
_P.S. Neimi is with you, correct? Be sure to take care of her._
"Eirika..." Colm shook his head as a map of the city fell out of the envelope. After skimming it, he quietly stepped over to the bed and shook the magenta-haired archer awake. "Neimi? Wake up...wake up!"
"Mmm..." Neimi yawned. "What is it?"
"Food's here." A little ways into their meal, Colm felt compelled to ask the young archer. "Neimi, why were you sleeping almost on top of me? I woke up and you were squeezing me like a pillow."
Neimi just stared down at her plate, turned a dull red and sheepishly apologized. "I...I don't know...I have no idea. I'm...err...sorry..." Giving up, she returned to her food.
"...There's a letter from Eirika." Colm replied, changing the subject as he held out the map and letter. "She wants us to go somewhere; do a little investigating."
"Oh...okay." Neimi replied simply.
* * *
**The Forest Falls Pawn Shop, Chancellorsville**
Keeping alert for cars and stray leaves, they headed out into the cobblestone streets into the tree-laden city. Making it safely through the streets of the nature city, Colm pushed open the pawn shop door and strode inside, Neimi following closely behind. Ahead of them was the pawn shop owner's desk, to their right was a row of jewelry cases, and to the left was a pile of various objects, like televisions, lawn movers, and old guitars. Stepping up to the pawn shop owner, Colm greeted him. "Hey."
"Ah, good evening." The shop owner said slowly. He asked a familiar question: "Is the baked Alaska ready?"
Colm panicked for a second and wished he hadn't thrown out the letter in the lobby. Remembering what to say, he stammered, "Y-y-yes. It will be r-r-right on time."
He waited as the shop owner strolled into the back of the store. Several minutes later, the owner came back with a bright blue box with Renais' seal on it. "Here you go."
"Thanks..." Colm replied. "What is it?"
"Don't know." With that unhelpful answer, he and Neimi stepped out of the shop and into a nearby park, where Colm opened the box. Inside it was an IPod. "What's this?"
Neimi shrugged. "Can we turn it on?"
"I think so..." Staring at the two earphones dangling off the MP3 player, he experimented until he discovered that it fit inside his ear. Motioning for Neimi to do the same, Colm pressed various buttons until it turned on, and then pressed more buttons until he and Neimi heard a message.
"_Hello, Colm and Neimi._" Eirika's voice rang out from the IPod. "_I have some information about the Smash Island. Apparently, something weird is going on tonight. I want you to investigate, gather Intel, and find out what it is. Perhaps the BTV station is a good place to start._" With that, the message ended and the sound of silence crept into Colm and Neimi's ears once more.
"BTV station?" Neimi asked, removing the earpiece. "Where's that?"
"It's right here on the map." Colm replied, pointing to a square that seemed to be on a place overlooking the city. "But I wonder what in the world's going on...it doesn't sound good."
"We'll never find out unless we investigate, right?" Neimi suggested.
"Yeah, you're right. Time to pay these people a house call."
* * *
**Television B TV Station, Chancellorsville**
Colm and Neimi had snuck into the bushes nearby and crept up to them. They were careful; they were close enough to hear them, but a casual glance would have spotted a careless shadow on the ground. From here, they could hear all the conversations between the aides and the others around them. Their ears perked up to one particularly interesting conversation...
"Ah, Joseph." Jonathan Reed replied as the narcissistic general strolled up to him, various aides loading TV equipment into the nearby trucks. "You must be wondering why I called you here tonight."
"No shit, Sherlock." Joseph Salazar replied. "What's going on?"
Jonathan's voice took on a nasty corrosive tone. "What the hell happened in the Grand Metropolis earlier?"
"What?"
"CLEAN THE WAX OUT OF YOUR GODDAMN EARS, JOSEPH!" Jonathan yelled forcefully into Joseph's ears. "What the hell happened in the Grand Metropolis earlier? Your troops are busy playing World War Three up there, and no one even bothers to tell me?"
"Hey, don't blame me for this shit, Jonathan." Joseph growled. "Johnson's the one who started this."
"Well, he's dead, isn't he?" Jonathan remarked snidely.
"I'm warning you once, Jonathan: don't shit in my lawn." Joseph growled dangerously. "I, at least, wanted to wait until I had all the facts."
"And when was that going to be, Joseph? Christmas?"
"Look, our Intel indicates that these aliens may be the same assailants that attempted to attack the Smash Mansion two hours earlier; the very same ones your aide filmed." Joseph reported. "I believe that these aliens—maybe your aliens... suddenly, they're planning an attack on the Scarborough Hall in Nelson's Landing, the seat of our government. Imminently." Joseph emphasized the last word with his hands.
"An attack? What the hell are you guys doing?" Jonathan vexed. "I'm here to film the aliens, but I sure as hell don't want to be making a monument to some tyrannical alien king!" His voice took on a threatening tone to it as he continued. "No more screwing around, Joseph. You said you'd handle it; so handle it!"
"Yes, Jonathan." Joseph replied. "I'll take care of it." Meanwhile, Colm had spotted the fact that several soldiers had left on a break, and he seized that moment.
"Are you ready?" he asked Neimi, who was shaking with nervousness.
"Yes." she replied, her nervousness detected behind her sweet voice.
"All right." As he bent down towards a particular bush near the back, he spoke heavily, "Stick close behind me, Neimi. I'll take care of the guards." The sound of leaves shuffling against fabric was heard as they sneaked into the television station.
"But… what if we're caught… or shot?" Neimi shivered.
"Don't worry," he assured, briefly standing to meet her levelly. "I'll make sure both of us stays alive, one way or another." With that, they sneaked into the storage room of the station, where camera equipment, various cables and film canisters were kept. Looking around, Colm's attentive turquoise eyes spotted an air duct that ran the length of the building. Using his daggers to break open the grate, he got down on his belly and began crawling through.
Neimi followed him through the duct on hands and knees as her quiver scraped on the metal above her. She cringed softly as her gloved palms scraped against the hard iron. She was uncertain in gathering Intel, but she trusted her childhood friend to get them through.
The duct led to an empty room where the aides edited the video feed from the cameras around the Island. Colm pushed the thin slab of metal out a couple centimeters and took a cautious look across the floor. His gaze caught the sight of the back of combat boots, immediately deducting that a male soldier stood right in front of him, unaware of his presence as he glanced around, bored out of his skull. Most of the aides were too busy attending to Jonathan Reed's demands, so he was the only scout needed at this hour. His half-asleep condition left him wide open.
Colm removed the metal grate quietly, gesturing Neimi to stay back as he slowly climbed up directly behind the guard, ready to strike.
And at that moment, the soldier felt a dry hand grasp his neck tightly. But before he could speak, a single snap was heard as the hand jerked to the side, and he collapsed forward, instantly dead.
Quickly searching his pockets, Colm dredged a piece of paper from the corpse's pants, flipping it over to read a cryptic message:
_The location is Mr. Reed's office. Don't forget it!_
"Well, well. What do we have here?" Colm replied, eyeing the paper warily.
"Reed's office?" Neimi quietly asked, reading it over Colm's shoulder. Spotting a map nearby, she traced their position and the location of the TV show host's office. "It looks like it's on the eighth floor.
"Right, then." Colm made a gesture to Neimi, and she swiftly followed him down the corridor.
The two slinked through the hallways and stairwells like shadows. The soldiers never thought twice before they were killed by the thief. Carefully worming his way through the station like a greased eel, Colm and Neimi finally stood in front of the door to Reed's office, overlooking the densely forested city of Chancellorsville.
Prying a lockpick from his satchel, Colm calmly inserted the pick into the lock and began wiggling it against the tumblers until a barely audible click was heard. Being careful not to be seen, he and Neimi quietly entered his office. It was a large room overlooking the city. In front of them was a desk with various papers on it, an abundance of awards and trophies crowded the right-most wall, and several bookshelves and non-working video cameras were lodged in the left. "All right, Neimi, find anything in here that might be useful."
"Sure thing, Colm. I'll look on the shelves; you search the desk." After what seemed to be several hours of searching, Neimi found a paper with a map of the Island on it, red arrows indicating attack targets and escape routes. "Colm! Found something!"
"Same here, too!" the thief answered, pulling out a notebook with various chemical formulas etched within its pages. "Eirika was right. These people are up to something."
"_What was that?_" Colm froze; the voice of a patrol guard was heard at least several feet away from the office door, and he motioned for Neimi to hide underneath the desk. Meanwhile, he hid behind the door...
The patrolman stepped warily into the office, gun drawn. He pointed it every which way into the office, but sighed as he found no one. "I must be hallucinating. There's no one..."
Suddenly, Colm smashed the door into his nose, and sent the soldier careening into the trophy wall next to him. As he smashed against the gold and silver awards on display, Neimi popped up from her hiding place and fired an arrow into his heart. The soldier staggered around and out of the room and collapsed against the wall, but he managed one last gasp and pulled the fire alarm before he gave out and died.
"Oh, no!" Neimi squeaked. "The alarm! I'm so sorry..." She began to weep again.
"It's not your fault, Neimi." Grabbing the papers and shoving them into the folds of his navy cloak, Colm grabbed Neimi's hand and said, "We got to get out of here!"
Meanwhile, the haunting echo of the alarm had reached the ears of Jonathan Reed and Joseph Salazar, both of whom turned to see the shadows of the thief and archer duck back into the building. Suddenly, in wild mistrust, aides and soldiers alike pulled out pistols and revolvers and pointed them to the other. Joseph dredged a Magnum from his holster and pointed it at Jonathan's mouth. Meanwhile, the _Alien Today_ host pulled a .9mm from his trench coat and pointed it at Joseph's forehead. "What's going on, my friend?" Reed asked sarcastically as his finger twitched, ready to fire.
"I don't know, Jonathan. You tell me!" Joseph hotly retorted. "You got a sniper up there, or what?"
"They're not with us, Joseph! Therefore they must be with you!"
"BULLSHIT!" Joseph yelled angrily. "You tell your men to stand down, Reed; otherwise I'll give you another hole to breathe out of! Are we clear?" After several tense moments between the aides and the military, Jonathan growled and pointed his .9mm at the ground.
"All right, they're not with you." Jonathan replied, motioning to his aides from them to drop their weapons. "Let's get them together, then."
"_Run!_" Colm screamed, taking off ahead of Neimi as they burst out the back door of the station and into the streets of the sleepy city. Gun pellets blasted rocks and pebbles around their feet. Cruel laughter came from the small group of soldiers led by Reed and Joseph several yards behind them. Neimi gawked in horror as her companion cried out in pain when a bullet pierced his left shoulder, dark blood draining from the hole in his cloak.
Then, a single bang rang out above all the rest, echoing across the cobblestone street. Neimi made the mistake of turning, and everything seemed to slow down as the bullet whizzed towards its intended target. Neimi's body rocked and a blank look of horror crossed her face as the pellet pierced her skin and lodged itself in her collarbone. She staggered somewhat, and Colm grunted in horror and rushed to her aid, kneeling beside her. Ignoring the pain in his shoulder, he caressed a hand against her pale face. "C...Colm..." she whispered as tears of fright rolled down her cheeks. "I...I'm so sorry..."
"No! Neimi, don't you dare die!" he nearly demanded, angry tears rolling down his cheeks. "You were so damn close! This was my fault! If I had eliminated that guard, maybe…!"
"Please don't blame yourself…" Neimi replied softly as blood oozed out of her shoulder. "Please...get out of here while you still can..." With her last bit of strength, she pushed Colm away into a nearby bush before she shut her eyes and collapsed onto the ground.
"We got one!" a burly voice hollered a few yards away. The fugitive stumbled to his feet, diving behind a thick shrub near a house. He peered through the thick foliage and witnessed as a group of soldiers kicked and poked the girl with their various weapons. A burly male laughed with wild abandon as he fired his machine gun rapidly into the heavens.
"Who the hell is this?" Jonathan Reed asked when he and Joseph caught up. "I thought there were two of them!"
"Who cares?" the soldier replied, pointing a gun at Neimi's head. "I'll finish this."
"Put down your weapon, Liebo. That's an order." Joseph replied with dark authority as he stooped next to the girl. Feeling for a pulse and finding one, he smiled and replied, "She'll live. Take her back to our Ground Zero base. I want to have some 'fun' with her before we plant a bullet into her skull."
"Joseph..." Jonathan growled warningly as they threw the unconscious Neimi into a military Jeep. "Are you sure about this?"
"Don't worry yourself, Reed. There are plenty of our patrols in this city. There's no way that fugitive will escape." Joseph replied, hopping into the driver's seat. "Jonathan...if anyone asks what happened, we don't know each other."
"I wish we didn't." Jonathan replied sourly as the Jeep drove off into the horizon. Several of his aides rushed up to him, but seeing as nothing else was wrong, he motioned for them to go back to the TV station and finish with everything else. Meanwhile, Colm watched them with angry eyes as they left with their prey, and then turned away in disgust. This sudden movement shot pain through his shoulder as if reminding him of his injury. Gingerly, he ripped off part of his cloak and tied it effortlessly around his shoulder as a makeshift bandage. Growling to himself, he escaped into the darkness, but without one last assertion:
"_Don't worry, Neimi...I'll rescue you if it's the last thing I do..._"
* * *
**Route 280, outside the city of Chancellorsville**
The hours began to take a toll on Commander Trent as his eyes began to droop, indicating his lack of sleep. A rattle came from the fronds of green behind him, but he didn't bother to look behind him as he knew it was only Captain Hanover.
"Slow night?"
"If you call stargazing exciting, then nah."
"Lucky you." Trent rolled his eyes; Hanover didn't have many brains to begin with. Hanover turned back to the freeway out of Chancellorsville. "Hey, whazzat?"
In the dark blue, a black dot bounced above the rocks in the west, their destination: Chancellorsville. Confused, Trent brought out his binoculars and gazed at whatever was coming this way, even though it was too dark to really tell. However, they weren't needed as a familiar blonde color shone through the dark. "It's Gaiden!"
Before they could leave, a spark of light flashed by them as a large explosion incinerated Trent and Hanover alive. The jeep they were in overturned and flew into a large mud pit and burned steadily before the goop sucked them in. Several minutes later, a jeep came into view, with Link, Zelda, Ness, Pichu, Fox and Luigi as its occupants.
"Jeez..." Fox replied, eyeing the wreckage. "They're not playing any more games with this, are they?"
"Doesn't look like it." Ness replied. He sighed, and then cursed himself. "If I hadn't done this, we wouldn't be in this situation!"
"Hey, it's alright." Pichu calmed. "If anything, it's my fault. I'm the one who thought up of this in the first place!"
"It's the fault of that idiot, Reed." Link answered. "If only he'd kept his nose in his own business..."
"It doesn't matter whose fault it is. We need to find our friends, and fast." Zelda told the others.
"They're-a not going to-a last long." Luigi agreed. "We should be focusing on-a finding them."
"You're right." Link replied, starting the jeep again. "Let's move."
They hadn't even driven halfway through the forest when Fox stopped them. "Hang on a sec, Link. Turn left here."
"What for?" Link asked.
"You'll see." Shrugging it off, Link turned left onto a desolate dirt road that wound through the foliage of the forest and deep into its core. After what seemed to be a long time, Link emerged from the overgrowth to behold a small meadow hidden deep inside the forest. In the exact center was a large pond filled with muddy water and lily pads; in the center of the lake was a medium sized house smack dab in the center, with cypress boardwalks winding up to the front door. Gawking at the house, Fox hopped out of the jeep and walked up to the door.
"Fox..." Link asked as he and the others followed the vulpine up to the door. "What is this?"
"Before the tournament began, General Pepper sent me here on a previous mission to investigate a crime syndicate involved in the assassination of the Cornerian president. This was a hidden outpost, and I took it up as a bachelor pad of sorts after they reorganized intelligence." Fox explained as he pulled out a key. After a few minutes, he turned the knob and pushed it in. "Take a seat."
The interior of the small base was modest; the floors and walls were made of wood. Maps and bookshelves lined the walls; there was a couch and some chairs in the center. In a separate room were a small kitchen and a desk where a laptop was being recharged. As Fox stepped into the room with the laptop, Link and the others settled themselves around the room, talking about their next course of action. "All right, how do you suggest we handle this?"
"Tell them?" Pichu asked.
"No-a way, Jose!" Luigi answered. "Last-a time you tried to do-a that, it-a nearly got-a you killed!"
"How about show-and-tell?"
"They'd probably shoot the others the first chance they get." Zelda replied. "Not something we'd like to achieve."
"Point taken." As Ness and Pichu continued pondering what they could do, Fox came back into the room with several printed pages and a map of the city.
"All right, I got something." Fox replied, spreading the map of Chancellorsville out upon the table. Pointing to a square on the map, he replied, "The TV station where the broadcast was transmitted to is right here, on this cliff. Now..." Fox made paths on the streets, three of them surrounding the TV station. "There are local patrols of a questionable kind that are guarding the station."
"Probably military patrols, then." Link put in.
"Maybe. Anyway, if we are to find information on the whereabouts of our friends, we should do our best to stay out of the patrols' sights." Fox added, "Avoidance is the best policy this time around."
"All right, then." Ness said. "Let's find some information."
* * *
**Television B TV Station, Chancellorsville**
As Jonathan Reed swept his gaze imperially over his aides, he was wondering what kind of trouble Joseph was getting into now. Sure, he had taken a young woman hostage and was going to do something...illegal, but what were his concerns? His job was to find the aliens and capture their awesome horror on tape. Yet...there was something about the turn of events that somehow didn't feel right at all. Shrugging it off, he continued to oversee his aides' progress on work.
Several minutes later, he was surprised to see a few teens walking up to him, one of them carrying a video camera. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
"Hello." One of the teens replied. "You are the host of _Alien Today_, right?"
"The one and only..." Reed answered. "Why?"
"We're some amateur filmmakers, and we want to find the aliens as well."
"Ahh...Forgive me, but up until a few minutes ago, we knew where the aliens were."
"Really?" a teenage girl asked. "You wouldn't happen to have remembered where they were, would you?"
"I'm sorry, but an idiot spy stole it." Reed answered.
"A spy?" the girl asked. "Who did they work for? The military?"
Jonathan's face paled for only a moment, but he regained his composure and coolly replied, "I believe it was an alien spy."
"You're sure it wasn't the military?"
"I'm sure, for chrissakes." Reed replied coldly. "Now go. I have a very important task to complete." Shooing them away, Jonathan just growled to himself and left, presumably getting something to drink.
Meanwhile, Link and Zelda had sneaked away from the TV station and met up with Fox and the others in a hidden alleyway. "What did you find out?" Pichu asked.
"Judging from his reaction, I'd say Reed was hiding something." Link replied. "Something worth finding."
"Our friends?"
"He said it was a map of sorts. Problem is, it was allegedly stolen." Zelda answered. "He says it was the aliens, but maybe he gave it to the military for some aid."
"Geez." Fox replied. "That's just great; we hit a dead end and no one knows what else we're supposed to do?"
"Cheer up-a, Fox." Luigi said optimistically. "Maybe someone else-a knows something."
"I should hope so..." Fox growled as they got out of their hiding place and began walking down the street to their jeep, parked at the end of the drive. Meanwhile, nearby, a certain blue-haired thief was going over what his options were for saving his old friend.
'_Geez, this is all my fault..._' Colm thought guiltily as he paced the sidewalk near the Smashers' jeep. '_How the hell am I supposed to fix this one?_' Pulling the military map out of his cloak and staring at it dismally, he added, '_I hope they're not doing something horrible to her...Neimi...why did I even accept this?_' Terrible, half-formed images of the torture the young archer might be suffering surfaced in his mind. Their very vagueness made it worse than what actual knowledge would have been. It wasn't until he saw something that he gained some form of hope. '_Whoa...I could exchange that for Neimi...hope it works!_' Smiling to himself, he took a position behind the streetlight...
"Man, this sucks!" Pichu complained as they walked over to their jeep. "We can't find a single shred of information that tells us where our friends are!"
"I know..." Zelda replied, who was traveling a little ahead of the others. Suddenly, a young man with blue hair accidentally bumped into her as he ran away from something, knocking both of them down. She screamed, "Hey, what the..." but realized it was only a citizen, not a sneak attack.
Picking himself off the ground, Colm helped Zelda up and gracefully apologized. "Oops. Beg your pardon." Immediately, he began walking southeast toward a nearby chapel, smiling to himself. That bracelet was worth a lot of money, and he could use it to pay for Neimi's freedom.
"Thank you for helping me up." Zelda thanked as he began walking away. "It would be nice if you gave me back my bracelet, though."
"WHAT?"
Suddenly, Colm was surrounded by Link and the others as Zelda walked up to the thief and asked politely, "May I have my bracelet back?"
"Heh heh...I don't know what you're talking about." Colm replied coolly. "I don't have it."
"Zelda, don't accuse others of something you don't know actually happened. We don't need another person on our case." Fox warned.
"It's okay, Fox." Zelda smiled. "I'm not a stereotypical blonde. After Colm and I collided, he helped me up and snatched the bracelet from my hand while I was getting to my feet. Then, as he said 'Beg pardon,' he slipped it into a hidden pocket on the inner lining of his cloak. Am I right?"
"..." Totally dumbfounded, Colm dredged the bracelet from his cloak and handed it to Zelda. However, unbeknownst to him, the military map fell out of his pocket, bounced on the stone, and rolled until it came to a stop in front of Pichu's feet. "You're quite observant, aren't you?"
"I have to be." Zelda smiled. "It's needed if you've gone through what I have."
"...hey, what's this?" Pichu asked, finally noticing the rolled paper at his feet.
"Oh, shit..." Colm gasped. Turning his pockets inside out, he finally noticed the map fell out of his cloak. "Hey, wait a second! I need that!"
"Fox, what's with these red arrows?" Pichu asked the vulpine as Colm spluttered in frustration.
"Red arrows?" Fox raised his eyebrows and snatched the paper from Pichu's hand, looking at the various items drawn and written onto the paper. His eyes widened visibly until they were small ovals. "What the heck? It's a military map of the Smash Island! Attack routes, targets, escape routes—everything!"
"Military map?" Link spluttered. Turning to Colm, he asked suspiciously, "What's a person like you doing with something like this?"
"Um, I can explain that..." Colm replied nervously, using his arms to form a sort of barrier against the Hylian.
"YOU BETTER!" Link yelled. "Geez, how are we going to find our friends? That stupid Reed with all those alien announcements..."
"Aliens?" Colm asked.
"Yes, aliens." Link growled.
Colm just stared at Link with a sort of shocked incredulity on his face. "Why are you interested in them? They're nothing but trouble; two people at that TV station were saying something about how they were going to attack something called the Scarborough Hall in Nelson's Landing."
"What?" Link asked. "An attack? That's impossible!"
"Really?" Colm replied skeptically. "And how do I know that you're not lying?"
"It's a long story..." Link began to explain in vivid detail what had happened earlier that night: the radio prank, the alien costumes, the media broadcast, the TV host, and he ended it with the most recent occurrence of how the military tried to eliminate them just an hour before. After Link's story, Colm thought about it carefully before giving the Hylian an understanding nod.
"I see...so that's what's been going on all night."
"Yes." Link nodded. "That's what's been happening all night."
"What I don't get is why they were saying the aliens would attack Nelson's Landing." Fox pondered. "What exactly were they trying to accomplish?"
"At this point, I have no idea." Link replied. Turning to the blue-haired thief, he replied, "Thank you for your help...um..."
"Colm. And you are?"
"Link." He introduced. As he and his friends began to leave, Link replied, "Thank you, Colm. We'll take this map with us."
"Not just yet." Before Link even noticed, the map was back in Colm's hand, being held in-between his index and middle fingers. Looking back at Colm and to his hand, he fumed. Scrutinizing the group of young people before him, Colm replied, "You're a victim of your own honesty. I wish to enlist your aid in something."
"Hold up." Fox objected. "We already have our own troubles. Don't make this any more difficult for us than it already is."
"Okay, then." Colm smirked. "Guess this map isn't as important to you as I thought."
"Kiss our asses, stupid thief!" Ness growled.
"Hmph." Colm's smirk became very wide, totally amused at their reactions. "You do realize that I'm the only one with even a sliver of information on your friends' whereabouts? I won't tell you shit if you turn this away. But if you help me, I will be able to lead you to where the military's stronghold is located in this city and I'll let you go back to this quest you're undertaking." Colm almost snickered as he finished telling them their choices. "So what's it going to be, Link? Will you go to the military's stronghold with me, or is 'Kiss our asses, stupid thief' your final answer?"
The Smashers all turned to the elf. There was a stiff, untrusting look on his face, ever reluctant to trust a thief for obvious reasons. Link's cobalt eyes met with Colm's orbs of turquoise, and though there was an air of intrigue about the young thief, there was something different behind them, a sensible mind that could distinguish right from wrong. Link had stared down many bandits and robbers before and saw the same thing within their dark pits- hatred, murder, and destruction- but this particular thief was different. Yes, he may have a cold, calculating mind, but in his eyes were despair and hope; as if someone he knew had been retched away from him. He was willing to do whatever it took to get this person back, and Link believed it. He was the only chance they had to rescue their friends, and now Link saw there was no reason not to trust him.
At last, he sighed deeply, standing tall, then nodded. "Alright, then. Get in the jeep, Colm."
"Thank you, Link. You will not regret this decision." Colm replied as the others hopped into the jeep.
* * *
**Five Minutes Later...**
"So, Colm, what exactly is going on?" Link asked. "Someone you know been taken hostage or something?"
"Wha? How did you know?" Colm asked suddenly.
"I can see it in your eyes, Colm. You're intelligent and cold, yet you can tell right from wrong." Link replied. "Your eyes gave it away earlier, back at the TV station."
Colm sighed as the jeep bounced along the cobblestone streets of the forest city. "I was sent here by my country to gather information. A friend of mine, Neimi, wanted to come along, so she did. But when we were gathering Intel at the TV station earlier, we were discovered and...they took Neimi after they shot something into her collarbone."
Zelda's eyes wandered as she scrutinized he thief and discovered the bloody shoulder. "Holy...! Your shoulder!"
"This?" Colm asked sarcastically. "It's merely a scratch."
"Scratch?" Link spat out incredulously. "That sure as hell doesn't look like one!" Fishing around in his satchel while at a red light, the Hylian pulled out a red potion and tossed it to Colm while Zelda removed the bullet from his shoulder. "Drink this. It'll make you feel better."
"Hmph..." Colm took the potion and began to gulp it down, only to spit out some of it. "Ugh! It tastes like shit!"
"What did you expect it to be, Kool-aid?" Link chuckled as Colm sipped at the potion. Driving through the city, Link asked, "So, what else can you tell us?"
"My friend was taken to a place called Ground Zero." Colm explained. "The way the young man commanded everyone and how he acted...I'd say he was military."
"Wait, Ground Zero?" Fox asked.
"Yeah." Colm answered.
"Fox, you wouldn't happen to know about that place, would you?" Ness asked suspiciously.
Fox explained, "Remember that story Master Hand told us, the Legend of Nintendo? When New York City was destroyed in that flood, a major part of Lower Manhattan survived the flood and was broken off from Long Island during the formation of Nintendo. The ruins are known as Ground Zero today, and are on the small island across the Pemberton Channel. It's accessible by a bridge in this city."
"So the kidnapper took your friend there." Link told Colm. "Didn't you also say he was military? Was he part of the Elite Five?"
"Don't know." Colm answered, this time a bit coldly. "Also, every patrol in the city answers for him. The guy practically controls everything in town"
"Great..." Link sarcastically replied. "Fox, you better ready that rocket launcher. We'll need to destroy the patrols in our way."
"Right." No sooner had he said that, a military patrol several miles away had spotted Link and the others and began firing raucously at their jeep. The pellets ricocheted off the metal and the glass as their jeep screeched to an unceremonious halt. In one fluid motion, Fox grabbed the rocket launcher from under the seat, took aim and fired, turning the military patrol into one white-hot fireball before it crashed into a hot-dog cart on the sidewalk. "Well, that was disappointing."
"..." Link just sighed as the engine turned over, driving toward the channel.
* * *
**The Pemberton Channel Bridge**
"Shit..." Link growled to himself as he hid the jeep in the nearby bushes. On the bridge itself were several military jeeps, all of them touting missile launchers attached to the back end of each jeep. Around it were several soldiers with AK-47s and some with grenades. Watching a hapless alien activist try and go up against them, the Smashers and Colm winced as the military riddled the poor man's body with bullets before collapsing in a pool of blood. Then, to make sure he was dead, one of the soldiers detonated a grenade in his mouth, sending body parts flying all over the intersection.
"Gross!" Ness gagged before turning around and vomiting in a nearby shrub.
"Aw, geez, don't start..." Fox groaned before Luigi threw up as well. "Guys!"
"...how the hell are we going to get past that roadblock?" Pichu asked. "They'd kill us at first sight!"
"There's something out there called a distraction." Colm told the mouse Pokèmon snidely. "Perhaps you should try and make one."
"Yeah, but how..." Link glanced around until he smelled something in the air. Gunpowder? It wasn't from the soldiers nearby, nor was it from his own revolver...it was of a different blend. Looking around, his eyes finally came to the source: a factory at least three blocks away that manufactured fireworks. Smiling, he hopped into the jeep and carefully drove it out of its hiding place.
"Where you going?" Colm suddenly asked.
"I'll be back. I'm going to try something..." Link replied. For several minutes after that, nothing seemed to happen as the soldiers milled about the bridge, talking, playing poker or raucously firing rounds into the air. The other Smashers were wondering what the hell Link was doing until an enormous BANG echoed through the channel. Looking around frantically, they found the nearby fireworks factory ablaze and watched as the bridge patrols raced over to put out the fire. They were too busy to see Link drive back near the bushes. "All right, hop in. That won't distract them for long."
"Right." As the jeep zoomed off for Ground Zero, only one thought ran through Colm's mind:
'_Neimi...please, just be all right when I get there..._'
* * *
"_We're stuck in a place so dark, you can hardly see._
_The manner of matter that splits with the words I breathe;_
_And as the rain drips acidic questions around me,_
_I block out the sight and the powers that be and duck away into the darkness. Time's up!_
_I wind up in a rusted world with eyes shut so tight that it blurs into the world of pretend,_
_And the eyes ease open, and it's dark again..._" FRGT/10, Linkin Park (Colm's Theme)
* * *
Yeah, kinda anti-climactic...
Link: So? At least you got a new chapter up!
Point taken. Anyway, read and review, please.
Gamer21
8. Vertigo
All right, I have reviews!
Link: Cool.
Zelda: No deletion, right?
NN1: YAY! (huggles me)
Ack! You're...crushing my spleen...
NN1: Oh, I'm sorry...WAAAAA!
(gasp) God...here's the story. Now excuse me while I find a first aid kit...ack...
Eliwood: I feel so sorry for you.
* * *
"_I drove in a car and flew in a plane;_
_To come to your house and kick your door in._
_Now it's down to this, it's just you and me;_
_I'll blow your fucking head off for my country!_
_I go to church and tithe;_
_I go to work in a suit and tie;_
_But this is war..._
_I'm really not sure why,_
_But the TV says that you are wrong._
_Now here we are..._
_My feet hurt from the sand;_
_But still I march on gun in hand._
'_Cause this is war..._" -This is War, Smile Empty Soul
* * *
_**Chapter 7: Vertigo**_
**The Ruins of the Empire State Building, Ground Zero**
In the northern parts of what used to be Lower Manhattan in New York City, concrete canyons, rotting flesh and rusted metal shaped the ruinous wasteland where a great bustling metropolis used to thrive. All that was left of the great city were concrete ruins and rusted cars and lamps throughout the city, and the wind whistled through the death and anguish of the great marshland once known as Central Park. The pale ivory moon bathed the haze of the decrepit ruins in a ghostly light.
And here, the massive structure once known as the Empire State Building graced the ebony heavens with its haunting searchlights. Dark silhouettes of soldiers stood rigid on the rooftop, weapons lying next to them as they looked over the twisted landscape. These soldiers were armed and ready with the following orders: shoot anything coming in or out that wasn't a fellow comrade. They were more than willing to oblige to these orders.
As myriads of soldiers patrolled the dark hallways of the crumbling skyscraper, a young woman found herself stirring slightly as she opened her bright magenta eyes, not knowing what to expect. When they opened, she immediately wished she hadn't. The walls around her were gutted, rotten drywall sticking out of the many holes peppered in the room. Binoculars and telescopes lay forgotten across the floor, gathering dirt and grime. The stench of death lingered in the room, and the many windows around her were totally demolished, letting in pale moonlight onto the floor of the chamber. Outside, guards were stationed on the decks surrounding the floor, and weren't going to move anytime soon. There was also a crashed plane in one of the walls, the cockpit torn apart by twisted steel and rust.
"Eep...what is this place?" the girl quivered slightly.
"Hmph. You're awake." A voice replied. The girl shot up in terror and tried to run until she fell over onto the floor. Turning around, she saw that her arms and legs were bound with twine and duct tape. "You're not leaving anytime soon, Neimi."
"W...what do you want?" Neimi squeaked, a few tears gathering in her eyes.
"Is that really any way to treat someone who saved your life?" Neimi looked shocked, and then glanced at herself before spotting a roll of ace bandage covering her collarbone, the bright red of her blood staining the cloth. "Sit down. I took the liberty of..."
"P...please don't kill me..." Neimi pleaded, her tears welling down her cheeks.
"We will see if you die or not, depending on if you're willing to cooperate..." the young man smiled devilishly, walking over to the young archer and running a hand down her thigh. Neimi quivered and shook nervously as his hand ran down her leg. Before he began touching parts of her he shouldn't have, however, a commander burst into the room, completely out of breath. "Do you mind?" the young man growled angrily.
"Forgive me, Joseph, sir!" the commander replied.
"You'd better be damn right you're sorry!" Joseph Salazar growled as Neimi looked on with interest. "What the devil is so important you have to burst in here like a man on fire?"
"Sir! We have reports of a young man and several others coming to our base, sir!"
"C...Colm?" Neimi whispered hopefully, although it was loud enough for Joseph to hear.
"Fortify the tunnels leading into the base." Joseph growled. "Make sure the situation is taken care of."
"Yes sir!"
"Good; don't make me have to take care of you." As the soldier left, Joseph followed him out of the room, but warned Neimi, "If you try to escape, my men will riddle your beauteous body with bullets. Don't make it have to come to that."
As the door closed behind him, Neimi sat on the floor of the ruined building, thinking of only one thing at the time:
'_Please, Colm...I hope you're okay...for my sake._'
* * *
**The Mine Shaft Entrance, the Chancellorsville Cliffside**
As the jeep squealed to a stop in a nearby thicket, Link, Zelda, Fox, Ness, Pichu, Luigi and their new comrade Colm cautiously stepped out and ducked into the bushes as they stealthily tiptoed over to the entrance. Looking at the elevator, they saw two soldiers sitting at some crates next to the elevator, their faces drowsy and frustrated. Watching the two swig at a half-full bottle of scotch, Link warned the assembly, "Stay back."
"Do you think we're some kind of idiots as to make noise?" Colm acidly growled.
"We're coming with you, Link." Zelda added. "We won't be a burden. Haven't we already shown that?"
"All right..." Link answered.
"But what about the guards?" Pichu asked.
Smiling, Link pulled out his trusty revolver, rolled the barrel to match the two knockout darts, and stepped out of the bushes in full view of the guards. The two stood no chance as they fell over like...um...drunken men, the small green darts poking out of their necks. "I don't think they'll mind."
"Geez..." Ness said as all seven boarded the elevator up into the mineshafts.
Upon entrance, the teenagers cautiously tread into the crumbling mineshafts, pebbles and wood splinters crunching under their feet. As dirt lazily drifted to the floor, the CLUNK of the guards' boots became evident as they crept farther into the mine. Hiding behind an abandoned mine cart, Fox whispered, "What now?"
"Leave this to me." Colm answered. Before he could be stopped, the thief had crept out of his hiding place and over to the next hall, where he stealthily plunged his dagger into the guard's neck. Hiding his body in the hallway, Colm motioned for the others to follow him as he took out three more guards in the same manner. Making sure there weren't anymore guards, Colm called, "They're all gone now."
"Whoa..." Zelda squeaked as they passed the corpses. "What did you do to them?"
"Heh. All I did was plunge a dagger into the backs of their necks." Colm answered.
"Gee, that sounds **so **much better..." Pichu replied sarcastically before throwing up in the mine shaft.
"Oh, no-a, not again..." Luigi grumbled as he followed suit.
"Great..." Colm sighed, staring at the puddles of vomit in disgust.
A little ways into the mineshafts, and after a few soldiers, the Smashers had crept through the halls and out into the main hub room of the mine. To the left was a lookout point for snipers to take out intruders at the edge of the cliff. Wondering why they weren't shot at earlier, Link discovered that the soldiers were on break. Ahead of them was another mineshaft that spiraled up the cliffside, and to the right was an elevator up to Ground Zero. Pushing the button and not getting anything, Link told the group, "The elevator's out of order."
"Wha?" Zelda blurted out. "Why?"
"I think this is the answer." Fox replied, pulling the end of a rope that draped over the elevator. "The cut on this rope is too clean."
"So-a someone cut the-a rope so we couldn't-a get up there?" Luigi asked.
"Exactly." Link replied. "But the soldiers are getting here somehow. So either they were already here, or there's another elevator somewhere in this labyrinth of a mine."
"Great..." Colm replied. "Help me find it."
Having no other directions, Link just shrugged and began to continue through the winding mineshafts, the other Smashers following close behind.
* * *
**The Empire State Building, Ground Zero**
"Oh ho ho ho ho!" Joseph chuckled as he and Liebo stepped into the observation deck, where he was holding the magenta-haired archer. "Well, what does the lady archer want now?"
"..." Neimi gave him a bit of a cold stare.
"...why do you meet me with an icy gaze this eve?"
"Um...maybe because you shot me, hogtied me and am forcing me to listen to your bad accent?" Neimi offered with a bit of Colm's sarcasm. Blinking afterwards, she thought to herself. '_I sound like Colm...oh my. Tee hee..._'
"Ooh, such words make my ego burn with embarrassment!" Joseph growled indignantly. "How dares you!"
"She dares because she knows it to be true." Liebo, his subordinate, offered unhelpfully.
Joseph's eyes narrowed and turned to face his subordinate, who shrinked back in fear. "If I want your opinion, I'll ask for it!"
"Yessir." Liebo replied nervously as Neimi giggled. Naturally, this seemed to lighten Joseph's mood.
"Ah, such a melodic laugh brightens my day! I can die happy."
"...may I go now?" Neimi asked.
"WHAT!" Joseph turned to the archer in a crazed romance that freaked out even the most seasoned asylum workers. "I would love to let you go, but you are a liability! Peh, the only way you would leave is in a body bag, my dear." He stooped down to meet the girl at eye level, stroking her cheek. He then replied in a corrosive tone, "My dear, you should give up being rescued. Your friend's forgotten about you, and there's no one who cares."
"What? Colm wouldn't leave me here...would he?" Neimi asked uneasily, tears forming in her eyes.
"I would not be surprised." Joseph replied. "You've probably caused him so much trouble that he's left you here to rot! Ha ha!"
"No...no...Colm wouldn't...but I always am such trouble...Even then...Colm...he wouldn't...WAAAAAAAH!" Before anyone could stop her, Neimi began bawling uncontrollably, the tears flowing down her cheeks and staining her clothes. Joseph and Liebo, after the first few seconds of noise, immediately began yelling obscenities at each other as the guards coughed nervously, amused at the goings-on behind them.
"What in the hell were you thinking, Joseph?" Liebo yelled. "Making an innocent girl cry should warrant the death penalty!"
"I'll 'death penalty' you if you don't shut up, Liebo!" Joseph shrieked, throwing his hands into the air in frustration. "How many times have **you** made an innocent girl cry?"
"That's beyond the point!" Liebo growled. "The point is you're going too ballistic over nothing! Let her alone, because not in this building will I let you do disparagement to her!"
"...what the hell are you talking about?" Joseph asked. Before he let Liebo answer the question, he finished, "Never mind. Just don't try me again, or I will crush you."
"..." As Neimi continued crying, Joseph got irritated to the point that he snatched up a sharp dagger of glass from the floor and advanced on her.
"SHUT UP!" Before anyone could stop him, Joseph swung his arm and struck Neimi on the shoulder, tearing into her flesh and making a deep cut in her skin. As blood dribbled to the floor, Neimi bit her lip to stop crying and ended up wailing a bit before hiccupping into silence.
"Ow...what did I do? I didn't hurt you..." Neimi growled, trying to bite back more sobs as her shoulder continued bleeding.
"...all you ever do is cry. That is reason enough." Joseph growled a bit more before swinging at her again. Neimi screamed expecting another blow, but Joseph instead tore apart her clothes with the glass shard until her undergarments were visible. "Oh ho ho ho! White lingerie? Yummy!"
"Eep! What are you doing?" Neimi squealed, using her hands to cover herself.
"...heh. That was fun." Joseph replied as he licked the blood off the glass shard. "Don't worry about it. I won't hurt you...much. Heh heh heh...Liebo! Come!" With that, Liebo begrudgingly followed the insane pervert as Neimi quietly sobbed to herself.
* * *
**The Mine Shafts, the Chancellorsville Cliffside**
"What in the hell is going on?" Colonel Magwitch growled to himself as he guarded a large radar jamming tower perched precariously on the edge of the cliff. "Where are these intruders Joseph is yelling about?"
His companion, Staff Sergeant Compeyson, just shrugged. "Dunno. All we can do is sit and wait."
"Whatever..." As the minutes ticked slowly by, sleep began to overtake the eyes of the two guards. The situation made Magwitch stroll over to the bags of flour perched next to a nearby box. Plopping himself down into them, he dropped his AK-47 next to him and fell fast asleep.
Meanwhile, Compeyson just shrugged and wandered around the radar jamming device, bored out of his mind. After what seemed to be several minutes, he pulled out a silver flask filled with scotch and began gulping it down to keep himself awake. Wiping some off his cheek, Compeyson stumbled around a bit like a drunken man until he tripped and fell face first onto Magwitch.
"Hey!" Magwitch protested, pushing the drunken dude off of him. "What the hell's your problem?"
"Um...hemi...hemo...mhelo...hilo...hemie...golbin...gloibn...goblin...hemigoblin!" Compeyson relayed drunkenly.
"Oh, god..." Magwitch growled. He proceeded to grab Compeyson by the collar of his shirt and slapped him silly. "SNAP OUTTA IT!"
"Ababyuuuhh?" Compeyson said.
"What?" Magwitch growled. "Speak English, dammit!"
_**BOOM!**_
Suddenly, the large BOOM echoed throughout the landscape, and both Magwitch and Compeyson whirled around to see the radar jamming tower ablaze. Before anyone else could put it out, though, the painful sound of metal grating metal squealed on that cliff as the radar on top melted from its perch and fell over the railing, sending it plummeting to the sea. As for the tower itself, it stayed on for a bit longer before it, too, was pitched over the cliff. Compeyson, after staring at the fiery spectacle, stumbled back into the cliff to hide. "AaaAAaaAAHhh! It'S (hic) ThE ApocaLYpSe!"
"HEY!" Magwitch yelled. "GET BACK HERE, YOU DRUNKEN BASTARD!"
Meanwhile, in the nearby mine shafts, Link sighed in relief knowing that the guards didn't find them. Fox, however, didn't sound very happy with Link's decision.
"For God's sake, Link! You could've woken up the dead with that shit!" Fox yelled.
"Hey, I drove away the guards, didn't I?" Link retorted.
"Will you shut up and move before we're spotted!" Colm growled, pointing to the passage to the next room. Grabbing a grappling hook from his satchel, he hurled the hook onto the top of the wall and climbed up to the top...
"HEY!" a soldier yelled. "Who the hell are yas?"
"Oh, shit..." Colm stuttered.
"GET 'IM, BOYS!" With war whoops and crazed determination, the guards grabbed their guns and thundered down the mineshaft, toting guns and bayonets. Colm, after one terrified look backward, jumped off the side and scrambled down to the floor, much to Link's surprise and amazement. Before he could ask what happened, Colm pushed Link into the mineshaft behind them and pushed them out of the way, just as several screams sounded from above. A moment later, the guards' bodies landed onto the floor with a sickening THUD, their necks broken from the fall.
Link just stared at the soldiers' bodies and just sighed in disbelief. "Geez, who are we letting protect this Island from our enemies?"
"A bunch of frickin' idiots, that's who," Ness replied with a crooked smile.
"I hear that." Colm snickered. "Come on; let's see what they were guarding."
"All-a right..." Luigi replied. Cautiously scaling the walls back up to the ledge Colm hurriedly jumped off from, they beheld a small mineshaft ahead of them leading up to a wooden room in the center of the cliff. Tables and chairs were scattered about, as well as a few empty bottles of scotch. What really mattered, though, was the fact that there was a bright magenta bow lying in the corner of the room, along with a light green quiver of arrows.
Colm rushed up to the forgotten items and nearly gagged. "These are Neimi's! She wouldn't be so careless as to leave them here!"
"We're getting closer, then." Link replied. "Perhaps the alternate entrance isn't as far away as I thought."
"Yeah..." Colm agreed. "Let's keep moving...for Neimi's sake."
* * *
**Meanwhile, back in Chancellorsville...**
"Go ahead, lad." An elderly man replied, gesturing to the abandoned lumber mill in front of him. "Take as much wood as you need."
"Whoa. Thank you for the lumber, my friend." A young man replied, noticing the stacks upon stacks of cypress wood stashed in the abandoned mill. The young man had tomato-colored hair, orange eyes and was clad in voluminous blue robes. Silently praying thanks to God before sighing deeply in content, he told the elderly man, "May God's blessings be upon you, sir."
"Thank you. Heh heh heh...maybe God will add a few years to my life, huh?" the elderly man replied.
"Yes...in faith he shall." As the elderly gentleman strolled off toward a small cottage nearby, the young man smiled at himself. Won't his people be surprised...
_FLASHBACK: Three Days Ago, October 29, 2005, 4:30 p.m._
"_Oh..." a nervous Eirika groaned as she paced back and forth across the throne room. Ephraim, Innes and Tana were gathered there as well, and all were debating over whether or not they should pull Colm out of the country. "This is just too much...how did Father handle this job, anyway? Oh..."_
"_If you keep that up, you're going to wear a hole in the linoleum..." Innes replied somewhat derogatorily._
"_Shut up, Innes!" Tana growled at her brother. "You're not going to help anyone that way!"_
"_She's right, you know. Being derogatory won't help solve this massive a problem." Ephraim added in Tana's defense._
"_Peh, you're just saying that because you like each other..."_
"_SHUT UP!" Ephraim and Tana yelled loudly at Innes as the both of them blushed furiously at his implication._
_Meanwhile, the young Queen had just sighed at their debate, which soon deteriorated into a shouting match among the three. Sighing deeply, she was wondering what she could do until the tomato-haired man ran up to the Princess, gasping and sighing. "Oh, Artur. What's gotten you into such frenzy?"_
"_Well, we need more food at the Za'ha Region. The supplies have been running low, and the people are getting restless..." Artur said in response. "I'm afraid that if we don't get more aid there soon, there's going to be more innocent bloodshed."_
"_I know, I know!" Eirika complained before collapsing into one of the thrones behind her. She put a hand to her forehead and sighed heavily. "But this is just too much...Father...if only you were here..."_
"_...I apologize for causing you anxiety, Eirika." Artur replied remorsefully. "Perhaps if I came back a later time, things will be..."_
"_No, no; it's okay, Artur." Eirika replied. "Forgive me for my actions. We'll send aid over right away."_
"_All right...don't tire yourself, though."_
_**The Za'ha Woods, Renais**_
_As supplies were distributed amongst the people in need of aid in the region, the young monk sighed as he continued to help with reconstruction. "This is impossible..." Artur whispered to himself. "And to think that Eirika's as stressed about this as I am..."_
"_Sir?" Artur turned to behold an elderly gentleman in his 60's, dressed in a plaid shirt and dirt-smeared overalls. "Are you in charge of the reconstruction effort?"_
"_Yes, I am?" Artur replied in surprise. He didn't expect the old man to be **that** direct. At any rate, he straightened himself out as the old man chuckled._
"_Don't worry, I won't bite." He laughed heartily. "Anyway, I feel that you've been so helpful to us...that I'd like to donate some timber for use in the rebuilding work. What do you say?"_
_Artur nearly gagged. "Say wha-! You're serious!"_
"_As serious as a heart attack."_
"_...okay, then..." Artur replied somewhat skeptically. "You're sure?"_
"_Yes." The elderly man replied. "Just come with me. I have a mill at my homeland, the Smash Island, which has all the wood you'll need in this lifetime. What do you say?"_
"_All right, I believe you." Artur replied. "Show me the way."_
_With that, the elderly man beckoned Artur into a modest fishing boat near the Frelian border. Smiling to himself, the boat pushed off from the docks and into the vast blue around them, all the while slowly making its way to the Smash Island._
_END FLASHBACK_
"Sigh..." As Artur rubbed his hands vigorously to keep warm, he happened to notice several military personnel march past the mill, all patrolling the city from the aliens. After one quick glance, Artur tactfully came up to one of the patrolmen and asked courteously, "Sir? What's with the added patrols?"
"It's for procedure, good sir." The soldier replied kindly. "There have been reports of aliens touching down on our home, and even though I think it's a bunch of bullshit, we're still out here, guarding the city and keeping an eye out for odd events tonight."
"I see..." Artur replied, nodding in emphasis. "But orders are orders, aren't they?"
"Yeah. Personally, I'd rather be at home with my family, sipping hot cocoa and watching football. But no, I had to be called out here to this frozen forest."
"Oh well. What can we do?" Artur shrugged. Noticing a soldier that seemed to be older and wiser, he strolled over to him, and after a few minutes of hushed negotiation, Artur came back to the soldier, beaming with pride. "I convinced your superior to let you have the rest of the night off. Go back to your family."
"Thanks!" With that, the soldier happily jumped into a Jeep and drove off, the constant hum of the engine fading away into the distance. Sighing to himself, Artur walked back into the mill, turning up the fireplace in the upper rooms before plopping down into a chair and staring out over the city, deeply meditating on religious truths.
* * *
**The Queens Midtown Tunnel, Ground Zero**
Emerging from the mineshaft, Link stumbled out and brushed dirt off his tunic. Next to follow were Zelda, Ness, Pichu, Fox, Luigi, and their comrade Colm. As he squinted to try and make out the tunnel layout, Link ended up having to blink several times as his eyes reacted to the sudden loss of light to find something in the inky darkness. When he spotted the tunnel's exit some forty-fifty feet away, Link asked Pichu, "Crap...we need some light in here. Pichu, can you use Spark?"
"No need." Colm coolly interrupted. Pulling a torch from the inner folds of his cloak, he set it ablaze and watched as the light flooded the tunnel, letting the troupe see where they were walking.
The Queens Midtown Tunnel had changed dramatically over the years, as what was once a bustling freeway transformed into a nightmarish concrete canyon. Walls degraded into piles of dust and mold, and many of the iron support bars rusted into scorched stalagmites of metal and ashen debris. Cars were overturned and littered about the tunnel, the smell of corrosion and death lingering throughout. Much of the road had sunken into the ground, leaving uneven cracks and holes in places where sidewalks and people possibly stood. A collective gasp echoed through the dead canyon.
"Holy shit...you're sure this is where they took Neimi?" Link asked Colm skeptically.
"I'm sure of it."
"I'm-a scared..." Luigi whimpered, hiding behind Fox.
"We...we're here..." Pichu and Ness added, hiding behind Luigi.
"...it's probably not **that **bad..." Oh, how the Hylian princess would eat those words, big time. Zelda screamed as she stepped on a sunken part of the road. It gave way underneath her feet and formed a large hole in which Zelda would have fallen into had Link not stepped in and caught her in time.
"Careful, folks." Colm replied somewhat snidely, cautiously taking a few steps forward. "This will get deadly in an instant."
* * *
"_Why you wanna tell me how to live my life? _
_Who are you to tell me if it's black or white? _
_Mama, can you hear me? Try to understand. _
_Is innocence the difference between a boy and a man? _
_My daddy lived the lie; it's just the price that he paid. _
_Sacrificed his life, just slavin' away..._" –Have A Nice Day, Bon Jovi (Joseph Salazar's Theme)
* * *
Link: So, what now?
Well, now I have to update _New Smasher on the Block _by Christmas! SEE YA!
Zelda: Hey! Wait! ...now what?
Eliwood: Read and review, I guess.
9. The Ruined Tower
WAAAAUGH!
Link: What's with you?
AAH! I'M SO SORRY!1111!
Zelda: Lack of updates, I presume?
Yep. Semester Finals! DAMN THEM TO HELL!
Pichu: ...
Anyway, here's my too-long-awaited chapter. Please don't kick my ass in your review...
* * *
"_Reverse psychology, failing miserably..._
It's so hard to be left all alone.
_Telling you is the only chance for me;_
_There's nothing left but to turn and face you._
_When I look into your eyes,_
_There's nothing there to see..._
_Nothing but my own mistakes_
_Staring back at me,_
_And asking why...?_" -P5hng Me Awy, Linkin Park (Neimi's theme)
* * *
_**Chapter 8: The Ruined Tower**_
**The Queens Midtown Tunnel, Ground Zero**
As the night slowly ticked on, with each and every second hanging upon the success of their next mission, the life of the young woman in Salazar's grasp hanging in the balance. Link and the others were creeping forward through the tunnel and, after what seemed to be a long time, finally made their way up to the tunnel entrance, where a troop of soldiers were gathered around a burning trash can in order to keep warm.
"All right, how do you say we do this?" Pichu asked the others.
"It's gotta be full stealth. Total silence. Covert ops." Colm whispered. "It may be dangerous, but there's a life hanging in the balance."
"Yes...we need to keep to the shadows." Ness agreed.
"What we need is a diversion." Link smiled, fishing a rocket launcher out of a nearby crate. "And I've got just the thing."
"Oh, crap!" Fox replied as his eyes widened to small ovals. He knew what Link was thinking, and he instantly covered his ears...
* * *
**The Ruins, Ground Zero**
"Man, are we ever going to get out of this place or what?" a soldier sighed, rubbing his hands together and holding them over the fire.
"Doesn't sound like it." Another replied, tossing in yellowed papers from a nearby ruin and throwing them into the metal barrel. The fire roared up back to life and blazed once more.
"Oh well...what can we do? Life's a bitch, and we are just its playthings." A third added, pulling out sandwiches, bags of chips and beers from a cooler. Passing them out, he sighed, "As long as we're here, we might as well get something to eat, huh?"
"Finally, someone who speaks my language!" the first replied, grabbing the sandwich from the third and digging his teeth into the soft white bread. "Mmph...man, thif if goodsh..."
"Dude, don't talk with your mouth full!" the second protested, taking a more 'civilized' approach at eating the sandwich. As the three sat down and ate. The Hylian pointed the muzzle of the rocket launcher towards a ruined gas station nearby. Oddly enough, though, he didn't pull the trigger...
"Geez, how much mess can you make?" the third replied as the first continued to devour the small dinner, drops of mayonnaise and chip crumbs falling to the ground near him.
"Sorry..." the first replied after a swig of beer. "But I needed that."
"You sure as hell got _that_ right..." the second replied, pulling a foil package from the cooler. "Dessert's on me, boys; I sneaked a few brownies from the fridge."
"Cool." Finishing off the brownies in silence, the three soldiers seemed to have lightened up about their mood and even enjoyed what was going on. Amazing what a meal can do, eh?
"Well, that was good." The first soldier smiled. "Nothing could possibly go wrong now!" Smiling to himself, the hidden Hylian pulled the trigger, and seconds later a large BOOM echoed through the city.
* * *
**The Empire State Building, Ground Zero**
"Well, well. If it isn't my lovely little slut." Joseph snickered insanely, holding Neimi by her chin and forcing her to look him in the eyes. Her eyes of magenta diluted in fear as he began making little kisses on her neck and used his finger to trace delicate patterns on her back.
"EEK!" Neimi squealed, kicking at Salazar. Without so much as a stutter, he pulled back and stopped the kick, grabbing her leg and dropping it to the ground. "Please...don't do this..." she sobbed slightly.
"Have you ever...felt a man?" Joseph laughed insanely as he began to unbuckle his belt. "I assure you, I won't hurt you...much..." Unbeknownst to the perverted general, though, his subordinate Randall Liebo was watching his every move and hating what his boss was doing. Trying to kill innocent people was bad enough, but dragging this girl, an innocent maiden, to some tower and raping her before murdering her? His teeth ground in anger as he pulled out a revolver with a sniper scope out of his leg holster, aiming at Joseph's head...
"Sob...how can you say that you love me...when you're trying to rape me?" Neimi growled through her tears.
"Meh, you're merely a liability. What I will do to you is merely that of fate. You can't escape it." Feeling enough was enough, Liebo got ready to pull the trigger on his boss...
_**BOOM!**_
"What the hell was that?" Joseph Salazar growled, buckling his belt and straightening himself before looking out over the city. Liebo quietly cursed to himself and slid the gun back into his holster before standing up and entering the chambers.
As Neimi turned to see what was happening, Joseph Salazar and Randall Liebo stared over the city towards the source of the BOOM in amazement. Ground Zero was in chaos. The gas station was ablaze and the military's soldiers were racing around trying to put out the fire. They were too shocked to understand what the hell was going on.
Suddenly, another soldier burst into the room, sweating and gasping from running up to their room. Upon reaching the observation deck, he ran up to the soldiers and reported, "SIR! WE ARE UNDER ATTACK, SIR!"
"Anyone with eyes can see that, you twit." Joseph replied acidly. Turning to the guards around them, he commanded, "Liebo! You hold the floor. Everyone else, follow me!" With that, Joseph and the other soldiers stampeded through the room and out the door, the messenger just staring out at the door.
"Not again..." the messenger gasped, looking at Neimi. "You don't know how good you have it, staying here..."
"Yeah, I'm **sure** I don't..." she replied acidly again, before frowning to herself. '_Oops...I think I've been hanging around Colm too much. Hee hee..._'
* * *
**The Queens Midtown Tunnel, Ground Zero**
"Well, that was a fantastic idea." Colm replied, voice dripping with sarcasm as the three soldiers scrambled to put out the fire. "What was that!"
Luigi seemed to share Colm's opinion. "Subtle-a, Link. **REAL** subtle."
"Hey, at least we don't have to worry about the other soldiers." Link smiled. "Let's move."
Scrambling to get out of eyeshot with the other soldiers, Link and the others ran out of their hiding place behind the boxes near the tunnel and sneaked over behind the crumbled ruins to an alley that lead straight to the tower where Neimi was being held.
"All right, now be careful!" Fox replied. "Don't wander off!"
"But why?" Luigi asked, poking his head into a building before walking in completely. His eyes fell onto a map of the vicinity, and he snatched it and shoved it into his pockets.
"Luigi!" Fox yelled. "Get out of there!"
"I'm-a almost...whoa!" The ruins around them began to rumble incessantly as an ominous crack roared into life, shattering the silence around them. After one terrified look upward, Luigi began dashing to the door as fast as his legs could carry him. But it was too late as plaster and rotten wood came down in large quantities onto the door, covering Luigi's only chance of escape. "AAH-A! I'M TRAPPED!"
"This is why I didn't want anyone to wander off..." Fox growled to himself as he kicked the nearby garbage can in frustration. Upon contact, the can evaporated into rust and sent garbage flying all over Fox's foot, making him even angrier. Shaking it off, Fox yelled into the building, "Luigi! You all right?"
"Never-a better..." Luigi replied dizzily, shaking dust and grime from his overalls. "Man, I-a just washed these..."
"Who cares if you washed those clothes!" Colm blurted out. "Now we gotta rescue **you** too!"
"It's-a dark!" Luigi panicked. "I-a want my mommy!"
"Oh, for the love of..." Fox grumbled, slapping his forehead. Turning to Link, he asked, "What'll we do now?"
"...Luigi, why the hell did you go in there in the first place?"
"I-a saw a map, and I-a thought..."
"A map?" Link interrupted Luigi mid-sentence. Pushing his way up to the stone-colored doorway, Link managed to find a space in which a piece of paper could bee squeezed through. "Luge! There's a gap in the door! Hand me the map from there!"
"All-a right..." The yellowed paper stuck out of the hole, and Link snatched it up with one hand while waving the others over with the other hand. His cobalt eyes gazed over the paper as he triangulated their position using the map. After a few minutes, he pulled out a marker and began tracing a possible route to the Ruined Tower.
"Can you all see that tower?" Link asked, gesturing toward the Empire State Building. After receiving a series of nods from the others, Link pulled out a green magic marker and bean tracing an alternate route for the Green Machine while the Hylian explained, "We'll take this route, up Broadway and through Fifth Avenue before reaching the entrance. Luigi can escape from the rooftops, jump down to Central Park and cut through the Plaza Hotel before following the street up to the tower."
"Good idea." Fox replied. "That particular route doesn't have any soldiers near it."
"All right." Link pulled out a headset with a by-ear communicator from his satchel, wrapped it around the map and carefully wedged in back through the wall to Luigi. "Luge! Put the headset on when you get it!"
Luigi, although a little claustrophobic, heeded Link's advice and placed the headset into his ear. Link's voice came through after a few cascades of static. "...kssssh..._uigi! Can you hear my voice?_"
"Loud-a and clear!" Luigi replied.
"_Good. Look at the map before you. Can you see the route in green I marked?_" Link asked the Green Machine through the headset. "_Follow that route to escape the building. We'll meet you at the tower!_"
"All-a right..." Luigi replied as he crawled under a pile of rubble and began his escape.
* * *
**Meanwhile, outside that ruin (which was named the Mean Streets Pub, coincidentally...)**
"Well, there he goes..." Colm replied. "Hope he doesn't get himself killed out there."
"..." Link sighed as he motioned for the others to follow him to the tower.
* * *
**The Empire State Building, Ground Zero**
The jeep bounced wildly through the rubble-strewn streets of New York as Joseph Salazar and his guards sped through the ruined city. Passing the once-great Times Square and Broadway, Joseph growled to himself as the wind blew a yellowed poster into his face. He tore it off in disgust and continued to speed single-mindedly toward the tunnel.
"S...sir!" One of his guards yelled above the engine's rumble. "Don't you think we...should slow down?"
The tires came to a sudden and unceremonious screech as the jeep squealed to a stop. Lifting his foot from the brake, Joseph growled threateningly, "Is there a problem, guard?"
"...no sir."
"Good." As the jeep started up again—slowly this time—the general ran a hand through his wavy brown curls as he scanned the landscape ahead of him. Yet every thought in that twisted mind of his turned back to the beautiful young archer he had tied up in the tower. His eyes flared up, and his mouth began to water. Such a beautiful, delicate creature ripe for the harvest... to hell with what was in her head; he just wanted what was in the young girl's skirt. His mouth curved into a hungry smile, no thanks to Liebo constantly being in that room with her and him having to hold back on his delicacy.
Then he gets word that an attack was instigated near the tunnel entrance.
Joseph was fed up with it. The second he found Neimi, he wouldn't care who was around. He'd gobble her up then and there, and walk away chuckling like he had done with so many other beautiful girls in his lifetime. But this time, he'd actually keep her around.
He was growing hungrier just thinking about it.
But, goddamn! Stubborn, air-headed, magenta-eyed Archer-Girl had to run away on them the exact hour he was going to eradicate the aliens of the land and personally deliver swift justice to their assailants, escaping with that man-whore of a thief she called a "friend" and botching his plans...and trying to make off with a delectable body still untasted. It had infuriated him to no end.
He was so caught up within his chamber of rage that he didn't even notice they were almost at the entrance until his guards warned him they were going to crash. At that, he swiftly hammered his foot onto the brake, and the jeep skidded to a complete, albeit sudden, stop.
As Joseph hopped out of the car, the soldiers near the vicinity were racing around every which way, pouring water and dousing the flame-ridden car. Grinding his teeth in disgust, he yelled, "WHERE ARE THEY?"
"SIR!" the soldiers saluted. "We were able to put out the car! And there are no reported casualties, sir!"
"That is good and all, but you have YET to answer my question." Joseph replied, somewhat aggravated. "Where are the intruders?"
"Er, well..." the soldier in charge stuttered considerably, "When we searched the nearby area, we didn't find anyone suspicious."
Meanwhile, during the conversation between the soldiers, a blur of green had stumbled out of a nearby ruin and was running down the garbage-ridden asphalt, taking great care to avoid the eyes of the nearby patrols. As he tripped and landed on a sharp rock on the ground, he felt like screaming in agony. Remembering his situation, he instead snapped his vision up, calculating running through his tired mind. If he could muster up the strength to pick himself up out of the hole, he could sprint back through the town and lose the soldiers in the marshy Central Park. It was an incredibly insane risk, but it was worth getting away.
"So what you're saying is that you didn't see ANYONE here?" Joseph had the soldier in charge repeat.
"Affirmative. There's no one here..."
"_Yeah, except for all of us..._" Joseph whispered to himself as he whacked his own forehead for not realizing it sooner. "THIS WASN'T AN ATTACK; IT WAS A DIVERSION!"
"WHAT!"
"Landon! Scan the landscape for any possible intruders!" Salazar yelled to the soldier in charge. "I'm going back to the tower!"
"Right." Landon replied.
"SIR! There's an intruder, RIGHT THERE!" a soldier yelled excitedly as he pointed to Luigi, who was lying dazedly in the pothole nearby.
"_LUIGI! Get out of there now!_" Link yelled, vexed, into the earpiece as Luigi struggled to pick himself up out of the hole.
"L...link!" Luigi had finally regained enough consciousness to remember what he was doing, and pulled himself out of the hole before fleeing to the tower. Unfortunately, Joseph had also noticed, and didn't think twice about shooting as a bullet whizzed by Luigi's ear. "Holy-a...!"
"AFTER HIM! DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY!" Joseph yelled as several soldiers aced after the Green Machine before the general himself followed suit. Luigi, after one terrified look backward, tore off part of his shirt, wrapped it around his knee to contain the bleeding, and sped off as fast as possible through the hellish concrete canyons of the city.
Coming to the brick wall that marked the entrance to Central Park, Luigi winced in pain and hopped the wall with some trouble as the wound tore open from the sudden rush in movement. After landing somewhat roughly onto the mulch-covered ground of the park, his legs became numb and invulnerable to pain as adrenaline mixed with terror propelled him onward. Unfortunately for the poor Green Machine, Joseph, in one fluid motion, had hopped over the wall and managed to get a few shots off at Luigi, barely missing the plumber and splitting a nearby dead tree into myriad shards of rotten wood.
Pure terror propelled Luigi on, as his leather shoes crunched in the dusted, dead ground below. Grey specks of ash blemished his torn emerald shirt and overalls. His breathing was labored, mixed with dry sobs of frustration. Why he deserved this, he didn't know. But one thing he did know- he wasn't planning on dying now, and not to these freaks.
Reaching the end of the park, Luigi nearly fell into a huge glob of sludge and raw sewage, dwarfed by moss-covered rocks and rotted trees. Desperately, he scanned the surrounding landscape for any kind of escape until his tired eyes fell onto a fairly new dock at the edge of the toxic brew they called a lake. Running over to the dock, he found several speedboats, and an insane idea formed in his mind.
Jumping onto the first of the three speedboats, he yanked the gas lines from it, and followed suit quickly with the second one and repeated the procedure. Then, working quickly, he fished a key from the dock and stuck it into the ignition of the third speedboat, relieved that the boat started at once. Smiling to himself, he drifted away just far enough so that he could avoid Joseph, and still be close enough to reach the speedboats.
Joseph and his platoon emerged from the trees only minutes later, guns drawn and minds sharp. Spying Luigi in the boat several feet away, he yelled, "GET HIM!"
Luigi smiled before he released a fireball from his hand...
_**BOOM!**_
Several soldiers flew into the air and landed in various spots around the dock: some in the lake, some in the trees, and some ducking down onto the dock to avoid flying metal and glass. Joseph nearly fell into the water after the blast, but he ended up crashing ass first onto the dock, nearly getting hit by a piece of the boats in the process.
"Everyone all right?" Landon asked the other soldiers as Luigi's speedboat sped off into the blackest night.
Joseph growled to himself as the soldiers scrambled back onto the docks. "Blows up my city, blows up my boats; who the hell are these guys?"
Meanwhile, Luigi was zipping through the toxic lake on the speedboat and yelled into the headset, "Link! Where-a the hell am I supposed to-a find you?"
"_Uh, we might have a problem..._" Link replied somewhat blandly into the earpiece.
"_YOU THERE! STOP! THIS IS THE MILITARY PATROL!_"
"Oh, for-a the love of..." Luigi grumbled. "Where-a are you!"
"_Directly in front of the tower..._" Link answered somewhat sarcastically.
The normally timid Luigi was now totally high on adrenaline as he turned the speedboat very sharply in the direction of the Empire State Building, water sloshing through the lake and flying all over the nearby coast. As the road got closer and closer, Luigi could see Link and the others inside a jeep being slowed down by another jeep with military personnel carrying some serious guns. Gunning the throttle, Luigi winced and braced for impact...
"Who are they?" one of the soldiers inside the jeep asked his superior. "Don't look like any soldiers we've ever seen."
"Right, then. Ready your weapon." The commander warned, chambering the gun's first round and polishing it before stepping out of the jeep. Nervousness could be present on everyone's face as the soldiers stepped ever closer to the driver's side of their jeep. "Well, who do we ha-?"
"_LOOK OUT!_"
"Wha-?" Before anyone could respond, a speedboat burst forth from the Central Park area, crash-landing onto the soldiers' jeep and causing the soldiers to duck for cover and barely escape with their lives. As the soldiers warily got up, Luigi hopped out of the speedboat and walked over to the jeep, slightly bloody but still alive. As he did so, the jeep exploded behind him, sending both jeep and boat flying upwards and on top of the soldiers, incinerating them alive.
Luigi just walked into the jeep and sighed heavily, slumping over. "Man-a, I-a almost got killed out there-a!"
"Don't worry. You're safe here." Link responded, before hitting the clutch and riding off towards the tower.
* * *
**The Empire State Building, Ground Zero**
"Sniff...Colm...where are you?" Neimi sobbed quietly to herself as time continued to pass by. "Please don't forget about me...sniff..."
"Hmph. Stop sobbing." Turning towards the door, Neimi gasped as Randall Liebo slinked dangerously towards her, knife drawn and gun cocked. The more steps the commander took towards her, the more the young archer grew fearful and scared. Ignoring her intermittent sobbing, he crept over to her position and crouched down behind her, staring at the knotted rope before making a move. Then, he reached out and carefully grabbed her wrist in order to avoid accidentally cutting it...
"EEP! What are you doing!" Neimi squealed, putting up one hell of a fight as she kicked behind her and connected with Liebo's ankle. "Let go of me!"
"Shut up!" Liebo growled as he grasped Neimi's wrists again.
"Aaa! Stop it!" Neimi cried, trying to free herself from his grasp.
"I said stop moving! Don't you listen!"
"Capture changes a girl..." Neimi said somewhat obstinately. Liebo, put out by her determined thickheaded-ness, simply smacked the back of her head and grabbed her wrist for the third time. "Oww! Please...don't hurt me...sniff...I don't want to die..."
"Will you shut up, woman?" Liebo growled, put out by how much commotion Neimi was causing. "You won't be able to escape with all the noise you're making."
Neimi gasped a little, and turned her head to look at Liebo, her soft eyes shining with a glint of hope. "Then you're...?"
"There's a supply convoy making its way into town in thirty minutes." Liebo explained quickly. "If you hurry down that lift..." He nodded towards an abandoned supply elevator near the corner. "...you should be able to make it down and escape detection."
"But why are you helping me?" Neimi asked Liebo curiously, cocking her head to the side like a puppy dog.
"I have hatred against the military, Joseph in particular."
"Hatred?" When Liebo refused to elaborate on what he meant, Neimi added, "Putting it that way makes me more curious."
With one final swipe of his switchblade, Liebo cut up the final bind and removed the ropes around Neimi as the magenta-haired girl stood up, picking sadly at her ruined clothes. "Time's running short. Go!"
"...thank you..."
"You ungrateful little bastard." Liebo's face paled considerably as he and Neimi turned around to face the general, Joseph Salazar. His eyes narrowed into little slits as he picked up a rusty pipe from the floor and began waving it precociously like a baton. "I thought you were better than that, Randall! I take you in as my personal subordinate...my successor...and THIS IS THE THANKS I GET!" He swung wildly at Liebo, but instead Neimi kicked his hand hard, breaking it and forcing the general to drop the rusty pipe. "You dare turn on me, Neimi? After all the time we spent together?"
"Don't make me laugh." Neimi replied venomously, something Joseph or the other soldiers didn't expect from her. "All you did was try to rape me! I'd rather die before doing...THAT with you!" She added, shuddering at the memories of his touch on her skin.
"That can be arranged." Sneering ever so slightly, Joseph first turned the gun on Liebo, who began to run but was unable to escape. Two bullets, one in the head and the other in the back, effectively ended his life as Neimi ran away as fast as possible, trying to escape to the elevator. However, Joseph expected this and lunged at her, tackling her to the ground and pinning her against the wall. "You think you can escape the military! Nothing you do will work against our might!"
"No...even if I die here, I know Colm will hunt you down and kill you himself." Neimi relied boldly, even with the tears rolling down her face.
"Heh. Too bad that won't—"
A painful, shrill scream pierced the thick suspense of the moment, and Joseph turned around to see that one of the guards was lying on the ground, dead, with a dagger sticking out of his neck. Turning towards the door, Joseph was none too pleased that a particular blue-haired thief was standing in the doorway.
"C...COLM!" Neimi squealed. "I knew you wouldn't forget about me!"
"Let her go, Joseph." Colm replied, pulling out another dagger from his cloak and pointing it menacingly at the general. "She has nothing to do with this."
"Heh heh heh. You think that flimsy piece of metal will even HIT me?" Joseph taunted cockily. "I have a bullet that travels faster than you do. How far do you think you can get, huh?"
"You're not going to get far, Salazar." Colm sneered, stepping closer to the general. Panicking, the lecherous pervert inched away a little slowly, then quicker as he dragged the magenta-haired archer with him. "You feel that? That's fear...it's so bad that sometimes people would kill themselves to escape it."
"Don't make me laugh." Joseph replied, the gun muzzle tasting Neimi's forehead. "Don't move any closer! I WILL shoot!"
Colm snickered even more. "Heh, you think shooting her will solve anything!"
"YES!" Joseph blurted out. "I'm willing to kill anyone who gets in my way!"
Several of the Smashers, led by Link, finally showed up in the doorway to the observation lounge and got involved in an altercation with the guards as Colm inched closer to the insane madman. Joseph glanced around worriedly; now things were switched, and the invaders on the verge of victory. Sweat ran down his temple as the Smashers finished beating up the other guards and turned to face him in a Smash Island standoff. "There's nowhere to run, Salazar. Give it up already; we'll let you live."
Joseph growled. "NO! Never! I'm not giving up; I'm not finished yet! You may THINK you have me cornered, but I have another trick! And while the head babbles on about not admitting defeat, he continues in a plot twist: he will take his OWN life along with the girl's if they don't drop their arms!" Suddenly, he grabbed a sharp shard of glass and drew it close to both his and Neimi's neck in such a way so that if he slit his own neck, he slit Neimi's as well.
"NO!" Colm protested, faltering in his grip on the dagger. "YOU BASTARD!"
"You better not do anything stupid, boy..." Fox growled.
Joseph turned to face the vulpine. "Heh, look who's talking. Your stupidity has led you to your deaths at the hands of the military. You'll regret messing with us!"
At that precise moment, Neimi escaped Joseph's chokehold and astonished the entire company by smashing his leg with her fist. Her success was due only partially by catching Salazar off guard, but Colm had to admit that the blow was rather painful and surprisingly fast. Joseph fell backward, discharging his pistol into the ceiling above them. A shower of plaster descended on all the Smashers and onto Colm, who coughed after breathing in a bit of dust. "For God's sake, Neimi, that was a stupid trick to pull! I might have been shot!"
"I'm sorry...sniff..."
"Aw, geez, don't start crying..." Colm replied.
"WHY YOU LITTLE—!" Joseph growled. Staggering up, he hurled the gun into Neimi's leg, causing her to stumble wildly as he punched at her. Unfortunately, when he did so, his leg shot out with a sharp pain, and he tripped, sending Neimi stumbling backwards out the window!
"Aiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
"NEIMI!" Colm yelled, jumping after her.
"That fool!" Link yelled.
"They deserved it." Joseph laughed wryly.
"You bastard!" Link hollered, kicking Joseph in the gut. "Come on, we have to go after them!" As the troupe ran off, they didn't notice the general crawling over to the service elevator...
As the ground got closer and closer, Neimi's life flashed before her eyes: the river incident, her grandfather's death, the journey with Eirika through the land of Magvel, and yet the happiest of all was not those, but all the times that Colm helped her, had been with her...she seemed to have been resigned to her fate. And she could also hear Colm, calling out to her...what? Neimi snapped her eyes open, and she found herself in Colm's arms.
"C...Colm?"
"Nice to catch up with you again, huh?" Before the archer could react, Colm pulled a grappling hook out of his satchel and hurled it upward, towards the building next to them, and it clung itself to the side window next to a large pile of rubble. The rope stretched beyond breaking point as it slowed their descent to a pittance. Then the rope snapped and they landed less than gracefully on the ground a few inches below them. At last, Neimi sat up, holding her head and coughing while Colm was tending to his aching back.
"Ack...Colm...thank you..."
"You idiot!" Colm yelled. "You could have been killed!"
"But...I..."
"You're so hapless! Do you THINK you could at least a bit more competent on the field while we're performing duties to our country! HUH!" Colm nearly exploded. "You could have botched everything! Can't you do ANYTHING right!"
**SLAP!**
"..." The thief's head had jerked to the side to the point where he lost balance as he collapsed onto the ground. During his tirade, the thief hadn't noticed that Neimi as crying again, her tears dropping onto the ground in front of her. She had slapped him out of despair, and Colm had trouble looking her in the eye after that.
"You... why are you always so mean?" Neimi sobbed. "All I ever seem to do is hold you back! Do you not want me here anymore! Is that it! All you ever do...is criticize me! Nothing I ever do is good enough for you!"
"Neimi..."
"WHY? Do you want me to leave! You...you...WAAAAA!" Neimi broke down and fell to her knees, sobbing and wailing loudly as her tears dropped to the dry, dusty ground in front of her. She couldn't stifle her tears as she poured out the sadness and despair bottled up inside her. Colm, pained by her tearful tirade, had stooped down next to her as he brushed the tears out of her eyes.
"...Neimi, I'm sorry..."
"...sniff..."
"...I never meant to hurt you like that." Colm replied, sitting down next to her. "I never meant what I said. You're one of the few friends I have in this world, and I only say those things because I...wanted to protect you. I would never have wanted you to leave my side."
"... ...th...thank you, Colm."
"Heh. No need to thank me." Colm smiled.
"But...you've always been there for me." The archer smiled. "Like that time I fell into the river and you came and rescued me. Or the time I broke Grandpa's bow. You helped me fix it. All the times bullies picked on me, you defended me. And when Grandpa died, you were by my side the whole time, holding my hand...thank you." If her eyes weren't so red from crying, you would have been able to see the bright shade of red running across Neimi's face right now.
"Neimi..." Colm sighed. "I think your haplessness is permanent. But I'll always protect you."
"Sniff...thank you." Neimi replied, scooting closer to the thief and placing her head on his shoulders.
"Neimi... we may end up hurting each other again over our disagreements, but as long as we have each other, we will be fine. Please...smile for me. I may end up making you cry, Neimi; but I will always do my best to make you smile."
"Oh...Colm...thank you." Neimi sniffled. The thief smiled roguishly, laughing a bit and scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. But the next thing that happened was one he certainly didn't expect. Neimi leaped on him and planted a kiss on his lips. Once again, his eyes widened, but Colm leaned into the young archer when the warm sensations of Neimi's lips on his overtook him. She squeaked and muffled a giggle, and it was unlike anything either had experienced, and they never wanted the kiss to end. However, biological urges being what they are, eventually Colm and Neimi were forced to break apart. As they stood before each other awkwardly, breathing heavily, neither was able to meet the other's eyes out of embarrassment until Neimi finally broke the awkward silence.
"I love you, Colm." she said. "When you met before Princess Eirika, I thought you thought about trying to be friends, or even more with her. I couldn't let these feelings go without finding out the truth. When you told me I was cuter, I thought, 'Maybe he sees me as being someone special.' However, hearing you talk high praises about everyone else left me to think that you wouldn't understand, that everyone to you are just friends. But I didn't want to be. I couldn't be. I wouldn't be. But, you care for me, right? I mean, not just as a friend?"
"Of-Of course I do," Colm stammered. "You're cuter than Eirika, but there's more to you than that. You're kind, helpful, and selfless; you're clumsy, but that's cute in its own unique way. There's nothing to you that I wouldn't turn down...not in this world, not even royalty. I guess I got carried away."
Neimi giggled. "So, do you—?" she began, but Colm stopped her.
"Yes, I love you too. I didn't realize until after this horrible experience. But they're pure, and they can't be argued with. There's no one in this world or in Magvel that I would have feelings for other than you."
Neimi smiled. Suddenly Colm's shoulder shot out in pain as he clutched it. "C...Colm? What happened?"
"It's just a scratch." Colm replied, trying to hide the blood oozing out of it. Apparently sometime during the earlier stunt he cut his shoulder in the same spot as the gunshot wound.
"Colm! You promised..." Neimi sniffled, smacked Colm playfully upside the head.
"Sorry..." Colm chuckled.
"Please be careful." Neimi replied as she poured a vulnerary over his wounds. Suddenly a thought came to her mind. "I wonder what Link thought about that stunt of yours?"
"He'd say, WHAT IN THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?" a masculine voice screamed right behind them.
Both Colm and Neimi jumped and spun around to find Link, Zelda, Ness, Pichu, Fox and Luigi standing at the door of the building behind them. Link had his arms crossed and was tapping his foot impatiently; Ness had a smirk that could only be matched by Pichu; Zelda was smiling secretively; and Fox and Luigi's faces were characteristically neutral.
"Have fun?" Zelda asked. "We would've let you have your fun, but we had to stop you since we ran out of barf bags."
"How long have you been watching!" Colm asked, turning so red that a tomato would be put to shame.
"Just ten minutes or so," Pichu said casually yet slyly. "We heard Neimi sobbing to high hell earlier, so we thought we'd eavesdrop."
"So that's how loud you get when you're sad?" Ness asked incredulously. "Man, remind me never to make you cry, Neimi."
"I believe it's time for us to depart." Fox stated matter-of-factly. "Excuse me while I find our location via our GPS system..."
He departed from the group, and everyone stood somewhat idly.
"Indeed. Maybe we should take a nap first..." Link yawned. "But don't let me catch you both in the same bed, or there's going to be hell to pay."
"You can count on that," Pichu piped up.
**SLAP!**
"Oww!"
"Idiot..." Ness said, turning to leave. Pichu ran off after him to defend his words.
Zelda and Luigi snickered at their doings as they left to search for ammo and supplies. That left only Link, Colm and Neimi remaining.
"Now you two, get some sleep. We have a long journey ahead of us." Link told them.
"All right..." Colm and Neimi chorused.
Link paused, then smiled at the teenagers. "I'm glad you were able to work things out. I'm proud of you." Walking off to join the others, Colm and Neimi were blushing furiously as they smiled at each other.
"That went well, didn't it?" Colm replied somewhat sarcastically.
"Oh well." Neimi giggled before sneezing.
"Here." Colm removed his cloak from around his neck and wrapped it around Neimi's body to form a makeshift dress. "You need it more than I do."
"Thanks." Running over to the others, she asked, "SO now what do we do?"
"We need to escape before the rest of the military finds us." Fox replied. "There's an ammo depot a few miles north of here, so we should check it out first."
"THERE THEY ARE!"
"So much for going undetected..." Link sighed as several soldiers chased after them. "RUN! WE'RE OUT OF HERE!"
"Ready for another adventure, Neimi?" Colm asked the archer.
"Ready when you are!" Neimi chirped before following Link and the others. In this ruined city, where hopes and frustrations flow in abundance, the youth run on!
* * *
"_Precious and fragile things need special handling._
_My God, what have we done to you?_
_We always tried to share the tenderest of care;_
_Now look what we have put you through..._" –Precious, Depeche Mode
* * *
Sorry for the lack of updates. I'll be more vigilant next time. At any rate, read and review!
Gamer21
10. A Show of Force
Not much to say here except "Hope you enjoy the chapter". (smiles)
* * *
_**Chapter 9: A Show of Force**_
An enraged Princess Daisy, exhausted from a thorough search of the city, plopped herself onto a nearby bench and dropped the pitchfork she was carrying. Most, if not all, of her anger had slowly drained away while she was gallivanting about the Island. "Why don't these aliens show up so we can teach them who's boss already?" she gasped irately in-between heavy breaths. "I should've paid more attention in physical education . . ."
"Calm yourself, Daisy . . ." Roy warned the princess, handing her a bottle of cold water from a knapsack he was carrying.
The princess eagerly took the bottle and drank from it in long, greedy swallows. After gulping down half of the bottle in record time, she thrust the bottle back at the fiery-haired swordsman. A 'thanks' escaped her lips, and as Roy placed the bottle back into the knapsack she replied to him, "How can I? I don't want the world I'm living in to be destroyed . . . do you? It worries me to see what little anyone's done to protect their home."
"If it does, you certainly don't look it." Lilina giggled. All of her laughter stopped with a dirty glance from Daisy to the young mage. The princess retorted hotly by asking where the mage thought the aliens would hide, to which Lilina simply shrugged.
"I'd think they'd hide in a place where they wouldn't be likely to get caught." She answered finally, nodding in emphasis. "The only problem with that is that there are too many places on this Island for them to hide."
Daisy merely sighed while Lilina cutely cocked her head to the side, a figurative question mark popping up above her head. "Well, I doubt we'll find them just sitting and looking at each other." She motioned for the other Smashers to follow, while she stood up and glanced around the park, picking up her pitchfork in the process. "Okay, so where are you, you damned aliens . . . ?"
* * *
As the young monk Artur wandered amongst the faded ruins of New York, he sighed and meditated privately as he twirled his staff around in his hand. Much of the city was lying in ruins, but there was still life in it as tourists and tour organizers wandered its streets, just like him. '_Sigh...even amidst this destruction, they still can be joyful. I wish it were like that back home in Renais..._'
Continuing to read through a small book he had obtained through a religious bookstore, Artur stopped with his work long enough to notice that the street he was walking on was quickly becoming deserted. Frowning slightly, the orange-haired man quickened his pace until he ran smack dab into a girl of around the same height. "Whoa, where's the fire?"
"Huh?" Zelda looked up at the strange person in front of her. He was carrying a silver staff that was adorned with many decorations as well as a scroll box that was hooked onto his belt. He had bright orange eyes and hair, but what surprised her most was that he also had a Stiletto dagger in his belt even though he was supposed to be a holy man. Zelda quickly come to her senses and scrambled up. "Sorry about that, I have to go!"
"Perhaps it would be helpful if you could tell me what in the world's going on here?" The monk replied, smiling enigmatically at the Hylian princess.
"Huh? What are you talking about? Listen, my friends are in big trouble here and I need to get help!" Zelda brushed dust off of her legs. "If you wanna help, thanks a lot, but seriously, I've got to go!"
"Patience is a virtue, my girl." The monk blinked a couple of times. "I am Artur Fleinhardt. I am a holy man, if you couldn't notice from my attire."
"Can you fight?" Zelda asked, her patience deteriorating slightly.
"I am skilled in the ways of light magic, my girl. I sense thine urgency." Artur gave the princess a small bow.
"Okay, good! Uh…" She pointed down the street, opposite of where she was headed. "My friends are fighting a couple of hot-headed soldiers, so I'd really appreciate it if you could help!"
"At a maiden's command…I will do as you wish." Artur walked in the direction she indicated, continuing to read the religion book.
"What a strange man…" Zelda mumbled. "But enough of that! I've got to go help my friends!" She continued on her mission.
"Grrrr…" Link groaned as he deflected a bullet with a rusted hubcap. "Why the hell are you attacking us anyway?"
"Because you're a filthy spy! No doubt you've summoned the aliens to destroy our fair Smash Island!" The soldier exclaimed before attacking.
"Don't be foolish!" Link yelled before rolling under his gunshot and using the butt of his revolver to deliver a hard whack to the man's head. The man teetered on his feet for a couple of seconds before collapsing to the ground. Link leaned on a nearby wall, panting. "Too late."
"God, where are all these guys coming from!" Colm yelled as he smashed his dagger into the back of a soldier that was threatening Neimi. "This is ridiculous!"
"Thanks, Colm..." Neimi replied shyly. She scrambled up and aimed an arrow into the throat of a soldier behind the thief.
"..." Link looked around at the battered remains of the crumbling ruins. The initial battle had gone well for them; he and Fox had shot down several of the trained fighters, while Luigi, Zelda, Ness, Pichu, Colm and Neimi had scattered to systematically eliminate the rest. However, sometime during the fight a soldier had thrown a smoke bomb into their midst, and by the time it cleared up many of the Smashers were fighting for their lives. Zelda had run off to get help, and Link was desperately hoping for her return. Grabbing Pichu and Ness and running, he motioned for the others to do the same. "COME ON! We have to escape!"
"OH NO, YOU DON'T!" A soldier yelled as he fired upon the Smashers. Luigi grunted in pain as a force knocked against the sole of his shoe. The bullet fired purposely at the earth ricocheted and hit the back of his boot with enough force not to pierce the leather, but to knock him clear off his feet. Luigi fell forward to kiss the charred ground. "AHA!"
"NO! LUIGI!" Link yelled.
Luigi began to visibly shake as he stared down the barrel of the soldier's gun, the muzzle mere centimeters away from the bridge between his eyes. He drew back his weapon with a cruel smirk, but before he could blast Luigi's brains, a single ringing voice in clear tones broke the silence.
"_MAY THE LIGHT OF ST. LAKOTA ANNIHILATE THEIR FILTHY SOULS!_" Before the soldier could turn towards the source, two beams of light shot forward into the soldier as blood and muscle erupted from his body. Luigi screamed in terror as the headless soldier collapsed backward, blood and ooze draining from the hole in his chest. The other soldiers widened their eyes in panic as they tried to escape, but a flurry of light spears charged forward and mercilessly tore them to shreds.
Luigi shuddered; mouth gaped open and eyes bulging at the dead corpses in front of him. He was in such a state of shock that he didn't acknowledge the gritty footsteps approaching him, until a hand lightly grasped his shoulder and a silky voice that pierced through the bitterness greeted him.
"You alright?"
Shivering and tears glistening in his eyes, Luigi turned around and glanced upwards at this new being. It was another human with white robes flowing in the breeze and his ruby eyes calm and reassuring. His orange hair blew loosely around his lean face, and a scroll box, a satchel of elixirs and a Stiletto dagger hung from his belt. The Purge spell book in his other hand clearly showed that this was the warrior who had just saved his miserable life. For the sake of first impression, Luigi hastily wiped the moisture from his eyes.
Worming her way to the front in order to get a better view of what happened, Neimi had taken a look at the holy man and nearly dropped her jaw to the ground in shock. "Artur? Is that you?"
"Neimi!" Artur blurted out, whirling around to face the assembly. Spotting the magenta-haired archer, he had run over to her with concern. "Are you well? What are you doing here?"
"I was about to ask you the same." Neimi responded.
"Well, really, I...you see, what happened was..."
"You know this guy?" Colm asked somewhat darkly.
"It's not what you think, Colm." Neimi giggled at her friend's single-mindedness. "Brother Artur is a friend of mine...just a friend."
"Ah, you must be Colm, then." Artur replied to the blue-haired thief. "Neimi has told me much about your deeds; you seem to be a righteous man in your own right."
"Er...I guess you could say that..." Colm laughed, embarrassed as he scratched the back of his head. However, he ended up blinking and stared menacingly at the bishop. "That had better not be an insult..."
"But no!" Artur replied simply, brushing dust off his white robes. "Really, it is not in my position or in my power to judge other people just by their deeds."
"I should hope not!" Colm retorted hotly, causing Neimi and a few others to burst into laughter. Several minutes later, Zelda ran back to rejoin her comrades, with at least two of the local authorities. Their heavyset frames and beer bellies had slowed their coming considerably, as by the time they got there their attackers had already been slaughtered. Out of fear, the two policemen had screamed and were on the process of running back to the police station as fast as their flabby bodies could carry them.
Zelda, after one look around, had sighed discontentedly. "Man, I guess you didn't need me after all..." Zelda walked up to Link, pouting slightly. "But I'm glad to see that you're all alive, though!" She punched the blond Hylian lightly on the arm, grinning. "I knew you guys could do it!"
Link smiled wryly at her. "We almost didn't. I assume the crazy guy is a friend of yours?" He jerked a thumb towards Artur, despite his protests of not being 'crazy.' "You did a good job, Zelda."
"Why, thank you! I did my best." Zelda giggled happily. "So what do we do now?"
"Well…" Link glanced around the abandoned city. "Our first priority is to find someone to help us out here. We definitely need to get out of this city and as much as we could stay here, it wouldn't help us find our friends." Link frowned and let out a sigh.
"Indeed." The vulpine concurred with the Hero of Time. "We've already drawn enough attention to our position when we rescued Neimi, and we certainly don't need more bad publicity on our hands."
"Perhaps I could help?" Artur asked suddenly, and all eyes turned to stare at the carrot-haired bishop. Biting down a small sigh, he explained, "On my way here, I overheard two of the patrols talking about something. They seemed to talk a little too loud. Anyway, one of them mentioned some kind of depot to the west, and he pointed somewhere that way." Link's eyes followed the bishop's finger to the ruined Panasonic building. "One would assume that something important could be contained there."
"All right..." Link nodded, trailing off slightly. "Let's see what's inside that ruin."
Several minutes later, the group of nine had made it to Times Square. Keeping to the shadows, they darted through the ruins, checking buildings and dodging guards. Making their way to the Panasonic building, they peered into the grimy windows and grinned triumphantly.
"Awesome!" Link replied as he darted into the building. Wondering what was inside, the other Smashers, Colm, Neimi and Artur peered inside. They had stumbled into a weapons storehouse; guns, swords, lances, bows and even tomes were stacked and sorted neatly in each corner of the room, and in the center was a M1-A1 Abrams tank with at least two Jeeps alongside it.
Pichu squeaked happily after a long silence. "YAY! WE CAN ESCAPE!"
"A...are you crying, Luigi?" Ness asked as he turned towards the green machine.
"L...look!" Luigi sobbed happily, pointing to a machine on the dashboard of one of the Jeeps. "A GPS!"
Fox's eyes widened to small ovals as a glorious revenge plot hatched in his mind. "Hey, Link...you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Oh, yeah." Link snickered. "Salazar, you're going down. Zelda, you'll drive the tank."
"Wha-! ME! But...I don't know how!"
"You can learn along the way..."
* * *
The Burger Chest Fast-Food Joint on the edge of the plaza was a modestly-sized building of painted stucco and wood that would form the body of the treasure chest. On the rooftop, at least three giant plaster burgers were shown exploding out of the wooden container, the paint chipping and the wooden teardrop that represented sesame seeds scattered around it. Above that was a poorly made half-cylinder of painted wood that was to be the chest's lid, though the weather and the abuses of nature had reduced it to its underlying plastic shell in some places.
Between bites of cheese-slathered ground chuck on an undistinguishable bun, Lloyd and Colette were eyeing the plaza dubiously for any signs of the military convoy that had been so unkind to them the few hours before. The other aliens had settled themselves around the room, much to the dismay of its occupants, and tension and anxiety settled itself among patrons and alien cosplayers alike.
The young Chosen was one of the first to note the heavy silence, and she sighed pensively as she bit into a stick of dusty potato. "Oh, Lloyd...what has happened to the people to make them feel this way?" Colette chirped sadly. "Everywhere we look, they treat us so harshly..."
"Don't worry about it, Colette." Lloyd replied, staring out into the lonely plaza. "Hopefully things'll get better, huh?"
"Yeah..." Colette replied as she scooted closer to the twin swordsman. "I hope that they learn that we are not their enemy."
The poor girl's hopes were violently shattered, though, as an all-too-familiar princess burst into the restaurant, waving her pitchfork like a flag. "AHA! So THIS is where you've taken refuge, alien scum!" Daisy pointed the pitchfork maniacally at the other Smashers and replied, "I have found you!"
"Er, technically, Lilina's the one who spotted them in the window . . ." Samus corrected, to which Daisy twitched involuntarily and sighed.
"Okay, so maybe Lilina DID see you all first. But we'll still make sure you pay for trying to take our home!"
"Hey, we're not looking for a fight!" Lloyd protested. "But if it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get!"
"Fine! Bring it on!" The management and the occupants stared, wide-eyed, as they dropped their sustenance and engaged in a furious stare-down with the others as tension flowed in abundance. But before the fight even got so much as a trigger, a loud GRUMBLE permeated the silence as everyone tensed up for what it was.
"...oh. Oops!" Daisy giggled with girlish embarrassment. "My stomach's telling me it's empty."
"WHAT!" everyone yelled as they collapsed to the floor, dumbfounded. In shock, Lloyd blurted out, "That's the kind of thing you check BEFORE a fight!"
"That totally killed the seriousness of the scene." Genis derogatorily pointed out.
Shooting a glare at the half-elf, Daisy replied, "I know! I'm sorry!" Wending her way over to the burger counter, similar groans and grumbles came from the stomachs of Roy, Lilina and Samus and caused a ruckus before they too joined the dinner line for some food.
Amidst the chaos, Mewtwo had handed the dirty china and paid for their meal, then tapped Lloyd, who was still gaping in shock at Daisy and her posse, on the shoulder.
"I think this would be a good moment for a discreet departure." he said when Lloyd turned. He nodded his head in the direction of the whiny princess and her crew, who were similarly voicing their discontent in front of the lunch counter.
"What?" asked Lloyd. "Oh, I see. Good of you to say so. Come on, guys, we'd better get out of here." He abandoned the fast-food joint to Daisy and the others, and he and the other aliens slipped out the door.
"Thanks, Mewtwo." Colette said to Mewtwo. "But have you not perhaps made for yourself more trouble?"
"I'm sure of it." Mewtwo told the female angel. "But I believe I owe her one, because of a prank a few weeks ago involving my tail, pink glitter and a ridiculously large yellow bow; I can't think of a better way of evening the score." Colette giggled at the thought.
"It seems singularly appropriate." Falco added, stepping forward. "But I would like to point out that we still have the damned military breathing down our necks. I don't suppose you'd like to tell us if you have a plan?"
"_As if Lloyd DOES have a plan..._" Colette said under her breath, giggling slightly as she wrapped herself around Lloyd's arm. Falco and Genis were both looking expectantly at Lloyd, Mewtwo was sighing at Lloyd's lack of forethought, and any minute now Princess Daisy would realize that they had managed to escape again. It ought to be more hilarious than one of Pichu's screwball pranks, of that much she was sure.
* * *
A large _BOOM_ interrupted the sinister silence of the devastated thoroughfare as a large tank stood in the spot where the high-voltage gates stood. Soldiers, stunned and caught in panic and disarray, had taken up their arms and fled in wild abandon as the tank crushed a car under its Vulcan rubber threads. "Zelda! Be careful!" Link yelled from his roost, manning the machine gun on top of the Abrams.
"Sorry! This isn't as easy as it looks..." Zelda squeaked from inside the tank.
"I TOLD you that I should've driven that thing!" Fox yelled from one of the two Jeeps that served as their escort. The first had Fox, Luigi, Pichu and Ness; while the other held Colm, Neimi and Artur. As the tank slew wildly across the dirt, Zelda shouted, "Where to!"
"Take us back to Fox's hideout!" Link yelled over the whine of the tank's engine. "Colm, Neimi and Artur will be safe there."
"You're going to leave us!" Colm shouted in disbelief.
"It'll be much safer for you to escape the Island than for you to get involved," Link answered. "It's going to get more dangerous as the night wanes, and I don't want to worry about someone to coddle while the militia's firing whatever they've got at us!"
"Link, when Neimi and I came over here u..." Colm stopped before saying, "—to visit an old friend, we were already involved."
"Wait, we have a...mmph!" Colm quickly covered Neimi's mouth to prevent her from butting in as Link mumbled an incoherent reply. As Colm asked Link what he said again, Neimi whispered into Colm's ear, "_You never told me you had an old friend on the Isle! Who is it, and did you know her before?_"
"_SSSH! Just play along, Neimi, and I'll explain it to you later—wait, 'she?'_" Colm raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "_...you were worried I was seeing someone on the side?_" At that, Neimi turned a dull red and stared at the ground as she tapped her foot on the floor of the Jeep nervously. Artur just laughed, but quickly stifled it when the normally cheerful archer shot him a deadly glare.
". . . you're so mean, Colm . . ." Neimi pouted while she continued blushing to the floor. Link, watching these events unfold, shrugged and picked up the walkie-talkie as Colm just shook his head in exasperation and pat the archer on the back awkwardly, not quite knowing what to say.
* * *
Daisy was pacing around on a sidewalk in frustration, uncharacteristically muttering string after string of whatever profanities she could think of. It wasn't until at least a good five minutes had passed that Lilina pointed out that she should be more focused on finding the aliens instead of acting like a five-year-old having a temper tantrum.
"Don't tell me what not to do, Lilina." Daisy told her. "I'm busy venting my anger at this moment."
"Well, personally, I think your anger would be better vented against the aliens, but it's YOUR anger . . ." The mage just sighed, massaging her forehead in frustration.
"Look, Daisy, we're all tired of this." Roy tried to reason. "Let's just go home, huh? A revolution can wait until tomorrow..."
"This isn't about a stupid revolution!" Daisy yelled. Suddenly her tone of voice had changed into that of a mix of sorrow and determination. "If we allowed them to take over our Island, we are essentially letting our future down. Look," Daisy gestured to a group of kids who were playing on the street. "Look at those kids! Just look. If the aliens take over, they're going to grow up under oppression and seething anger... they're going to learn that they have certain rights. They will learn about them in school in a couple of years...and they'll tell them that no one has the right to take their rights away from them. They've got to believe that. They include the right to be different. Well, now we have a group of aliens have decided that we have to get out of here or die just because we're different!"
"Daisy..." Lilina cut in.
"It's not about me at all." Daisy replied, dropping the pitchfork to the ground. "Those aliens think we're not nice. Do we have to smile in their faces and say that we're nice! I WILL admit my methods are unorthodox, to put it kindly; but whenever someone is forced to do something they don't like, they will end up losing their voice in the world. We don't have to win the right to be free! It's the same as running away, Lilina. It's staying on their terms, and if we can't stay on our terms there are no more places to stay anywhere...for you—for me—for those kids—for anyone." Daisy suddenly fell to her knees as her body quaked with sobbing.
"...oh, Daisy..." Lilina replied sympathetically, kneeling next to the princess. "I'm so sorry...I just thought you didn't care about what you did."
"...well, I guess I WAS acting a bit stupid..." Daisy replied. "If you don't want to help, I understand."
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm going to stick around and help." Roy replied with an indignant tone in his voice. "Besides, we're already knee-deep in this war, and I don't intend on backing out, no matter what the odds are."
"Guys..." Daisy sobbed a bit. Samus rolled his eyes as Daisy sobbed again, but couldn't help but flash a smile her way. "Thanks. Now what do you say? ON TO BATTLE!"
"ONWARD!" Samus yelled. Sometime during Daisy's tantrum, Samus had been charging a shot for use against the aliens. However, it was a wrong time for her to throw her arms into to air, as the shot had freed itself from the arm cannon in her suit and plowed straight into a battery of soldiers. The soldiers, fearing their own safety, started to charge at the four Smashers. In panic, Daisy, Roy, Lilina and Samus ran down the street, and right into the path of Lloyd and his troupe.
"! NOT HER AGAIN!" Lloyd shouted in a panic.
"It's the aliens! THEY'RE HERE!" Daisy shrieked. "I'm going to stop you!"
"NOT IF WE STOP THEM FIRST!" the soldiers yelled, rushing past Daisy's group and charging at Lloyd and the others.
"What in the hell?!" Instead of allying to fight the aliens, the Smashers and soldiers were soon engaged in a frenzied fight against the other, forgetting the aliens completely as the soldiers fired bullets towards the wayward youths. Roy, however, had somehow obtained some Molotov cocktails, throwing them into the mass of soldiers. They retreated to get reinforcements while the other Smashers gave chase to avoid another surprise attack. Lloyd and the other aliens were soon by themselves again, standing in the middle of the lonely cobblestone street.
"What in the hell was THAT about?" Falco asked after a long, awkward moment of silence.
"Who knows?" Lloyd replied. "We gotta get out of here, though...come on!"
* * *
On the mainland side of the bridge, Joseph Salazar was sneering evilly as packages of C-4 and blasting caps were being placed and loaded onto the pavement, and soldiers were marching the streets behind him, shooting all who tried to stop the attack. His reverie was interrupted, though, by the buzzing of the radio. "Hold it!" As soldiers dropped the loads of C-4 and other explosives they were handling, Joseph strolled over to the radio and swept the receiver into his hand. "Yes?"
"_Well, well. Old sergeant Salazar. You're too dumb to make captain, you know?_" a voice taunted from the other end. Joseph nearly squeezed the receiver to breaking point when he heard that voice.
"Link Alben Gaiden. What a surprise."
"_Uh, that's Big Daddy Gaiden to you. Or did you already forget what happened at Ground Zero?_" Link taunted.
"Hmph." Joseph snorted, spitting on the ground. "So tell me, Link, how's the Mansion?"
"_You're about to find out, Salazar._" Link laughed as his convoy approached the bridge. "_With a mouth like yours, they're going to love you on the inside._"
Joseph's teeth were grinding as he slammed the receiver down onto the table inside the command post. In a state of lucid rage, he commanded, "FIND GAIDEN! The minute he sees me will be his last. Understand?"
"YES SIR!" the soldiers replied. Suddenly, another soldier, a youth, rushed into the command post and told Joseph, "Sir, one of our convoys wishes to cross the bridge. What should I do?"
"Oh. Well..." Joseph followed the youth across the length of the roadway, being sure not to trip the bundles of C-4 laden along the asphalt. After dancing some kind of safety juggle, he and the youth had crossed the bridge over to where the tank and its Jeeps lay in wait to cross. "Right, then. State your business."
"Well, you see, sir..." the youth replied nervously. "They want you to talk to them yourself."
"...of all the bloody stupid things I have to do tonight..." Joseph strolled up to one of the Jeeps and asked, "State your business in this city."
"Transport." The driver, who was clad in a military uniform, stated.
"Of what?"
"Just transportin' stuff, sir." The driver replied. "They dun say wot it was."
"...very well." Joseph replied, waving them through. "But once we cross, I want to see your cargo." The tank crossed, along with the two Jeeps, and the team was forced to wait until both Joseph and the youth had crossed the bridge in order to get the green light. Once done, Joseph swung himself up into the trunk of the Jeep and attempted to pull off the covers, but the passenger had a strangely tight grip on the cover. "Sir...let me see your cargo." Joseph replied with some forced patience.
"It's-a nothing..." the passenger replied before realizing his mistake and covering his mouth. "Oops-a."
"! IT'S THEM!" Joseph yelled. Yanking off the cover, he was treated to an ambush in which Artur bashed his skull with a healing staff. The driver, Fox, hurled a smoke bomb in the direction of the other soldiers, effectively blinding them.
Meanwhile, the youth had sneaked into the command post amidst the chaos and was ransacking the chamber, hurling various papers to the floor before finding a data disk inside a drawer. Smiling to himself, he pocketed the disk before rushing outside into the fog of war. His well-trained eyesight picked out the shapes before him as he wormed over towards the tank.
Joseph and his soldiers were having a tough time as the teams led by Fox were effectively pushing their troops back towards the depot. Amidst fireballs, arrows, thunderbolts, lasers and bullets, though, a soldier had managed to creep towards one of the Jeep and grabbed Neimi. "'Ey, boss! I caught that little wench of yours!"
"Let go of me!" Neimi yelled, kicking backwards into the soldiers' privates. Stooping over in pain, he let go of the archer before an arrow pierced his throat and ended his life. The young archer hid behind her lover as the thief threw several knives at the soldiers, killing a few.
However, things couldn't last as well as they liked, and our heroes were soon running out of ammo to use against the enemy. As the light tome crumbled in Artur's hands, he shouted, "What do we do now? Link and Zelda are safe inside the tank, but...!"
"Heh heh heh... trapped liked a bunch of rats." Joseph laughed as he strolled over to the Jeep and reached out to grab Neimi's wrist. "You're coming with me."
Before Neimi could even squeak, a gunshot pierced the lone silence as Link, armed with a rocket launcher took aim. But the silence had left him in much wonderment as those around him tried to locate the source of the gunshot. The puppeteer of stillness left his marionettes in a state of immobility until Joseph's shriek of agony tore it from his grasp. For there, in the center of his right hand, was a giant hole, in which blood and marrow dripped into the asphalt below. After a sharp intake of breath, Joseph yelled, "WHO DID THIS!"
"I did." A lone voice answered coolly, and all turned to behold the youth who had accompanied Joseph across the bridge, now holding a smoking revolver in his hands. "Next time I won't miss."
"You...traitor! Treason! TREACHERY!" Joseph yelled, lunging at the youth.
"So impatient, are we? Well, I guess I should be too." With one fluid motion, the youth had pulled two grenades from his satchel, tore off their pins and threw them behind him, in the general direction of the bridge. Joseph's eyes widened as he tried to stop in time while the youth had pulled out a hookshot and fired it into a nearby bell tower, pulling him out of the range of the explosive...
_**BOOM!**_
Joseph and the soldiers were thrown violently backwards as grenades and C-4 detonated, sending a wave of plaster, wood and asphalt into them as the roadway wiggled unsteadily. Unable to take the added stress, the ropes holding up the bridge gave way as the road crumbled into the sea below, churning it into a valley of whirlpools.
Snapping out of his shock, Fox yelled to the Hylian, "LINK! Now's our chance!"
"Right!" Link yelled as he motioned for the others to move. As Joseph and other soldiers stumbled out of the dust cloud created by the explosion, the tank and the Jeeps sped off as quickly as possible.
"G...GET THAT BASTARD!" Joseph yelled. "I AUTHORIZE THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE TO STOP THAT TANK! NEUTRALIZE IT AT ALL COSTS!"
* * *
Choppers and tanks rushed Link and the others as they were ground into flaming balls of scrap metal as a result. Zelda haphazardly steered the cumbersome metal monster as it rolled over parked cars and traffic lights, squashing them under the treads. "OOPS! Sorry..."
"You know, someone had better leave a note..." Link warned as an Army truck and a battery of soldiers led by Salazar waited for him up ahead. Another team had the tank breathing down its flank, and Salazar sneered.
"Right, men. OPEN FIRE!"
Link's sharp eyes had noticed the threat of the Army jeep and forced him into the tank, where he grabbed the steering wheel from Zelda's hands and turned it sharply to the right. The artillery shell flew by the tank and missed them by mere inches as the enemies behind them were incinerated with the blast. "Goddammit!" Joseph yelled vehemently.
"_Oh, I'm sorry. Was that your ride?_" Link taunted through his walkie-talkie.
"No, but yours is going to take you straight to hell!" Joseph threatened as he slammed the receiver on the table, his teeth grinding against each other.
Pure crimson rage flowed through Joseph's veins as the screaming metal of the choppers seared the silence of the night. Citizens and soldiers alike were running through the streets of the once-tranquil city as the fleeing crowd knocked over fruit carts, barrels and trash cans while Link's convoy rolled through the streets, crushing cars and starting havoc wherever it went. Joseph's wrist throbbed and the crimson of his pernicious anger dripped onto the cobblestones as he yelled to the choppers, "OPEN FIRE!" The metal cranes rushed forward into the chaos of fire and smoke.
Meanwhile, Link had found himself strafing a tank in the circle of the plaza as mortars were exchanged between the feuding parties. The sustenance around them was thick with smoke and dust as missed shots pulverized the buildings around them into fine dust. Amidst the chaos, Colm and Neimi had jumped out of their jeep and rushed into the ruins around them, re-emerging minutes later as panicked citizens ran to safety.
"That the last of them?" Colm yelled as a mother and her child escaped to the hills in the distance.
"Yes, Colm!" Neimi yelled. However, an explosion rocked the building she was in, and minutes later her leg was pinned under large pieces of sheet rock and wood as she tried in vain to wretch her leg from the stone deathtrap. "ACK! HELP!"
"NEIMI!" Colm yelled, rushing over to the aid of the young archer. However, the driver inside the tank heard Colm, and had redirected his course as treads rolled through the park towards the thief. Link, however, had taken advantage as a lobbed shell at the tank sent it exploding into a heap of scrap metal, sending bolts and plates raining upon the circle.
As the thief lifted the stone high enough the pull Neimi's leg out, the archer clutched at Colm's shirt protectively, saying to him, "I knew you wouldn't leave me here."
"What, you thought I would?" Colm laughed, kissing her forehead.
Anger and rage seemed to override thought and reason as Joseph ravaged the city with his war machines, looking for Link and the other Smashers. As the smell of gunpowder and smoke lingered through the forest air, the whirring of helicopter blades echoed through the trees as several of the metal birds seared the skyscape looking for Link and the other Smashers.
Suddenly, two of the helicopters had located their target and veered towards the tank and the nearby Jeeps, letting loose a hail of bullets upon their targets. Soldiers whooped and hollered until a well-placed arrow sent the pilot falling into the abyss of death. Abruptly the chopper crashed into the bell tower and sent a mess of stone, plaster, wood, metal and charred flesh raining onto the plaza behind Link.
"...nice shot, Neimi!" Colm cheered as the magenta-haired archer collapsed into her boyfriend's arms.
"Thank you..."
"My, my. I didn't know the two of you became lovers." Artur mused as Ness and Pichu broke out laughing.
"Guys, I-a don't mean to interrupt-a, but..._DUCK!!!_" Luigi yelled as another chopper passed overhead. Sprays of stone, dirt and twigs shot up like geysers as bullets rained upon the small Jeep. Many ricocheted off the metal plating while others narrowly missed our heroes, embedding themselves in the soft fabric of the seat cushions. The metal pellets bounced off the metal armor of the tank as well, forcing the other Smashers to duck as they ricocheted into nearby buildings.
"Man, these guys just don't quit!" Fox yelled above the chaos as he aimed a rocket launcher at the same chopper. "Link, you all right in there!?"
"Yeah!" Link yelled as he peered out of the tank. Suddenly, the metal cavalry rolled to a complete stop as Zelda peeked her head out to see what was going on. "Zelda, hey, what'd you stop the tank for?"
"I'm just looking around, hold on..."
"Not much to see out here, other than fire, collapsed buildings and scrap metal." Artur replied.
"Artur's right. You'd better get back inside the tank, Zel..." No sooner as the princess was back in the driver's seat, two choppers had flown down to their level and was flying in their direction. Turning around to look for himself, Ness spotted the choppers and nearly screamed to high hell.
"LINK!!!" Ness yelled. "CHOPPERS ON EITHER SIDE!"
"Oh, shi..." Fox nearly cussed. "Want me to get the rocket launcher?"
Spotting a side street a little ways ahead, Link smiled and said, "I have a better idea." Dropping back into the tank, he sat next to Zelda and directed her towards the screen. "Zel! See the street there? Think you can steer us into it?"
"I could try..." Zelda replied, taking hold of the steering wheel.
Several in the Jeeps were wondering what Link had planned as the choppers came ever closer, their blades whipping the wind and the bullets ending geysers of dirt and charred plaster into the air. The smell of gunpowder lingered in the air from the spent ammo, and the streets were thick with blood from civilians and soldiers alike. Before Fox decided to intervene and pull out his rocket launcher, the tank suddenly jerked forward and swerved left into the side street, knocking over a trash can and several support beams of a nearby balcony. As the wooden deck crashed onto the tank, Pichu and Luigi had taken control of the Jeeps and drove after Link and Zelda, parking right behind them.
The choppers in pursuit never had a chance as their targets moved away at the last minute. Both tried to stop, but momentum and the wind were against them as they collided into each other, causing a large explosion that obliterated a few nearby buildings and caused several cars nearby to go up in a fiery column of smoke. Colm, Artur, Neimi, Ness, Pichu, Luigi and Fox all had to duck as shards of metal sliced through the top of the Jeep and left the driver completely exposed. Other soldiers nearby who had come to investigate weren't as lucky as the shards sliced right through them, killing them in one blow.
A blaze of static greeted Joseph as he tried to contact the chopper. Then he heard a loud explosion from the general direction of the choppers as fire and smoke rose up from the spot. Grinding his teeth and slamming the receiver onto the table, he growled, "Goddammit!"
"_Heh. Tanks, choppers..._" Link taunted through the radio. "_What's next? You going to level the city?_"
"Only if you're still in it, you bastard."
"_Hmph. Keep this up and you'll have nothing left, Joseph._"
"You and I have some unfinished business to take care of, homeboy." Joseph growled as he turned off the receiver. Then, he snatched an AK-47 from the nearby table and plopped down into a nearby motorcycle. With determination in his eyes and three clips of ammo in his pocket, Salazar sped off towards the ruined city in order to end this battle once and for all . . .
* * *
Link and the others had taken to hiding themselves in a lush forested grove near thecity's edge. As Colm looked from the tall granite cliffs into the brew of smoke, flames and buildings below, he frowned slightly at the civilians, who were panicking and running about the town while the soldiers were trying to contain the chaos. "This is insanity." He muttered as he rejoined the others. "What, exactly, are the soldiers trying to accomplish by tearing apart the city?"
"I don't want to know . . . do you think they know we're not there anymore?" Neimi replied as she pulled her bow and the quiver of arrows from the Jeeps.
"Whether they think so or not, it's safe to assume that the soldiers won't be clueless for long." Link replied as he slammed the hood closed on one of the Jeeps, the same one whose top had been shredded by flying steel. "FOX!"
"Yes?" the vulpine asked, polishing his laser blaster.
"You and the others need to get out of this city." Link replied sternly. Tossing Fox a bag of bombs, he commanded, "You and the other Smashers get into that Jeep—" he pointed to the unblemished Jeep, "—and flee the city. The bombs I gave you will take out any enemies you find, but use them sparingly. The rest of you..." Link motioned to Neimi, Colm and Artur. "...are coming with me."
"Are...are you sure, Link?" Zelda asked worriedly.
"Yeah, Link. We don't want you getting killed out there." Fox replied in agreement. "We could always accompany you, you know."
"Thanks, guys, but let ME take care of the worrying." Link replied. "Or do you not trust me at all?" He glanced over at Fox especially; after a few tense minutes he let out a long sigh.
"Well...alright." Fox replied. Motioning to the others to get into the Jeep, he hollered, "YOU HEARD HIM! GET IN!" As the Smashers piled into the terrain-friendly vehicle, Fox stopped Link for a bit and tossed him a Desert Eagle. "Good luck, Link. We'll meet you on the highway leading out of here."
"Thanks, Fox." He replied, patting his friend on the shoulder. Then, with one last glance backward, he motioned for Colm, Neimi and Artur to get into the other Jeep and jumped in the driver's seat before speeding off on the dirt roads.
* * *
The Jeep screeched to a sudden stop in front of the vulpine's hidden bungalow as Link looked around. "Looks like we haven't been followed..." he mused quietly as Colm, Neimi and Artur got out of the Jeep as well. They were more interested in the surrounding area, though, instead of their somewhat precarious situation.
"Pray tell, what exactly is your business in the area?" Artur questioned suspiciously, glancing around the bayous and the swampy waters. "There's but naught to be found out here save that lonely little shack in the middle of the swamp." He gestured to the modest house nearby.
"Listen. The military's after us now because they think we committed treason against the Smash Island." Link replied as he gestured to the three to follow. Opening to door to the bungalow and stepping inside, he motioned for them to sit at the various chairs scattered about. He continued. "I am grateful that you were able to help us loosen the military's grip on the city, but from here on out it's far too dangerous for you all to get involved."
"So?" Colm responded somewhat arrogantly, Neimi by his side. "We've all been in far worse than this. It's not like this is our first battle."
"It still remains to be seen that the military's going all-out on us," Link answered.
"You...you don't considered what happened earlier being at full power?" Neimi questioned, her soft pink eyes glistening with a few tears. Using her glove to wipe her eyes, she added, "Forgive me if I'm wrong, but didn't you help Colm save me from that lunatic? That would merit some form of gratitude, yes?"
"Er, well..." Link hadn't anticipated that particular argument.
"I believe that we are indebted to you, for if we were unable to snatch her back from those fiends, who knows what could have happened." Artur added.
"Yes, but—"
"Look, Link. We're coming along with you whether you like it or not." Colm replied, slamming his hands onto the table in front of him. "To be honest, our queen has requested that we come here to attempt an alliance of sorts with this Island, as well as some of the other kingdoms here." Link opened his mouth to say something, but Colm quickly added, "The young woman with you; same blonde hair and blue eyes: that's Princess Zelda of Hyrule, correct? If royalty like her is involved in a conflict of this scale, then why not involve the emissaries from other lands?"
"Because it's not your problem!" Link replied. "As much as it is a shock, I do not wish to involve you in our affairs! You're here to arrange an alliance with us and this Island by the order of your queen. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Link, when Joseph kidnapped Neimi we became involved in this little war of yours." Artur bluntly replied. "Now, tell us, what's going to be our next move?"
Link sighed at this point, massaging his forehead. To be honest, he hadn't expected that the Halloween prank would be broadcast all over the Island, much less mushroom into a civil war between both trick-or-treaters and the militia. And now, here he was, arguing with a group of emissaries from some unknown land, looking for **him**. Realizing that this argument was going to get him nowhere, he replied, "Very well, the three of you can come along with us. But this isn't a field trip! If you get yourselves lost, you're on your own."
"Then that will be on us." Colm replied, glancing out the window. "So, what's our next move?"
"You won't have a next move." A sinister voice growled from the dark corners of the hideout. Suddenly, a badly burned Johnson stumbled out from a hidden nook of the house, the gaze of the four teenagers slightly blinded from the sight of electric light on metal. "None of you are going to walk out of this house alive."
"Whoa, what happened to you?" Colm asked.
"Did you venture into the burning depths of hell? It certainly seems so." Artur added.
"I thought you were dead!" Link yelled accusingly at the soldier.
"Even if I WAS dead, which I'm not, I'd drag you all down with me!!" Alabama yelled, lunging at the four teenagers with gun in hand.
"Hey, what the-!" Colm pulled out his dagger, poised to strike. Suddenly, he heard a scream from behind him, and turned just in time to see Neimi hurl a rather large book at the undead soldier. The thief winced as it connected with Johnson's face, and he could hear several bones crack before both soldier and book fell onto the floor with a dull THUD. "Geez, Neimi...I think you knocked him out or something." He poked the body with his dagger to check.
"But...Colm! He's so scary...and he tried to kill us..." Neimi sobbed, jumping into the thief's arms. Colm hadn't anticipated her leaping into his embrace, and so when it came he overcompensated, sending both archer and thief crashing onto the nearby table before both fell down in a volley of surprised squealing/shouting and a shower of oaken splinters. Artur just watched the sight and chuckled quietly, slightly amused at their playfulness.
Link, meanwhile, wasn't too amused. "Don't wreck the place!" Neimi and Colm stood up, though both were blushing furiously, more so out of embarrassment. Hormones seemed to be very hard for them to control.
As the four left, Link then dragged Johnson's body out into the think swampy open before pushing the body into the muddy waters below the bungalow. "Now that that's done, let's get out of here."
The magenta-haired archer stared at the marsh below them and shivered. "He's not going to come back again, is he?"
"I should think he won't." Link responded. "Otherwise, we've got a real problem on our hands."
'..._ink_..._LINK!_'
"Eh?" Link pulled out the walkie-talkie stashed on his person and spoke into it. "Fox, what's going on?!"
'_The military's found out where we're hiding. Unless you want to be left behind here, you'd better finish up over there and haul your ass back here!_' a rather frustrated Fox responded from the walkie-talkie. His message delivered, the small device became silent once more. The elf looked at it, slightly infuriated at the fact that the others had been found so quickly. "Great, more problems . . . as if there weren't enough as is." Link muttered darkly. He glanced over at the three characters behind him, and motioned them towards the Jeep. "Come on, get in. We don't have all night."
* * *
"Whose idea was it to start this war, anyway?" Artur yelled above the engine noise as the jeep bounced along the rough roads ahead. "Really, I'm getting tired of shot at!"
"I honestly don't know how it escalated to this. One minute, we're throwing a party at the Smash Mansion, and the next we're running around the Island, blowing shit up and kicking military ass." Link glanced out towards the sea, a thick black blanket of tranquility as they made their way towards the Smash Island's main thoroughfare. He glanced over towards the forests around them, and almost smiled. "You know, if our enemies weren't trying to kill us I'd almost be having fun. It's like a game of hide-and-seek, this thing."
"Really?" Neimi asked the elf. "Heehee . . . our adventures back home in Renais were rather similar to that at times." She giggled, glancing towards Colm. "Isn't that right?"
The thief's face was a contorted veneer of exasperation. "Hey, don't put ME on the spot! As I recall, you're the one that caused more grief towards everyone else at camp! Don't think I don't know the truth about that time involving the Queen and that black paint I . . . erm, borrowed from Forde!"
Neimi let out a squeak of panic as she looked about ready to cry. "Colm . . . I thought you promised you wouldn't say a word . . ." The girl sniffled as the tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Aah, wait, that's not . . ." The thief replied too quickly, trying in vain to keep her from crying. The fact that Artur was trying to stifle his laughter, and failing greatly, was NOT helping the situation one bit. Colm was _SO _glad this was amusing that damned pious priest. "Oh, shut up. You're only making things worse!"
Artur only responded by breaking out into a fit of laughter, ignoring the glares that both Colm and Neimi were giving him. He apologized, though he still looked like he had some laughs left in him. "Really, you two are about as bad as the married couples that visit our church. Why don't you two . . ." He laughed even harder, while both teenagers' faces turned dull red as they looked down at the floor.
"Be quiet, Mr. Gigglefits!" Link yelled, suppressing an urge to stop the jeep and toss him out of it. "Do you want to announce our position to the whole world with your laughing?" He brought his free hand to his forehead, and was vastly relieved when the monk's laughter ceased. "Thank you." As he turned away from the rocky cliffs bordering the road and onto the thoroughfare, he frowned slightly as he discovered several soldiers on motorcycles in pursuit of Fox and everyone else. "You've GOT to be kidding me . . ."
"Oh, joy." Colm said flatly as a soldier saw them and proceeded to open fire. The occupants ducked bullets as the thief threw a knife at the motorcycle, piercing the tire and causing the soldier to lose control and crash into a few others. "When is this going to end?!"
"Hey, Link!" Fox yelled as he spotted the elf behind him. "Think you can get these people off of my back?"
"Of course." Link responded as he reached for a revolver. "Now, who should I . . ."
"I WON'T LET YOU!" In the next minute, Joseph's motorcycle flew out of the shrubbery near the highway and landed next to Link's jeep as the general threw a grenade towards the jeeps. It missed and hit the cliffs behind them, setting off a rockslide that blocked off the road behind them. The soldiers yelped and stopped short of crashing into the pile of rocks themselves, though a few weren't so lucky.
Joseph's sudden appearance caused several people to yelp in surprise. "What in the world . . . ?" Pichu peeked out to see what was going on, and nearly fell over from the shock. "I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!"
"Well, I'M NOT!"
"But I thought you were!"
Joseph had to suppress an urge to throw his gun at the electric Pokèmon's head out of sheer annoyance. Instead, he opted for shooting at them, pulling out his revolver and firing several shots in the jeep's direction. "Do you think I'm dead NOW, you stupid Pokèmon?!" He growled as the bullets ran out, and tossed the empty gun behind him as he pulled out another grenade. Pichu gulped and sent an electric shock towards the general, who easily dodged the orb with ease. "Learn how to aim, you piece of shit!"
"I'm seriously getting tired of people trying to kill us." Fox muttered blandly as he gave Joseph the finger. Seeing Joseph's reflection in the mirror, he yelled, "Leave already! We don't wish to kill you!"
"And that will be your downfall." The general sneered. He noticed Neimi, and let loose a howl of laughter. "My dear, you should really have stayed behind. What can these idiotic bastards offer you?"
"More than you ever would . . ." the archer glared. Truly, Neimi had had enough of this idiotic joker. She grabbed her bow as well as an arrow, and took careful aim as she looked at Joseph in the eye. "I'm sorry, but I could not be less interested in you!" With those words, she let go of the bowstring and let the arrow fly.
Joseph shot her a glare. "All that talking, and you mi—" He never had a chance to finish that thought as the motorcycle bucked and bounced dangerously, almost throwing him off of it. Looking down, he noticed the arrow sticking out of the tire and finally got it – she wasn't trying to kill him, she wanted to stop him. Well, it worked; Joseph had to jump off of the motorcycle and landed harshly on the ground as the bike flew over the side of the cliff and fell a few hundred feet before going up in a ball of flames.
As all three of the vehicles zoomed away into the night, there was naught that Joseph could do but grind his teeth in anger as he pounded his fists into the pavement. "Dammit! Like hell I'll let you upstage the military like this . . ."
* * *
"Well, that was fun." Link commented dryly.
"I hate it when we have to stick our necks into other's business just to get something done." Fox muttered in reply. "But I guess it comes with trying to help our friends, yes? Where do you want to stick your neck out next?"
"Try Neonopolis. It's the next city this highway is going to." The elf nodded as he looked into the mountains, already aglow from the many colored lights of the city of many pleasure.
* * *
Sorry if the ending was a bit rushed, but I hope you enjoy reading it! And also, sorry for the delay; the computer had some problems, so we had to get it fixed first . . .
-Gamer21
End file.
| fanfiction |
Your coloring and shading is magnificent.
Let me guess….you wanted to use the Floral Romance DSP! HA! Well, let me tell you, Kristi, I LOVE your plan B. It is gorgeous, and really shows creativity. Can't wait to see what your Alternate Monday brings.
Yes, I was planning on using the Floral Romance DSP. I struggled with the color combo but guess it was well received.
Oh! I forgot to say your coloring is outstanding!
Beautiful coloring. Love how you used the twine with a little bit of silver in it. Great card!
These flowers look just like the winter roses that are blooming around here. Stunning , Kristi! | slim_pajama |
Baldur's Gate One Last Time
_**A/N:**__ I do not own Baldur's Gate 2, nor any of the NPCs, etc, and the NPC mod Xan for BG2 is a product of Kulyok's brilliant mind and can be found at the Pocket Plane Group. This piece is something that came to me one morning, and just wouldn't let go. I'm not ecstatic with how it turned out, but if I keep tweaking it, I'm afraid I'll just ruin it._
_This little one shot takes place the morning before the party heads out to the Graveyard District to confront Bodhi and retrieve the Rynn Lanthorn. It's a bit fluffy and mushy, so steer clear if that's not your cup of tea. __Please read and review! _
_
* * *
_
The first rays of light started to filter through the window of their room at the Five Flagons Inn when Xan woke with a soft groan. The night was drawing to a close and the last thing he wanted was to return to the world of doom and gloom that awaited them just beyond the door.
Softly, slowly, he twisted and turned until he was resting on his left side, and looked at the woman still sleeping beside him. Her chestnut hair, unbound, cascaded to the shoulders, framing her slender oval face. He still could not believe that this beautiful woman had fallen in love and bonded with him. Each time he looked into her bright green eyes, each time he felt her soft, eager lips upon his, he thanked the Seldarine. Although she carried the taint of Bhaal in her veins, irrevocably dooming her, she was his sunlight, his air, his water, his everything, his Alethra.
Glancing at the window, Xan sighed as he knew that the time was fast approaching when they would have to face Bodhi once more, presumably one last time. Although he had complete faith in Alethra's abilities as well as their companions', he dreaded that moment. It wasn't just his innate elven fear of the undead, it was... something else. Something he didn't quite grasp. Even though his stomach fluttered in terror every time she threw herself into battle, her bow singing, this was entirely different and it left him uneasy. There wasn't much to be done about this, though: Alethra would die soon of she did not recover her soul, and the only way to reach Irenicus was to obtain the Rynn Lanthorn from Bodhi's lair. This left them with precious little choice.
Xan sighed once more, and he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. There had been so many times when that pretty face had been contorted in horror as she lay trapped in yet another nightmare, that he treasured each night of peaceful, untroubled sleep. Her eyelids finally fluttered open, and as she nestled encore closer to him, a now familiar warmth spread outwards from his chest.
"How long have you been awake?" she mumbled, her voice muffled.
"Long enough, beloved. I'm sorry, I did not mean to wake you."
She looked up at him through her eyelashes. "You didn't, don't worry. But why are *you* awake?"
"Oh, just thinking." He gave her one of his rare, genuine smiles. "And watching you sleep, of course."
She turned onto her back and stared up at the ceiling, suddenly business-like. "I hope you still got some sleep. We're going to need your spells today." This wasn't like her; she was nervous.
"Alethra...", he draped an arm around her and held her tighter still. "You managed to enlist the Radiant Heart's help, you convinced Aran to send some assassins, you even stumbled upon Drizzt himself who promised to be there today. We're as ready as we'll ever be. Imoen will get her soul back, we'll retrieve the Lanthorn, and we'll find Irenicus, I promise."
She grinned at him: "Why, is that optimism, Xan? I didn't think you had it in you!" Alethra was always merciless once she had decided to tease him. The enchanter groaned, to her delight. "Well, that's more like it!"
How could he tell her of the terror that gripped him, of this notion he had that all would go awry? How could he look at her and tell her he feared it was the last time they kissed? He just couldn't.
Alethra sighed and glanced at the door then towards their gear. "We should get ready before Jaheira barges in and drags us out of bed", she chuckled.
"Ah, let us hope that Minsc and Anomen keep her occupied with battle plans revolving around Helm's righteous fury and Boo's sharp teeth sinking into vampire eyes."
Xan cupped her chin in his hand and kissed her. The fear faded away as she kissed him back, and it was replaced with an urgent need to be with her, to hold her while he still could. Alethra felt this need through their bond, and smiled between kisses, as she mirrored his caresses with her own. And so he took her into his arms. One last time.
End file.
| fanfiction |
Do-bayti literally two-couplet, also known as fahlaviyat, is an ancient form of Persian poetry. It is used to describe a Persian quatrain a stanza or poem of four lines, similar to Ruba'i but different in meter.
A do-bayti has four half-lines of 11 syllables each, and usually uses the hazaj meter:
| u | u | u |
The first two syllables may sometimes be replaced by u or .
The rhyme scheme is a a a a or a a b a.
When sung to a traditional melody, the first two lines are sung continuously in one 22-syllable phrase, and the 3rd and 4th lines in another, a little lower in pitch. See External links below.
An example from Baba Taher
A well-known writer of do-bayti poems is the 11th-century Baba Taher-e Oryan of Hamadan, who wrote in the Hamadani dialect which, however, is very close to standard Persian. An example of one of his poems converted to standard Persian is the following:
*
*
The blackness of your two eyes has killed me!
The longness of your two locks has killed me!
You have no need of arrows and a bow to despatch me
The curve of your eyebrow and eyelashes has killed me!
For another example, see the article Persian metres#Do-bayti.
References
Further reading
Blum, Stephen 1995, updated 2011. Do-bayti. Encyclopaedia Iranica online.
External links
Do-bayti sung in a traditional way unaccompanied
Do-bayti poems of Baba Taher Persian text
Do-bayti poems of Baba Taher recited
Category:Persian literature
Category:Iranian inventions | wikipedia |
When I got home last night, the kids were already in bed. It was about 8:30pm and Val told me that she thought Connor was still awake so I headed upstairs to check and hopefully be able to say good night.
I walked into his darkened room quietly so as to not wake him if he were in fact asleep.
It was pretty warm outside so his room was a sweatbox. He's the type of kid who's always hot even if it's 62 degrees in his room.
"Why don't we open the windows for a few minutes and look at the stars?" I offered.
He jumped out of bed and knelt on the floor next to me. We opened the window and rested our crossed arms on the windowsill with our heads poking out into the night sky.
"Look at all those stars Daddy. How many are there?
There was a long pause as we both stared up at the stars from the window of his second story bedroom window. He eventually rested his head against my shoulder.
"That would be cool. When I was a kid, I always had a flashlight next to my bed just like you do, although it didn't have wings. But when you wake up in the morning you'll be 6 years old! Maybe you'll get a new flashlight as a present.
We sat in silence for several minutes staring at the winter sky and Connor's head resting against my shoulder now with his arm entwined with mine.
"Is tomorrow a Dude Day?" He asked excitedly. | slim_pajama |
George Bradshaw was a British wrestler. He competed in the men's Greco-Roman middleweight at the 1908 Summer Olympics.
References
Category:Year of birth missing
Category:Year of death missing
Category:British male sport wrestlers
Category:Olympic wrestlers of Great Britain
Category:Wrestlers at the 1908 Summer Olympics
Category:Place of birth missing | wikipedia |
VAM is the abbreviation for the Italian term velocità ascensionale media, translated in English to mean average ascent speed or mean ascent velocity, but usually referred to as VAM. The term, which was coined by Italian physician and cycling coach Michele Ferrari, is the speed of elevation gain, usually stated in units of metres per hour.
Background
VAM is a parameter used in cycling as a measure of fitness and speed; it is useful for relatively objective comparisons of performances and estimating a rider's power output per kilogram of body mass, which is one of the most important qualities of a cyclist who competes in stage races and other mountainous events. Dr. Michele Ferrari also stated that VAM values exponentially rise up with every gradient increase. For example, a 1180 VAM of a 64 kg rider on a 5 gradient is equivalent to a VAM of 1400 m/h on a 10 or a VAM of 1675 m/h on a 13 gradient. Ambient conditions e.g. friction, air resistance have less effect on steeper slopes absorb less power since speeds are lower on steeper slopes
The acronym VAM is not truly expanded in English, where many think the V stands in some way for vertical, and the M represents metres, for instance Vertical Ascent Metres/Hour. Ferrari says,
I called this parameter Average Ascent Speed VAM in its Italian abbreviation from Velocità Ascensionale Media.
A direct translation of velocità ascensionale media is mean average ascent velocity leading to an expansion of the acronym in English as Velocity, Ascent, Mean.
Definition
VAM is calculated the following way:
VAM = metres ascended x 60 / Minutes it took to ascend
A standard unit term with the same meaning is Vm/h, vertical metres per hour; the two are used interchangeably.
The relationship between VAM and relative power output is expressed as follows:
Relative power Watts/kg = VAM metres/hour / Gradient factor x 100
This gradient factor ranges between 2.6 for a gradient of 6 and 3.1 for a gradient of 11. To work out the gradient factor take 2 + grade/10
Examples
Examples:
1800+ Vm/h: Lance Armstrong.
1650-1800 Vm/h: Top 10 / Tour de France GC or mountain stage winner.
1450-1650 Vm/h: Top 20 / Tour de France GC; top 20 on tough mountain stage.
1300-1450 Vm/h: Finishing Tour de France mountain stages in peloton
1100-1300 Vm/h: The Autobus Crew
Other examples of its usage can be found at CyclingNews.com.
References
External links
Cycling Power Lab - VAM and Relative Power Calculator
Category:Cycling
Category:Sports records and statistics
Category:Velocity | wikipedia |
What are modern approaches to describe and/or quantify aromaticity?
I know that Schleyer described an approach for evaluating aromaticity using nucleus-independent chemical shifts (NICS, see e.g. [*Chem. Rev.* **2005,** *105* (10), 3842–3888](http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/cr030088%2B)) quite some time back. I also somehow have the feeling that there should be a more direct way to describe aromaticity than *via* chemical shifts.
What are modern approaches to describe/quantify aromaticity? Could anyone point out some links/references on recent developments in the field?
I'm more familiar with the Electron Localization Function approach to aromaticity commented by Quantum AMERICCINO, it's been proposed that the average value of the $\text{ELF}\_{\sigma}$ and $\text{ELF}\_{\pi}$ bifurcations would be used for a general scale of aromaticity of a molecule or molecular cluster. The points of bifurcation can be interpreted as a measure of the interaction among the different basins or, simply, electron delocalization. Although the ELF depends on the density (i.e. no separate information of $\pi$ or $\sigma$ bond), a topological analysis on a separated ELF formed only by the $\pi$ orbitals and other formed by the $\sigma$ orbitals can be done (also you can do a separation for the spin $\alpha$ and $\beta$ contributions to the ELF). [[*J. Chem. Theory Comput.* **2005,** *1* (1), 83–86.]](https://doi.org/10.1021/ct0499276)
There is another approach based on how a bond responds when its electron density is perturbed by a finite amount. Specifically, they used the interaction coordinate (IC) to see this. Quoting
>
> If the delocalization in the aromatic system is more extensive, for constraining a bond by unit displacement from the equilibrium geometry, it requires more energy. So the response of the other internal coordinates will be greater for constrained optimization and is proportional to the effective delocalization and hence related to the aromatic stabilization. The IC is a measure of the response of a bond (its electron density) for constrained optimization when another bond or angle is stretched by one unit (its electron density is perturbed by a measured amount).
>
>
>
Instead of taking the full molecule, they take only the aromatic skeleton to account the electron density perturbation on the system. Also, it says that this is very general yet, so the IC approach can take new directions. [[*J. Phys. Chem. A* **2016,** *120* (18), 2894-2901.]](https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpca.6b00240)
Another approach is making a relationship between the amount of the electron density (due to ring size, number of $\pi$ electrons, etc) and the non-nuclear magnetic shielding (cf. NICS).
[[*Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.* **2010,** *12* (39), 12630–12637.]](https://doi.org/10.1039/C004254D)
| stackexchange/chemistry |
consider an initial data set for the einstein equations @xmath0 , where @xmath1 is a 3-manifold , @xmath2 a riemannian metric , and @xmath3 a symmetric 2-tensor . the energy and momentum densities
are given by @xmath4 and the dominant energy condition is @xmath5 for simplicity , we will throughout assume that the data set possesses a single strongly asymptotically flat end , that is , a region of @xmath1 which is diffeomorphic to the complement of a ball in @xmath6 , with the property that the metric @xmath2 and tensor @xmath3 expressed in coordinates induced by this diffeomorphism decay with the following rates : @xmath7 where @xmath8 is the euclidean distance in these asymptotically flat coordinates , and where @xmath9 ( @xmath10 respectively ) means a function @xmath11 such that @xmath12 is bounded ( tends to zero respectively ) as @xmath13 .
we will say that the initial data set is strongly asymptotically flat if it is the union of a compact set and a strongly asymptotically flat end .
the total mass of the end is defined by @xmath14 where @xmath15 is the coordinate sphere of radius @xmath8 and @xmath16 is its unit outward normal .
the riemannian manifold @xmath17 is assumed to be complete with boundary , where the boundary @xmath18 is an outermost apparent horizon . by an apparent horizon ,
we mean that @xmath18 is compact and each component has mean curvature @xmath19 where the trace @xmath20 is taken with respect to the induced metric on @xmath18 .
the apparent horizon is outermost if it is not ` contained ' in any other apparent horizon . to make sense of the term ` contain ' , we restrict our attention to surfaces which bound a @xmath21-dimensional region containing the boundary .
recall the positive mass theorem .
[ thm : pmt ] let @xmath0 be initial data with a strongly asymptotically flat end and satisfying the dominant energy condition
. then @xmath22 and equality holds if and only if @xmath0 arises from minkowski space .
the case of equality in this theorem is referred to as the rigidity statement .
note that our hypothesis of strong asymptotic flatness implies the vanishing of the adm linear momentum . under weaker hypotheses ,
in which the linear momentum is possibly non - zero , the rigidity statement was proved in refs . . two entirely different approaches to prove this theorem are relevant to our work in this paper
the first one , due to schoen and yau was given in two installments , first in the maximal slice case , that is when @xmath23 , using minimal surface theory @xcite .
this result was then used to prove the general case by applying the jang equation @xcite . the main idea in this second step
is to look for a hypersurface @xmath24 , in the riemannian product @xmath25 , given as the graph of a function @xmath11 on @xmath1 , and such that its mean curvature satisfies @xmath26 . this last equation is known as the jang equation , and its validity ensures that the the scalar curvature of @xmath27 ( the induced metric on @xmath24 ) , is in some sense weakly nonnegative , so that there is a conformal metric @xmath28 with zero scalar curvature .
one may then apply the maximal slice result to obtain the desired conclusion .
a second approach is due to witten and is based on solutions of the dirac equation @xcite . here
, using a harmonic spinor @xmath29 , which tends to a constant spinor @xmath30 at infinity with @xmath31 , one derives an integral identity which exhibits the mass explicitly as the integral of a nonnegative quantity over @xmath1 @xcite .
now consider the generalization of theorem [ thm : pmt ] to initial data sets for the einstein - maxwell equations .
for simplicity , we restrict ourselves to the case where the initial magnetic field vanishes .
thus , we consider initial data sets @xmath32 where @xmath33 is a vector field on @xmath1 .
we say that this data set is strongly asymptotically flat if in addition to the decay condition above we also have @xmath34 the energy density of the matter content after the contribution of the electric field has been removed is given by @xmath35 define half the charge density by @xmath36 and denote the total charge @xmath37 the charged dominant energy condition , in gaussian units with @xmath38 , then takes the form @xmath39 for the rigidity statement in the positive mass theorem to follow , the role of minkowski space is replaced by the majumdar - papapetrou spacetime , which we will denote by mp .
this spacetime has the manifold structure @xmath40 and is equipped with the metric @xmath41 where @xmath42 are @xmath43 points in @xmath6 , @xmath44 @xmath45 is the flat metric on @xmath6 , @xmath46 is the euclidean distance to @xmath47 , and the constants @xmath48 are all nonnegative . with the electric field
@xmath49 , this spacetime can be interpreted as @xmath43 black holes in equilibrium , where the @xmath50-th black hole has mass @xmath51 and charge @xmath51 . in other words ,
the lorentzian spacetime @xmath52 is static and electrovacuum , and asymptocially flat except for @xmath43 cylindrical ends .
the first part of the following theorem was proved in ref .
( see also ref . ) , using a modification of witten s approach .
the rigidity statement was established in ref . .
[ thm : cpmt ] let @xmath32 be initial data for the einstein - maxwell equations with a strongly asymptotically flat end , and satisfying the charged dominant energy condition , then @xmath53 suppose in addition that @xmath23 , then equality holds if and only if the data set @xmath32 arises from the majumdar - papapetrou spacetime .
the purpose of the present paper is to remove the maximal slice hypothesis in the above theorem , by coupling the dirac equation with a natural modification of the jang equation .
this latter equation was introduced by bray and khuri @xcite in an attempt to reduce the general penrose inequality to the riemannian penrose inequality .
this was carried out successfully in the spherically symmetric case . in this approach
, one still looks for a hypersurface @xmath54 satisfying an equation of the form @xmath55 ( where @xmath56 is an extension of @xmath3 ) but in a warped product metric @xmath57 rather than in the product metric .
this is of course better adapted to the task at hand , since the mp metric is itself a warped product metric . in the next section
, we will formulate the coupled dirac - jang system of equations . in section [ sec : cpmt ]
, it will shown that if this system has a solution , then the rigidity statement of theorem [ thm : cpmt ] follows without the maximal slice hypothesis . finally in section
[ sec : analysis ] , we present evidence which indicates that the system of section [ sec : system ] can be solved .
some of the most technical computations are relegated to the appendices .
let @xmath58 be a positive function , and consider the warped product metric @xmath59 on @xmath60 .
let @xmath61 be a smooth function , and denote its graph by @xmath62 .
the induced metric on @xmath63 arising from the warped product metric is given by @xmath64 .
the generalized jang equation is then given by @xmath65 , where @xmath66 is the mean curvature of the graph and @xmath56 is a particular extension of the initial data @xmath3 to the 4-manifold @xmath60 ( see ref . ) . in local coordinates this equation becomes @xmath67 where @xmath68 are covariant derivatives with respect to @xmath2 and @xmath69 .
the purpose of the generalized jang equation is to give positivity properties to the scalar curvature of @xmath70 ; this will be discussed further below .
the basic existence theory for this equation has been established in ref . .
dirac spinors are cross sections of a vector bundle @xmath71 associated to a principal bundle over @xmath54 with structure group @xmath72 , the simply connected double cover of @xmath73 , see ref . for details .
we write a dirac equation on @xmath54 which will then couple with the generalized jang equation .
the vector bundle @xmath71 is equipped with a connection compatible with the jang metric @xmath74 as follows @xmath75 where @xmath76 are the affine connection coefficients of the jang metric @xmath74 defined by @xmath77 @xmath78 is an orthonormal frame on @xmath54 , and @xmath79 is global clifford multiplication .
consider the einstein - maxwell spin connection on @xmath71 @xmath80 where @xmath81 is the electric field associated with the jang surface to be defined below , and @xmath82 is the unit normal to @xmath54 .
an important observation is that because of the electric field contribution this connection is _ not _ metric compatible . in order to define @xmath81 ,
let @xmath83 be the field strength tensor on @xmath60 , given by @xmath84 and @xmath85 for @xmath86 , where @xmath87 , and the remaining @xmath88 , @xmath89 , are local coordinates on @xmath1 .
then set @xmath90 where @xmath91 , @xmath89 are basis elements for the tangent space to @xmath54 and @xmath92 is the unit normal to @xmath54 . this induced electric field on the jang surface first appeared in ref . , and has special properties to be exploited below .
let @xmath93 be the space of cross - sections of the bundle @xmath71 .
the einstein - maxwell dirac operator @xmath94 is now defined as usual @xmath95 a spinor @xmath29 on @xmath54 is a harmonic spinor if it satisfies the dirac equation @xmath96 we can now formulate the coupled system appropriate for our needs , by choosing the warping factor @xmath97 as follows . let @xmath61 with @xmath98 , and @xmath99 with @xmath100 .
we say that @xmath101 is a solution of the dirac - jang system if @xmath11 satisfies , @xmath29 satisfies , and @xmath102 let us now investigate the appropriate asymptotics for solutions to the coupled dirac - jang system .
first , the asymptotics at spatial infinity are standard and are given by @xmath103 where @xmath104 is a fixed constant spinor at infinity with @xmath105 .
note that this fall - off for @xmath11 guarantees that the mass of the jang metric @xmath70 agrees with that of @xmath2 , and that the total charge of @xmath81 agrees with that of @xmath33 . in order to motivate the asymptotics at the apparent horizon ,
consider the mp spacetime with one black hole ( extreme reissner - nordstrm spacetime ) with metric @xmath106 let @xmath107 be a radial graph , with induced metric @xmath108 as is calculated in ref .
, the second fundamental form of the graph is given by @xmath109 where @xmath110 and the covariant derivatives are calculated with respect to the metric @xmath2 .
thus @xmath111 forms an initial data set for which the graph @xmath107 is a solution of the generalized jang equation .
if @xmath11 grows faster than @xmath112 then @xmath2 will not be a riemannian metric , that is , the graph will not be spacelike . moreover
if @xmath11 grows slower than @xmath112 then @xmath1 will not have a boundary , but will rather have a cylindrical end as in the mp initial data .
thus , we will assume that @xmath113 where @xmath114 indicates the presence of other added lower order terms . in order to see that the boundary is in fact a future apparent horizon with these asymptotics for @xmath11 ,
let us note that @xmath115 therefore the distance to the boundary is given by @xmath116 we now compute the future null expansion of the coordinate spheres with respect to the initial data metric @xmath2 . a standard formula yields the mean curvature of coordinate spheres @xmath117 and the trace of the initial data @xmath3 over the coordinate spheres is given by @xmath118 where @xmath119 is the induced metric on @xmath120 and @xmath121 are the christoffel symbols of @xmath2 .
it follows that the future null expansion becomes @xmath122 so that @xmath18 is a future apparent horizon . in conclusion
, we expect that solutions of the dirac - jang system will follow similar asymptotics @xmath123 notice also that with these asymptotics , the jang metric still possesses an infinitely long cylindrical neck since @xmath124 and so @xmath125 where @xmath126
. therefore the asymptotics lead to behavior for the jang metric which is similar to that of initial data in the mp spacetime .
in this section we prove the following theorem .
[ cpmt ] let @xmath32 be strongly asymptotically flat initial data for the einstein - maxwell equations satisfying the charged dominant energy condition , with total mass @xmath127 and total charge @xmath128 , and suppose that the dirac - jang system has a solution @xmath101 which satisfies and
. then @xmath129 and equality holds if and only if @xmath32 arises from the majumdar - papapetrou spacetime .
note that the @xmath130 slice of the majumdar - papapetrou spacetime does not fall under the hypotheses of this theorem , as it possesses cylindrical ends .
this is related to the fact that we employ blow - up solutions of the generalized jang equation at the apparent horizon boundary . in order to treat initial data containing cylindrical ends ,
more general boundary conditions for the generalized jang equation should be utilized .
the starting point of the proof is the lichnerowicz identity , which now takes the form @xmath131 where @xmath132 is the following endomorphism of @xmath71 @xmath133 with @xmath134 the scalar curvature of the jang metric @xmath70 and @xmath135 the charge density on @xmath24 . applying to the harmonic spinor @xmath29 ,
taking the inner product with @xmath29 , and integrating by parts over @xmath54 produces @xmath136 the right hand side is the boundary term at spatial infinity , and no interior boundary terms appear in light of the asymptotics .
we will now show that the second term on the left hand side of is nonnegative . as proved in ref .
, our choice for the electric field @xmath137 on the jang surface ensures that @xmath138 moreover , due to the fall off rate of the jang graph the total charge is unchanged @xmath139 in ref . , it was shown that the generalized jang equation implies the following formula for the scalar curvature of @xmath70 @xmath140 where @xmath141 is the second fundamental form of the jang surface @xmath54 , @xmath56 is a specially chosen extension of the initial data @xmath3 , and @xmath142 q_{i}=w^{j}(h_{ij}-k_{ij } ) .
\label{eq : q}\end{gathered}\ ] ] notice that , , and , together with @xmath143 imply @xmath144 we conclude , in view of the coupling @xmath145 , and @xmath146 , that the second term on the left hand side in satisfies @xmath147 thus , becomes @xmath148 note that the integral of the divergence term vanishes according to the asymptotics and .
now consider the case of equality in .
it follows that the harmonic spinor @xmath29 is covariantly constant @xmath149 .
we now recall that @xmath150 is not metric compatible , so that although @xmath29 is parallel , @xmath151 is not constant .
in fact , we show in the appendix [ phi ] that @xmath152 satisfies the elliptic equation @xmath153 where @xmath154 is the laplace - beltrami operator with respect to @xmath70 . furthermore , it now follows from the energy condition , as well as and , that at each point of @xmath1 either @xmath155 or @xmath156 . since @xmath157
we may apply the hopf maximum principle to conclude that @xmath158 on the interior of @xmath1 .
it then follows that in fact holds without any preconditions .
in particular @xmath159 in conclusion , in view of and @xmath160 , we find that @xmath161 is a time symmetric electrovacuum ( and asymptotically flat ) initial data set , with @xmath162 according to chrusciel , reall , and tod @xcite , the only such electrovacuum initial data is the mp initial data , and hence @xmath163 and @xmath164 .
we now have @xmath165 , so that the map @xmath166 yields an isometric embedding of @xmath17 into the spacetime @xmath167 .
next observe that since @xmath168 satisfies the same equation and boundary conditions as @xmath97 , we must have @xmath169 .
therefore @xmath167 is the mp spacetime .
it remains to show that @xmath3 and @xmath33 are respectively the second fundamental form of and induced electric field on the isometric embedding @xmath170 .
this , however , follows from previous work .
namely , since @xmath171 it is shown in refs . that @xmath3 is the desired second fundamental form , and the fact that @xmath33 is the induced electric field on the embedding is shown in ref . .
this completes the proof of theorem [ cpmt ] .
in this section , we present evidence for the following conjecture .
let @xmath32 be a strongly asymptotically flat initial data set for the einstein - maxwell equations .
then the dirac - jang system has a solution @xmath101 which satisfies and .
we note that if proved , this statement , in conjunction with theorem [ cpmt ] , would also give a proof of the following conjecture .
let @xmath32 be a strongly asymptotically flat initial data set for the einstein - maxwell equations satisfying the charged dominant energy condition , with total mass @xmath127 and total charge @xmath128
. then @xmath129 and equality holds if and only if @xmath32 arises from the majumdar - papapetrou spacetime .
observe that the dirac - jang system is truly a coupled system of equations , since the metric appearing in the dirac equation depends on the solution to the generalized jang equation .
however both are elliptic , or degenerate elliptic in the case of the generalized jang equation ( the degeneracy appears only at the horizons ) , and so we have the schauder estimates available to analyze ( heuristically ) whether it is possible to solve this set of equations .
ultimately we would like to apply a standard iteration procedure to obtain existence .
namely , pick an arbitrary positive function @xmath172 with the correct boundary conditions , and then use it to solve the generalized jang equation for @xmath173 .
use @xmath172 and @xmath173 to construct @xmath174 , and then solve the dirac equation to obtain @xmath175 and hence @xmath176 . continuing in this way , we obtain sequences @xmath177 and @xmath178 .
the appropriate estimates must be made if we are to show that this procedure converges .
below we will perform a calculation which suggests that uniform estimates for the warping factor @xmath97 are possible .
once this is accomplished , it is a relatively easy task to uniformly bound the corresponding solution of the generalized jang equation and the dirac equation . to begin , recall that the warping factor is set
to be the norm squared of the dirac spinor , that is @xmath152 . in the appendix [ phi ]
it is shown that @xmath97 solves an equation of the form @xmath179 where @xmath180 is a function of first derivatives of the spinor @xmath29 and first derivatives of @xmath70 .
the scalar curvature has a nice form given by . in this formula
@xmath181 is the second fundamental form of the jang surface inside @xmath182 , @xmath183 and @xmath184 are given by , and @xmath56 is the extension to @xmath60 of the initial data @xmath3 given by @xmath185 we observe that the scalar curvature @xmath134 contains two derivatives of @xmath97 and three derivatives of @xmath11 , and thus it appears that by applying the schauder estimates to equation , the best we could hope for is an estimate of the form @xmath186 which of course is of no help at all .
however , below , we shall calculate the divergence term in the expression for the scalar curvature , and invoke the generalized jang equation , to show that this simple estimate may be improved .
let @xmath121 and @xmath187 be the christoffel symbols for the initial data metric @xmath2 and the jang metric @xmath70 , respectively .
also note that @xmath188 then a straightforward calculation yields @xmath189\\ & -\phi\overline{g}^{ij}\left(\frac{\phi f^{l}k_{lj}}{\sqrt{1+\phi^{2}|\nabla f|^{2}}}\right ) .
\end{split}\end{aligned}\ ] ] observe that ( see ref . ) @xmath190 and recall the ricci commutation formula @xmath191 therefore , with the aid of the generalized jang equation we find @xmath192-\nabla_{ij}f\nabla_{l}\left(\frac{\overline{g}^{ij}\phi}{\sqrt{1+\phi^{2}|\nabla f|^{2}}}\right)\\ = -\nabla_{ij}f\nabla_{l}\left(\frac{\overline{g}^{ij}\phi}{\sqrt{1+\phi^{2}|\nabla f|^{2}}}\right ) +
\nabla_{l}(\overline{g}^{ij}k_{ij})-\nabla_{l}\left(\frac{\overline{g}^{ij}}{\sqrt{1+\phi^{2}|\nabla f|^{2}}}\right)(\phi_{i}f_{j}+\phi_{j}f_{i})\\ -\overline{g}^{ij}\left(\frac{\nabla_{li}\phi f_{j}+\phi_{i}\nabla_{lj}f+\nabla_{jl}\phi f_{i } + \phi_{j}\nabla_{li}f}{\sqrt{1+\phi^{2}|\nabla f|^{2}}}\right).\end{gathered}\ ] ] it follows that @xmath193\overline{\nabla}_{ij}\phi+\cdots,\ ] ] where @xmath194 represents terms depending only on first derivatives of @xmath97 , first derivatives of @xmath70 , and second derivatives of @xmath11 .
this shows that @xmath195 is a degenerate elliptic operator for @xmath97 , since the coefficients of the principal symbol may be rewritten as @xmath196 therefore the equation is actually a strictly elliptic operator for @xmath97 , with coefficients depending only on first derivatives of @xmath97 , first derivatives of @xmath70 , and second derivatives of @xmath11 .
we may now apply the schauder estimates to obtain an improvement of the estimate : @xmath197 moreover it is clear from the structure of the generalized jang equation and the dirac equation , that one should have @xmath198 and @xmath199 since @xmath200 , we also have @xmath201 hence @xmath202 these heuristic arguments yield strong evidence for a uniform bound on @xmath97 , which as mentioned above , will lead to uniform bounds on @xmath11 and @xmath29 .
thus it appears that existence of a solution for the dirac - jang system is highly likely , and rests on a uniform @xmath203 bound for @xmath97 .
here we derive the equation satisfied by the warping factor @xmath152 .
write the connection in the following way @xmath204 where @xmath205 is the metric compatible ( levi - civita ) connection and @xmath206 direct computation yields @xmath207 now use the lichnerowicz formula to obtain @xmath208 where @xmath209 in what follows , for convenience we will neglect the notation @xmath210 for clifford multiplication , and instead simply write @xmath211 .
observe that @xmath212 here we have used the basic law of clifford multiplication , namely @xmath213 where @xmath214 denotes the spacetime metric .
furthermore , we also observe that @xmath215 and therefore @xmath216 it follows that @xmath217 moreover @xmath218 since @xmath219 , as the jang initial data is assumed to have no extrinsic curvature .
also @xmath220 and @xmath221 hence @xmath222 finally we obtain @xmath223 it follows that @xmath97 satisfies equation with a right - hand side given by @xmath224 notice that in the case of equality for the positive mass theorem with charge , @xmath225 so that reduces to the correct equation for the warping factor @xmath97 .
namely , in this case the spinor @xmath29 is covariantly constant with respect to the connection @xmath150 , @xmath226 , and holds .
thus we obtain @xmath227 this is the correct equation for the warping factor of a static spacetime staisfying the einstein - maxwell equations . to see this ,
observe that if @xmath228 is the static spacetime metric , then its scalar curvature is given by @xmath229 if @xmath214 satisfies the einstein - maxwell equations then @xmath230 where @xmath231 is the stress - energy tensor . since @xmath232 where @xmath233 is the field strength tensor of the electro - magnetic field , we have @xmath234 so that @xmath235 but for ( time symmetric ) electro - vacuum initial data , we have @xmath236 , which confirms that our choice of warping factor satisfies the correct equation .
this is quite amazing , since the choice @xmath152 was based on an entirely different motivation .
namely , @xmath97 was chosen in order to allow the divergence term in @xmath134 to be integrated away in the lichnerowicz formula .
14ifxundefined [ 1 ] ifx#1 ifnum [ 1 ] # 1firstoftwo secondoftwo ifx [ 1 ] # 1firstoftwo secondoftwo `` `` # 1''''@noop [ 0]secondoftwosanitize@url [ 0 ]
+ 12$12 & 12#1212_12%12@startlink[1]@endlink[0]@bib@innerbibempty http://projecteuclid.org/getrecord?id=euclid.cmp/1104116629 [ * * , ( ) ] link:\doibase 10.1063/1.531497 [ * * , ( ) ] , http://projecteuclid.org/getrecord?id=euclid.cmp/1103904790 [ * * , ( ) ] http://projecteuclid.org/getrecord?id=euclid.cmp/1103908964 [ * * , ( ) ] http://projecteuclid.org/getrecord?id=euclid.cmp/1103919981 [ * * , ( ) ] link:\doibase 10.1090/s0273 - 0979 - 1987 - 15514 - 5 [ * * , ( ) ] http://projecteuclid.org/getrecord?id=euclid.cmp/1103922377 [ * * , ( ) ] link:\doibase 10.1515/crll.2005.2005.579.13 [ * * , ( ) ] link:\doibase 10.1088/0264 - 9381 [ * * , ( ) ] link:\doibase 10.3934/dcds.2010.27.741 [ * * , ( ) ] @noop * * , ( ) @noop http://projecteuclid.org/getrecord?id=euclid.cmp/1103921154 [ * * , ( ) ] link:\doibase 10.1088/0264 - 9381 [ * * , ( ) ] | arxiv |
Mass Effect When You Love Me
**Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect. BioWare does. **
**A/N: Hey, everybody! So this is a femshep/garrus story that's been floating around inside my head for a while. Hope you enjoy!**
"Sir?"
"Ah yes, Miranda. Have you decided?"
Miranda Lawson is not one for flinching in front of duty, but currently her face is pale and her eyes, though they remain fixed on the Illusive Man, have dark circles under them.
"I- Yes sir."
"And your answer is?"
Miranda's eyes never leave his face. "No." The Illusive Man nods, he'd anticipated this Despite how much loyalty Miranda has to Cerberus, she also has a strict moral code, which is surprising, considering what Cerberus has does. Over the years, she has learned to tamp it down away from her job. But given a choice, she will always do the noble thing. Noble, ha. He had forgotten what the word meant a long time ago.
"Very well then, I will speak with Operative Taylor. Dismissed."
Miranda hesitated. "Sir, I-"
"Dismissed." He repeated, forcefully. She nodded and left the room.
The Illusive Man sat back in his chair, feeling successful. Shepard would be operational soon, and though he didn't want to risk the control chip, there were... other ways to keep her in check. He grinned. Oh yes, this little four billion credit venture was going to pay off beyond his wildest dreams.
And if Operative Lawson was too squeamish to carry out the failsafe, so be it. Operative Taylor was up to the task.
The Illusive Man grinned. One way or another, Shepard would do precisely what he wanted. For her sake, he hoped she'd choose the easier option because the harder one might very well break her.
**A/N: Well, what did you think? I'm thinking this story will be about 20 chapters, but I'm just going to have to see how it plays out. Please review! Also, I'm trying to think of an interesting name for the Illusive Man so I don't have to call him the Illusive Man all the time. If you have suggestions, please give 'em to me!**
End file.
| fanfiction |
Elder Scroll series These Things That Time Cannot Erase
**A/N: A one-shot Skyrim fanfic inspired by these two songs by Fall Out Boy: 'Miss Missing You' and 'Just One Yesterday'. Focuses around a young Altmer/Imperial girl and her struggle to keep her father's promise. A short background on one of my four OCs, Nyraa, and some of the reasons why she acts the way she does. My main story involving her is taking some time to get going, but I'm finally getting somewhere with it. Leave a review to let me know what you think, please. Enjoy!**
**Disclaimer: Skyrim is not mine, neither are the lyrics from Fall Out Boy's songs 'Miss Missing You' and 'Just One Yesterday'.**
**The lines that inspired me for this story:**
**MISS MISSING YOU**
_Don't panic, no not yet, I know I'm the one you want to forget. Cue all the love to leave my heart; it's time for me to fall apart._
**JUST ONE YESTERDAY**
If heaven's grief brings hell's rain, then I'd trade all my tomorrows for just one yesterday. (I know I'm bad news)- For just one yesterday - (I saved it all for you).
* * *
_**These Things That Time Cannot Erase**_
It was summertime, with warm blue skies and wildflowers lining the paths. I remember being in the forest with my father, and we were laughing. I must have only been about six, but the memory is still startlingly clear in my mind. We were meant to be hunting - or something along those lines – but it had all dissolved into fun and games. I was chasing butterflies through the tall grass, falling over my skirts in a vain attempt to close my pudgy fist around the vibrant orange wings of a Monarch. My father wasn't far behind, chuckling as I stumbled and rolled head over heels in the grass, sitting up and sneezing as the pollen tickled my nose. The Monarch fluttered off, oblivious to the small child who had desired it moments earlier.
"You'll never catch anything with clumsy giant steps like that!" my father laughed, sweeping me up into his arms and wrapping one tight around my waist. He moved off through the trees; his dark eyes were bright with mirth as they flickered to meet my own soft golden ones. I stared at his face, burning it memory, tracing the line of his strong jaw with one small, fat finger. He grinned, his teeth white like snow against his soft pink lips. A blanket of rough stubble covered his cheeks and chin, and I giggled when the hairs scratched my palms and left them feeling sore, but in a good way. I played with his long, wavy brown locks, coming free of the loose ponytail they had been drawn into at the nape of his neck.
"What are you doing, Nyraa?" he raised an eyebrow, chuckling lightly. "Not casting a spell on me, I hope!"
I frowned. "Why, is that a Bad Thing, papa?" For a moment, his face lost its jovial glow, but it was back before I could blink. He shook his head, wisps of hair turning bright as the sunlight caught them in gentle golden fingers. He laughed, but this one was quieter and had a rough edge to it.
"No, my darling," his voice came out low and sad. "I'm sure it's what your mother would have wanted you to take on."
I don't know why I did it, maybe a six-year-old sixth sense told me it my dad was having a Grown Up Moment, but I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. I didn't say anything, and neither did he, but I knew he wouldn't have even if he'd wanted to. He was stifling tears; I could tell by the way his sniffles got a little bit more frequent, and he raised his spare hand to wipe at his face when he thought I couldn't see. When I was sure he'd recovered, I mumbled into his collar: "Put me down, papa."
He laughed, the last of his sadness fading. "Why? Getting too old for your father to carry you about now?"
I didn't know what else to say, so I just nodded and answered: "Yes."
He stopped and, as requested, put me down. "What now, Nyraa?"
I giggled and poked his leg with my finger, "You're it!" and darted away into the trees.
We spent the rest of the afternoon in that forest, where the wildflowers danced amongst the trees and reached for the glimpse of sun they could see between the branches above. Tiny insects buzzed about on the mild breeze, their usually transparent wings turned a murky yellow by the dying sunbeams that shifted through the woodland vegetation. By the time we had both stopped our game, the world was settling down for the night. The sun was fast disappearing behind the distant hills, sending rays of mottled purple and cherry pink into the sky. They patterned the clouds with soft colours and scattered them across the heavens like fading blooms of failing flowers. My father and I tumbled to a halt at the bottom of a grassy slope, laughing as dusk blew a cold wind through the forest. He wriggled over to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to him and holding on tight.
"I love you, Nyraa." As he said this, he kissed the top of my head and sighed.
I shifted a little so I could crane my head to look up at him. "Papa?" I asked, and he nodded to acknowledge my question but his eyes were far off in the shadows of the trees.
"What happens now Mama's gone?"
He was silent for several minutes. I was worried he was having another Grown Up Moment, so nudged him to make sure he was still paying attention.
"Tomorrow you're going away for a little bit."
I frowned. "What about you?"
"Don't worry about me, sweetheart." His voice sounded strained.
"Where am I going?"
"The College," he forced a smile. "Do you remember? The one in Winterhold?"
I nodded, the image of a ruined grey bridge blanketed in snow flickering across my mind. "Why?"
"Some people there will keep you safe."
"Keep me safe from what?"
My father didn't answer. Finally, just as I thought we were going to get up and go home, he turned to face me with tears sparkling in his eyes.
"You're going to do great things," he said to me, smiling softly. "Promise me you will never give up, no matter how hard things seem, no matter how difficult the journey is to get there. Promise me you'll never forget what I look like, you'll never forget the mornings we spent in front of the fire with your Mama in the cabin. Promise me you'll do good in this world, Nyraa. Promise me."
Now, this was a ridiculous amount of things to make a six-year-old child who had trouble pronouncing 'alchemy' to promise their father, whom they adored with all their heart and was desperate to make proud. But I promised him anyway, promised him with every fibre of my tiny little being. Because in that moment I wanted him to believe that I could do these things he asked, I wanted him to believe he had something to put faith into after Mama passed.
We spoke little of her, maybe because we both missed her and it hurt too much to talk about the beautiful woman who no longer walked this ground, who no longer graced us with her enchanting smiles and wonderful laughter. I remember every detail about her, right down to the very few bad things she'd done. She had my thick hair, but hers was blonde while mine was brown, like my Papa's. She had high cheekbones on which her eyes rested – golden, too, like mine. She was tall, slender and undoubtedly graceful. We all had lived in a tiny cabin in the woods, somewhere in Falkreath Hold. My father was – and still is – a hunter, while my mother was an alchemist. And a great cook.
She tried to teach me, but I had little patience for something I thought so pointless. Looking back, I wished I'd listened ever so carefully to her. But I can hardly blame myself when I was so young – and yet I still do. It still pains me to remember how I used to get stroppy with her, make her face crumple with sadness when I went off in a four-year-old huff. If I could go back and do things differently, I would. But what is done is done. If my life were a painting it would be blurred and messy and stained by blood and tears at the beginning, then become something more controlled as it reached the other end.
My father kept true to his word. By the next morning, I was off on a cart to Winterhold with nothing but the clothes on my back and a note clutched tight in my fist. I wasn't nervous, far from it. I was sad, sad to leave my father behind me with my old life, like a piece of parchment someone had scrunched up and thrown away. The College of Winterhold loomed closer like a stone giant on the horizon after several days of travelling. I reached the bridge, my feet numb from the cold and my robes crusted with snow. I showed my note to the woman at the entrance. She led me inside, and so my new life began.
I never saw my father again.
Many, many years later, I would become a Master of Destruction magicka and be feared and respected by all at the College of Winterhold. Many, many years later, I would grow cold and hateful; despise those I worked alongside as we learnt our chosen school. Many, many years later...
...I would fall in love.
I would dream of the life I once knew, the life I once had with my mother and father in the seemingly endlessness of our forest, of our cabin that drowned within its embrace. I would trade all of my tomorrows for just one yesterday, just one yesterday with my old life and my old memories; back before they held all of my sorrows and grief like stones sinking in the river of my mind. What path would I have taken if my mother had not died, if my father had not sent me away? One thing that I knew for sure is that I would never hold this agony within the deepest reaches of my heart, locked away tight under layers of malice and spite. I would never have met my soul mate, my one true love that made life worth living again.
I would also never have met a wonderful Altmer woman, who would drag me into the most terrifying and amazing adventure of my life.
_All _of my tomorrows for _just one_ yesterday?
No, probably not. A damn few, definitely, but not all of them. After all, I couldn't bear to lose my lover and the only friend I have ever known if I traded all of them.
But none of this has happened yet – although you can be assured it will. Right now, I'm a little half-breed who has been thrust into a world she doesn't understand, made promises she can never dream to keep. But you'll be happy to know I do, though through circumstances you'll never believe. But that's another story, for another time. Just like my ropy romance with the eventual love of my life. I'm sure you'll hear all about it soon. After all, my friend can't exactly keep an adventure as enormous as hers a secret for long – especially when the things she's hunting tend to turn up on your doorstep, breathing bouts of frost and fire.
But again, another story for another time. And you can also be assured I'll be mentioned in there somewhere as well, with my promise ringing true in every spell I cast.
"_You're going to do great things," he said to me, smiling softly. "Promise me you will never give up, no matter how hard things seem, no matter how difficult the journey is to get there. Promise me you'll never forget what I look like, you'll never forget the mornings we spent in front of the fire with your Mama in the cabin. Promise me you'll do good in this world, Nyraa. Promise me."_
No-one will ever know just how I glad I am that I did.
End file.
| fanfiction |
the last two decades have been witness to intense activities in experimental and theoretical study of correlation properties of interacting quantum systems .
the problem is still challenging and open in the quantum many - body systems which are non - integrable .
the task becomes simplified for integrable systems like one dimensional uniform bose gas described by the lieb - liniger ( ll ) model [ 1,2 ] , which assumes that particles interact via a @xmath0-function repulsive potential .
since the experimental observation of bose einstein condensate ( bec ) in ultracold trapped alkali atomic vapors , a lot of theoretical and experimental work has been done to study its correlation properties [ 3 - 12 ] . in the recent experimental situation
, it is easy to achieve a quasi - one - dimensional strongly interacting degenerate bose gas in a highly anisotropic trap [ 13 - 15 ] which is correctly described by the lieb - liniger model [ 16 ] .
the complementary case is the weakly interacting ( via finite range forces ) trapped bose gas .
although it is commonly believed that the gross pitaveskii ( gp ) equation is adequate for weakly interacting bose gases , but a more rigorous and accurate many - body treatment , incorporating realistic interatomic interactions and interatomic correlations , is crucial for studying correlation properties in realistic condensates .
the first motivation of the present work is to investigate the importance of finite size and trapping effects on the ground state correlation properties of ultracold atomic becs .
the second motivation of our study is to assess the validity of shape - independent approximation in the correlation properties .
dilute becs are known to possess shape - independent ( si ) property which is frequently described by the @xmath0-function potential , whose strength is proportional to the @xmath1-wave scattering length @xmath2 . in the mean - field description , the effective interaction is determined by the factor @xmath3 ( where @xmath4 is expressed in units of oscillator length of the trap ) , whereas in the full many - body description we solve the many - body schrdinger equation for different two - body potentials that generate identical @xmath5 .
thus , our present calculation serves as a stringent test of the si approximation and verifies whether the long range correlation at all affects the correlation properties or not .
inclusion of all possible two - body correlations in our _ ab initio _ many - body method correctly calculates correlation effects at zero temperature .
use of the realistic van der waals interatomic potential with a long attractive tail provides the realistic aspects of the correlation function and its momentum distribution .
specially the effect of short range repulsion in the interatomic potential is expected to be reflected in the pair correlation function .
+ the paper is organized as follows . in the next section ,
we briefly review our theoretical approach . in section iii , we present the results of our calculation of one - body density , pair distribution function and their momentum distributions .
finally , in section iv we draw our conclusions
we adopt the potential harmonics expansion method together with a short range correlation function ( cphem ) , which has already been established as a successful and useful technique for investigating bec with realistic two - body interactions . in the following ,
we briefly describe the technique .
interested readers can find the details in refs .
+ we start with the many - body schrdinger equation of @xmath6 spinless bosons trapped in an isotropic harmonic oscillator potential of frequency @xmath7 at zero temperature .
the center of mass motion can be separated by introducing the center of mass vector ( @xmath8 ) and @xmath9 jacobi vectors @xmath10 defined as @xcite @xmath11 where @xmath12 is the position vector of the @xmath13-th particle .
the relative motion of the system is described by @xmath14 \psi(\vec{\zeta}_{1 } , ... , \vec{\zeta}_{n } ) = 0 , \label{se_rel_motion}\end{aligned}\ ] ] where @xmath15 and @xmath16 are respectively the trapping and pair - wise interaction potentials , expressed in terms of the jacobi vectors .
the energy of the relative motion is @xmath17 .
next hyperspherical variables are introduced by defining a ` hyperradius ' @xmath18^{\frac{1}{2}},\ ] ] and a set of @xmath19 ` hyperangles ' , consisting of @xmath20 polar angles of @xmath21 jacobi vectors and @xmath22 angles defining their _ relative lengths _ @xcite . in the hyperspherical harmonics expansion method ( hhem ) the @xmath21-body schrdinger equation ( [ se_rel_motion ] ) is solved by expanding @xmath23 in the complete set of hyperspherical harmonics ( hh ) , which are the eigenfunctions of the @xmath21-dimensional laplace operator ( analogous to the spherical harmonics in three dimension ) @xcite .
substitution of this in eq .
( [ se_rel_motion ] ) and projection on a particular hh results in a set of coupled differential equations . however imposition of symmetry of the wave function and calculation of the matrix elements are such formidable tasks that a practical solution for @xmath24 is nearly impossible .
moreover due to the fact that the degeneracy of the hh basis increases very rapidly with the increase in the grand orbital quantum number @xmath25 @xcite , a convergent calculation using hhem with _ the full _ hh basis is extremely computer intensive .
this is the price one pays for keeping _ all many - body correlations_. on the other hand , a typical experimental bec is designed to be extremely dilute to eliminate the possibility of molecule formation through three - body collisions . hence we assume that the probability of three and more particles to come within the range of interatomic interaction is negligible and the effect of the two - body correlations will be adequate for the full many - body wave function .
moreover , only two - body interactions are relevant . therefore , @xmath23 can be expressed in terms of faddeev components @xmath26 of the @xmath27 interacting pair @xcite @xmath28 since only two - body correlations are important , @xmath26 is a function of the interacting - pair separation @xmath29 and @xmath30 only .
hence it can be expanded in the subset of hh needed for the expansion of the two - body interaction @xmath31 .
this subset is called the potential harmonics ( ph ) basis @xcite .
this results in a dramatic simplification in the analytic and computation works and it has been used upto 14000 bosons in the trap @xcite . in this procedure , a realistic interatomic interaction can be used .
such an interaction has a strongly repulsive core .
hence @xmath26 must be vanishingly small for small values of @xmath32 .
but the first ( @xmath33 ) term of the ph basis is a constant @xcite . hence to reproduce the short - range behaviour of @xmath26 correctly , a large number of ph basis functions is needed , which slows down the rate of convergence considerably .
hence , we introduce a ` short - range correlation function ' in the ph expansion basis @xcite . in the zero temperature bec ,
the kinetic energy of the interacting pair is practically zero .
therefore , the two - body collision process is determined entirely by the @xmath1-wave scattering length ( @xmath4 ) .
the small @xmath32 behavior of @xmath26 will be that of the zero - energy wave function @xmath34 of the pair interacting via @xmath35 .
hence we introduce @xmath34 as a short - range correlation function in the ph expansion @xcite .
we have checked explicitly that this improves the rate of convergence dramatically . in order
that the small @xmath32 behavior of @xmath36 corresponds to the correct two - body interaction appropriate for the experimental @xmath4 , we adjust the very short - range behavior of the interatomic interaction ( in the case of the van der waals potential used by us , it will be the hard - core radius @xmath37 ) so that @xmath34 asymptotically becomes proportional to @xmath38 @xcite .
substitution of this expansion of @xmath23 in eq .
( [ se_rel_motion ] ) and projection on a particular ph gives rise to a set of coupled differential equations in @xmath30 @xcite @xmath39 u_{kl}(r ) \\ & + & \sum_{k^{\prime}}f_{kl}v_{kk^{\prime}}(r)f_{k'l } u_{k^{\prime}l}(r ) = 0 , \nonumber \label{finalcde}\end{aligned}\ ] ] where @xmath40 , @xmath41 , @xmath42 and @xmath43 .
here , @xmath44 is the orbital angular momentum of the system ( assumed to be contributed by the interacting pair only ) and @xmath45 is the coefficient of expansion of @xmath36 in the correlated ph basis , while @xmath46 represents the overlap of the ph corresponding to the ( @xmath47)-partition with the sum of phs of all partitions @xcite .
expressions for the potential matrix element @xmath48 and @xmath46 can be found in ref .
( 5 ) is solved by hyperspherical adiabatic approximation ( haa ) @xcite , for which we assume that the hyperangular motion is much faster than the hyperradial motion .
consequently , the former can be separated adiabatically and solved to obtain an effective potential as a parametric function of @xmath30 , in which the hyperradial motion takes place . the hyperangular motion is effectively solved by diagonalizing the potential matrix @xmath48 together with the hyper - centrifugal potential of eq .
( 5 ) to get the lowest eigenvalue @xmath49 [ corresponding eigen column vector being @xmath50 , which is the effective potential for the hyperradial motion . finally
, the adiabatically separated hyperradial equation @xmath51\zeta_0(r)=0.\ ] ] is solved subject to appropriate boundary conditions to get @xmath17 and the hyperradial wave function @xmath52 .
the many - body wave function can be constructed in terms of @xmath52 and @xmath53 @xcite .
now in order to study the correlation properties of the interacting bose gas we choose a realistic interatomic potential having a strong repulsive core at a small separation and an attractive tail at large atomic separations .
this is approximately represented by the van der waals potential with a hard core of radius @xmath54 and a @xmath55 attractive tail , _ viz .
_ @xmath35 = @xmath56 , for @xmath57 and @xmath58 for @xmath59 .
the effective interaction is characterized by the @xmath1-wave scattering length ( @xmath5 ) , which depends strongly on @xmath54 @xcite .
usually the potentials are chosen to be purely attractive or purely repulsive according to whether @xmath5 is negative or positive respectively . in our many - body calculation
, we solve the zero - energy two - body schrdinger equation with @xmath35 to obtain @xmath5 @xcite .
the value of @xmath54 is adjusted so that @xmath5 has the values corresponding to the jila experiments @xcite .
a typical value of @xmath37 is of the order of @xmath60 o.u . in atomic units
this is a few tens of bohr , which is larger than the atomic radius .
note that @xmath37 is expected to be larger than the atomic radius , as the van der waals potential with the hard core of radius @xmath37 is the _ effective potential _ which produces the correct experimental _ zero - energy _ scattering cross - section ( given by @xmath4 ) .
+ + taking the fourier transform of @xmath78 , we obtain the one - body momentum distribution .
one - body density is an abstract concept .
its fourier transform gives the experimentally measurable quantity , the momentum distribution . in fig .
3 , we plot our results for repulsive interactions .
it evolves from a gaussian in the noninteracting limit to a curve having a sharper peak , as the net interaction increases .
the peak at @xmath79 becomes more pronounced with increase in effective repulsion , whereas for weak interaction it develops a long - range tail in the momentum space .
the momentum is being redistributed to higher @xmath80 values .
the width of the low - momentum peak for @xmath81 o.u .
and @xmath82 is about @xmath83 @xmath84m@xmath85 .
we have remarked earlier that with recent progress in creating atomic clouds with large dipole moment , interest has been shifted to longer range interaction instead of taking only contact interaction .
thus , even in the low - density limit the use of a realistic interatomic interaction potential in the many - body calculation has been emphasized by several authors [ 27 - 29 ] .
the van der waals potential is an ideal choice as it properly takes care of the effect of realistic dipole - dipole interaction .
the strength of the van der waals interaction @xmath86 changes widely from a small value for h atoms to a high value for cs atoms .
hence , to see how the one - body density is affected by the strength of the long - range tail of the two - body potential , we select three different values of @xmath86 in addition to the actual experimental value
one below and two above .
these are ( in o.u . ) : @xmath87 , @xmath88 , @xmath89 , @xmath90 , the second one being the experimental value . for each value of @xmath86
, we calculate corresponding @xmath54 as before , such that @xmath5 has the experimental value 0.00433 o.u . for each set of @xmath91
, we solve the many - body schrdinger equation as before .
calculated one - body density for different sets are shown in fig . 4 for 10000 bosons .
we observe that the one - body density of the inhomogeneous gas for different two - body potentials are almost indistinguishble ; i.e. independent of the shape of @xmath35 .
our numerical calculations confirm that one - body density is absolutely determined ( within numerical errors ) by the parameter @xmath5 only .
this is in contrast with ref .
@xcite , where ground state energy of the condensate was found to depend on the shape of the potential .
thus the one - body density does not depend strongly on the shape of the interaction potential , while the ground state energy does .
+ an explanation of the above observation is as follows .
the total condensate energy depends on the minimum of the well , in addition to the actual shape of the lowest eigen potential . in table 1 , we present the dependence of the position ( @xmath92 ) and the value ( @xmath93 ) of the minimum of lowest eigen potential for different values of @xmath94 parameter , corresponding to the same @xmath4 .
+ table 1 .
dependence of @xmath92 and @xmath93 on @xmath94 ( corresponding to @xmath95 ) for @xmath82 atoms ( all quantities are expressed in o.u . ) . + [ cols="^,^,^",options="header " , ] we observe that , as @xmath94 increases , @xmath93 decreases appreciably , while position of the minimum of effective many - body potential changes by a small amount . in the next sub - section , we will see that the shape of the @xmath49 curve remains practically unchanged .
as the total condensate energy depends on the depth of the potential , as well as on its shape ( stiffness ) , we observe that the ground state energy decreases gradually with increase in @xmath94 @xcite . thus the shape independence hypothesis is violated for the total energy .
however , the one - body density distribution is given by the many - body wave function , which is independent of the minimum of the potential , but depends only on its shape .
hence it remains unchanged with change in @xmath94 parameter and shape independence of the one - body density profile is satisfied .
+ another key quantity is the pair distribution function @xmath96 , which determines the probability of finding the @xmath27-pair of particles at a relative separation @xmath32 .
the study of pair correlation is important , since the interatomic interactions play a crucial role as there are two competing interaction length scales .
when the atoms try to form clusters , a strong very short range repulsion in atomic interaction comes into play .
as atoms repel each other strongly at very small separations it is impossible to get some non - vanishing value of @xmath96 at @xmath32 = 0 .
we calculate it as @xmath97 where @xmath23 is the many - body wavefunction and the integral over the hypervolume @xmath98 excludes integration over @xmath99 . again after a lengthy calculation we can put it in a closed form given by @xmath100 we plot @xmath96 in fig . 5 for the attractive interaction with different particle numbers .
as mentioned earlier , pair correlation vanishes as @xmath32 @xmath101 0 , due to the strong interatomic repulsion and it can not extend beyond the size of the condensate .
hence @xmath102 is peaked at some intermediate value of @xmath32 . for weak interactions ( small @xmath77 )
, the correlation length is large .
however as the effective attractive interaction increases , two interacting particles come closer and the pair - correlation length decreases ; the pair distribution function becomes sharply peaked .
it indicates stronger pair correlation in the system , in agreement with expectations .
however our results are at variance with those obtained in ll model @xcite , which describes uniform systems with no confinement .
consequently pair correlation function approaches its maximum asymptotically , whereas in our confined three dimensional case , it vanishes asymptotically .
when @xmath6 is increased to 2470 , which is very close to the critical number ( @xmath103 2475 ) , the effect is quite prominant .
as the width of the curves decrease with increase in effective attractive interaction , the interacting pair becomes more localized .
this manifests the possiblity of clustering due to large two - body interaction and three - body recombination , if the attraction becomes strong enough .
this will lead to an eventual collapse of the attractive condensate , when the pair - correlation length will drastically reduce to a very small value and the condensate will be destroyed .
+ two - particle correlation is directly related with pair inelastic processes and can be directly measured in photoassociation in interatomic collisions . as the attractive interaction increases , the gas becomes highly correlated and different inelastic processes may take place .
the opposite case is the repulsive bose gas where the pair inelastic process will be suppressed with increase in interaction . for completeness , in fig .
6 we plot the relative momentum distribution obtained as the fourier transform of @xmath96 for various particle numbers for @xmath69rb condensate in the jila trap , with @xmath5 = @xmath104 o.u .
( @xmath105 a.u . ) .
the width of the curve decreases and exhibits a sharp peak at @xmath106 , whose height increases with increasing number of particles .
+ lastly to visualize the effect of different strength parameter @xmath86 on the pair - correlation , we plot @xmath96 against @xmath32 for the previous sets of potential parameters in fig . 7 .
we find that different interatomic potential shapes corresponding to the same @xmath5 produce identical correlation properties , which indicates that the calculated property is independent of the shape of the two - body potential .
the fact that the ground state energy is dependent on the shape of the two - body potential @xcite whereas the one - body density and the pair distribution function are not , can be attributed to the fact that the many - body wave function remains invariant irrespective of the variation of the shape of the two - body potential due to variation of @xmath107 for the same value of @xmath4 .
note that the condensate wave function in the hyperradial space @xmath108 is obtained by solving the hyperradial equation ( 6 ) in the effective many - body potential @xmath109 .
the shape and stiffness of this effective potential remain unchanged for the same value of @xmath5 , irrespective of the variation of the shape of the two - body potential . however , as discussed earlier , the position and value of the minimum of the effective many - body potential change with the variation of the parameter @xmath86 . to demonstrate this
, we plot the effective many - body potential @xmath109 as a function of @xmath30 for various values of @xmath86 in fig .
the curves have been shifted both vertically and horizontally in order that the minima coincide ( both in position and value ) .
one observes that all the curves overlap completely ( within numerical errors ) showing that the shape and stiffness of the effective potential remain invariant .
hence the kinetic energy and the wave function remain unchanged , while potential energy and the total energy change with change of @xmath94 . by direct numerical calculation
, we have checked that the change of kinetic energy is very small compared with that of the total energy , as @xmath94 varies .
therefore the ground state energy is shape dependent , whereas the one - body density and pair distribution function are not .
in conclusion , the present work focuses on the one - body density and pair - correlation aspects of the zero temperature weakly interacting trapped bose gas .
the use of correlated many - body approach takes care of the effect of finite - size , where quantum fluctuation is important and gives a realistic picture of correlation properties . due to the use of a realistic interatomic interaction and consideration of finite number of atoms in the trap ,
our results deviate from the earlier results @xcite , but exhibit realistic aspects which are relevant to experiments .
our calculation is performed for a two - body potential ( van der waals potential ) , whose parameters can be adjusted to give both positive and negative scattering lengths , for rb atoms in the jila trap . thus ,
our results are realistic and can be experimentally verified in future .
our calculations also verify the validity of the shape - independent approximation in dilute becs for one - body density and pair - distribution functions .
this is in contrast with the earlier observed shape dependence for ground state energies @xcite .
+ we would like to acknowledge helpful discussion with l. salasnich , s.r .
jain and g. mussardo .
this work has been funded by the department of science and technology ( dst ) , india under grant number sr / s2/cmp/0059(2007 ) .
bc thanks the international center for theoretical physics ( ictp ) , trieste for hospitality and financial support , where a part of the work was done .
tkd acknowledges the university grants commission ( ugc ) , india for the emeritus fellowship .
ab acknowledges the ugc , india for the research fellowship in sciences for meritorious students and the council of scientific and industrial research ( csir ) , india for a senior research fellowship .
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Poetry, chapbook, 28 pages, from Bottlecap Press.
ternura / tenderness is a collection of poems rooted in softness, corporeality, and questioning. The works explore the ways in which identity is shaped by others' expectations. They engage with language, notions of guilt, and feelings of longing for the places we call home. In her debut chapbook, Sarah Sophia Yanni uses memory and emotion to traverse her family, her body, and her mixed culture.
Sarah Sophia Yanni is a half Egyptian / half Mexican writer in Los Angeles and is currently pursuing an MFA from the CalArts School of Critical Studies. Her work has been published in homonym journal, inbtwn mag, BUST, and others. ternura / tenderness is her first poetry collection. She lives on Instagram @sssaritahh or online at www.sarahsophiayanni.com. | slim_pajama |
down syndrome ( ds ) is a type of chromosomal abnormality that causes a range of physical , intellectual and clinical symptoms affecting individuals of different races , ethnic groups , and socioeconomic classes .
although the clinical presentation may vary , it is possible to predict structural alterations in the central nervous system , congenital heart disease , immunodeficiency , metabolic disorders , gastrointestinal problems , and also the characteristic physical phenotype , among others
.
it is striking due to global alterations in the development process , involving motor , language , cognitive , self - care and personal - social dimensions
, and it is associated with specific behavioral phenotypes
.
the alterations found in different development areas are not always proportional , although each area influences and is influenced by one another
.
alterations in motor skills are expected , mainly due to neuroanatomical and physiological changes that cause muscle hypotonia , alterations in primitive reflexes , joint hypermobility , and they also have a bearing on postural control and muscle synergy
.
such alterations directly interfere with exploitation of the environment , causing a reduction of crucial stimuli and experiences for the development of language , cognition and socialization
.
the cognitive development of children with ds seems to be characterized by differences between individuals
.
deficient cognitive skills , due to an intellectual problem , will directly influence the processing of information , thus causing alterations in attention , memory , language acquisition and other development skills
. in the personal - social and self - care areas , the influence of family guidance , as well as
the environment in which the children are inserted , is outstanding , considering the stimulation input they receive
added to the opportunities for acting autonomously and independently throughout the different growth stages .
the development of language occurs with delay and tends to follow the stages of typically developing children , despite the heterogeneity verified in the language performance of children with ds .
alterations in semantic , phonological , syntactic and pragmatic aspects are expected
. in this case ,
social development is closely related to the language development , and both are prone to environmental influence
.
although literature shows that one development area influences the other , there are gaps concerning the understanding of alterations and transformations that characterize these children s development
.
this performance may be related to different variables that interfere with development such as , for instance , anatomophysiological conditions of the central nervous system , congenital hypothyroidism , hearing and vision losses , presence of behavior patterns in the autism spectrum , prematurity and low weight , among others .
considering what has been mentioned , the objective of this study was to verify personal - social , fine motor - adaptive , gross motor and language skills of children with down syndrome , and compare them with typically developing children matched for gender , socioeconomic status and mental age , controlling some variables that affect overall development such as congenital hypothyroidism , prematurity , low birth weight , significant hearing and vision problems and characteristics of the autism spectrum disorder .
before its execution , this study was submitted for the appraisal and approval of the research ethics committee of the institution where the study was conducted ( process no 040/2009 ) .
the criteria for inclusion in the experimental group ( eg ) were the following : to have been diagnosed with down syndrome , for trisomy 21 , before the chronological age of three months ; to have been born at term ; to not have been born severely underweight ; to have shown results indicative of normality in hearing and metabolism neonatal screenings ( for congenital hypothyroidism ) ; to have sight that does not hinder the accomplishment of the activities proposed ; to have attended rehabilitation procedures since the first trimester of life and to be attending regular school .
the criteria for inclusion in the control group ( cg ) were the following : to have typical development ( td ) ; to have been born at term ; to have not been born severely underweight ; to have results indicative of normality in hearing and metabolism neonatal screenings ( for congenital hypothyroidism ) ; to have vision skills that do not hinder the accomplishment of the activities proposed ; to attend school ; to be matched for gender , mental age and socioeconomic status with the eg .
the participants mental age was established after evaluation through the new version of the stanford - binet method , adapted by terman and merril
( 1960 ) .
the brazilian criteria of economic classification ( cceb , 2011 )
was used to check socioeconomic status .
this instrument considers the family ownership of items ( material assets ) and the level of education of the person responsible for the family .
the childhood autism rating scale ( cars ) , of brazilian standardization
, was used to verify the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder .
after the inclusion criteria were applied , 40 children participated in the study , 20 with down syndrome ( experimental group - eg ) , of both genders and chronological age from three years and two months to six years ( mean of four years and five months ) , and 20 typical developing children ( control group - cg ) , matched to the eg for gender , socioeconomic status and mental age , aged from one year and one month to four years and two months ( mean of two years and six months ) .
some children did not qualify for the inclusion criteria : in the eg , there were two children who had been born preterm , three children who had been born severely underweight , two with congenital hypothyroidism , one with signs indicative of autism spectrum disorder , one who had failed in the neonatal hearing screening , two who did not attend regular school , and one who had initiated rehabilitation procedures after the sixth month of life .
after signing the informed consent form , the legal responsible people answered an anamnesis protocol with information about the early life of the participant .
the birth weight of eg participants ranged from 1850 g to 3880 g , with a mean of 2706 g , while the weights of the cg participants ranged from 2500 g to 3850 g , with a mean of 3187 g. regarding aspects of general health , as reported in the anamnesis , the eg participants showed one or more of the following health problems : heart disease ( 30% ) , alterations to the stomach and duodenum ( 10% ) , myopia ( 10% ) and jaundice ( 10% ) .
eg children that had myopia used corrective lenses . in the cg , no alterations were reported .
the studied participants were classified in classes a ( 10% ) , b ( 60% ) , and c ( 30% ) for the socioeconomic status . regarding the participants education ,
the eg children were distributed in nursery ( 50% ) and kindergarten ( 50% ) classes , while the cg children attended mini - nursery ( 50% ) , nursery ( 45% ) and kindergarten ( 5% ) classes .
the evaluation consisted in applying the denver development screening test ii
that considers four developmental areas , namely : personal - social , fine motor - adaptive , language and gross motor .
the statistical analysis was performed by applying the student s t - test for each area of the denver ii test .
the student s t - test is a parametric statistical test used to compare the mean of two groups , applied in two independent samples .
in figure 1 , the profile of participants is characterized in terms of gender , chronological and mental age .
figure 1distribution of participants in terms of gender , chronological age and mental age
the steps and age of acquisition of the milestones of psychomotor development are shown in figure 2 .
figure 2age of acquisition of the milestones of psychomotor development
in this casuistry , the acquisition of cervical spine equilibrium in the eg occurred at ages between 3 and 28 months , with a mean of 8.2 months ; sitting without support occurred from the 7 to the 38 month of life , with a mean age of 15.1 months , and independent walking started at ages from 18 to 48 months , with a mean of 30.2 months .
cg children fulfilled the development stages as expected for individuals with td , i.e. , the mean age for cervical equilibrium was 3.1 months ; sitting without support , 6.9 months ; and independent walking at 12.2 months . observing the age of the utterance of the first words , the eg participants showed this skill at ages ranging from 10 to 48 months , with a mean of 28.7 months , while in the cg this skill started at ages between 8 and 18 months , with a mean of 12.7 months .
the statistical analysis of the denver ii results revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups for language and fine motor - adaptive areas .
table 1 shows the mean and the standard deviation when comparing the cg and the eg performance in the application of the denver ii test through the student s t - test ( p0.05 ) .
table 1mean , standard deviation and p value resulting from the application of the denver ii test in the cg and egdenver iigroupmeanstandard deviationp valuep - scg33.59.260.861 eg32.813.6 lgcg35.410.30.019 * eg26.911.5 fmacg37.910.80.034 * eg29.812.5 gmcg3410.90.130 eg28.810.3 cg = control group ;
eg = experimental group ; p - s = personal - social area ; lg = language area ; fma = fine motor - adaptive area ; gm = gross motor area ; * statistically significant difference with p<0.05
cg = control group ; eg = experimental group ; p - s = personal - social area ; lg = language area ; fma = fine motor - adaptive area ; gm = gross motor area ; * statistically significant difference with p<0.05
in figure 1 , the profile of participants is characterized in terms of gender , chronological and mental age .
figure 1distribution of participants in terms of gender , chronological age and mental age
the steps and age of acquisition of the milestones of psychomotor development are shown in figure 2 .
figure 2age of acquisition of the milestones of psychomotor development
in this casuistry , the acquisition of cervical spine equilibrium in the eg occurred at ages between 3 and 28 months , with a mean of 8.2 months ; sitting without support occurred from the 7 to the 38 month of life , with a mean age of 15.1 months , and independent walking started at ages from 18 to 48 months , with a mean of 30.2 months .
cg children fulfilled the development stages as expected for individuals with td , i.e. , the mean age for cervical equilibrium was 3.1 months ; sitting without support , 6.9 months ; and independent walking at 12.2 months . observing the age of the utterance of the first words , the eg participants showed this skill at ages ranging from 10 to 48 months , with a mean of 28.7 months , while in the cg this skill started at ages between 8 and 18 months , with a mean of 12.7 months .
the statistical analysis of the denver ii results revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups for language and fine motor - adaptive areas .
table 1 shows the mean and the standard deviation when comparing the cg and the eg performance in the application of the denver ii test through the student s t - test ( p0.05 ) .
table 1mean , standard deviation and p value resulting from the application of the denver ii test in the cg and egdenver iigroupmeanstandard deviationp valuep - scg33.59.260.861 eg32.813.6 lgcg35.410.30.019 * eg26.911.5 fmacg37.910.80.034 * eg29.812.5 gmcg3410.90.130 eg28.810.3 cg = control group ;
eg = experimental group ; p - s = personal - social area ; lg = language area ; fma = fine motor - adaptive area ; gm = gross motor area ; * statistically significant difference with p<0.05
cg = control group ; eg = experimental group ; p - s = personal - social area ; lg = language area ; fma = fine motor - adaptive area ; gm = gross motor area ; * statistically significant difference with p<0.05
the sample of this study was designed to control important variables that have a bearing on child development , such as mental age , socioeconomic status , gender , birth at full term , birth weight , and absence of comorbidities , such as characteristics of the autism spectrum disorder , metabolic alterations for congenital hypothyroidism and diagnosis of significant hearing and vision problems , which allowed a more homogeneous sample .
the literature shows that preterms , mainly those with low weight , come into the world in a very marked condition of general weakness that usually puts them in a situation of risk , not only of survival , but also of possible shortcomings in terms of development
.
according to the inclusion criteria , no child of the sample showed a history of prematurity .
, thyroid hormones are vital for the development of the central nervous system , particularly during childhood , as they affect the neuronal migration and differentiation , the activation of the sympathetic nervous system , synthesis and secretion of neurotransmitters and the processes of myelination .
untreated hypothyroidism can intensify several symptoms associated with ds during childhood such as psychomotor development , somatic and intellectual growth
.
thus , the sample was controlled considering the range of variables interfering in the process of global development of children with ds .
recent research studies show that children with ds can present characteristics that fulfill the diagnosis criteria for the autism spectrum disorder
.
the sample was controlled in such a way that no child included in the study presented characteristics of the spectrum associated with ds .
one factor considered of risk for the alteration of the development is the presence of congenital heart disease .
however , this was not an exclusion criterion in this study , although authors did state that children with ds who presented congenital heart disease showed more difficulties to reach the motor milestones when compared with children with ds who did not have a history of these associated alterations
. individually analyzing the performance of the six children with ds that showed heart disease , participating in this study
, we verified that only one of them showed cervical equilibrium , independent walking and production of first words notably superior ( older age in the acquisition of development milestone ) than the mean of the eg .
analyzing table 1 , in the personal - social area , we observed no statistically significant difference between the groups , although the eg children had a chronological age superior to the cg .
the personal - social area has been considered the development area that change the least among children with ds
, although it is not possible to establish these children s social profile as this skill depends on many variables that are usually found in the particular social environments they attend .
indeed , children with ds are seen as extremely sociable and affectionate , and they also have an easy temperament . however , although these individuals have fitted this stereotype , the temperament is by no means uniform
, since personal - social skills depend on the environment needs . with effective social interactions and relationships initiated as early as possible ,
children tend to become more productive , showing the positive influences of such interactions and relationships that provide the social matrix for their overall development .
the children who participated in this study started their intervention procedures still in the first trimester of life , and participated in an educational system from an early age , which may have contributed to these results .
the difference regarding the educational degree of the groups in this casuistry is noteworthy due to the chronological age , since the classes in the brazilian educational system are formed considering chronological age rather than level of development and/or ability .
this finding could represent different degrees of stimulation for children from different groups because of the specific curriculum for each educational program .
the language area was the most impaired when comparing the groups , even considering that this study has strict control over the variables .
we emphasize that the language skills required in the denver ii test referred mainly to the expression of concepts and production of words . in a previous study
we affirm that expression skills are more impaired than the receptive ones in this population
, and that , regarding the cognitive profile , they present alterations varying from mild to severe .
language is the most extensively studied area in the context of the cognitive system , often giving a particular character to this performance considering the many involved variables
. regarding the performance in the fine motor - adaptive skill
, a statistically significant difference between the groups was found . in the denver ii test , this area verifies skills that include manual coordination , stimulus organization , accomplishment of delicate features , handling of small objects , involving , mainly , the cognitive and visual - motor skills .
( 2010 ) showed that the most impaired areas in the children with ds were language and fine motor co - ordination , thus supporting the findings of this study .
specific coordination and postural problems have a considerable impact on the development of adaptive and functional skills , mainly in pre - school and school ages .
motor skills and acquisitions are determinant in social interactions , favoring the participation in interactional activities and in different social contexts in which language is developed
. qualitatively analyzing the sample
, we verified that the eg children showed a delay in the neuropsychomotor development , observed from the acquisition of cervical equilibrium ( mean of 8.2 months ) to that of independent walking ( mean of 30.3 months ) .
the delay in the motor development of children with ds is expected , as well as the presence of hypotony , alteration of primitive reflexes and joint hypermobility that influence posture control , adequate muscle synergy , accomplishment of movements and motor coordination
.
the delay in the neuropsychomotor development is an indication that there are alterations in the acquisition of skills in other development areas
, mainly in the first years of life , as the movement is considered the basis for the learning of new skills . through the motor action
thus , the motor limitation may cause difficulties of interaction and manipulation of objects , with a loss of opportunities to develop the repertoire of learning experiences .
the action creates and elicits cognition , through praxis , which has a form of mental planning that regulates , controls , integrates , elaborates and executes the child s intentions
. in the comparison between the eg and the cg ,
thus , the eg children showed chronological age superior to the cg children , which approximated the performance of these groups regarding the gross motor aspect .
it is possible to affirm that children with ds showed an altered performance in this aspect because this performance was similar to the ones of younger children with td .
considering the difference of performance in the areas evaluated for each group , we noticed that children with ds showed better performance in the personal - social area , followed by the fine motor - adaptive and gross motor areas , and worse performance in the language area .
a different behavior pattern was shown by children with td , who showed a better performance in the fine motor - adaptive area , followed by the language , gross motor and personal - social areas .
the literature shows that the heterogeneity in the performance of children with ds , and suggest longitudinal studies aimed to evaluate the process of language development within this population throughout the years
.
reflecting on the methodological path that reached its peak with these results , the importance of studies that show a control of variables is emphasized as a way to get more homogeneous groups . on the other hand ,
a restriction of this study to be emphasized is the absence of an analysis of the participants central nervous system conditions by image exams , and the fact that individuals with congenital heart disease were not excluded .
in addition to the importance of matching of groups considering mental age , socioeconomic status and gender , as well as the control of variables considered as risk factors for development alterations , including premature birth , very low body weight , and congenital hypothyroidism , it is necessary to study these aspects while considering the anatomo - functional conditions of the nervous system of children with ds , for they would provide relevant information regarding the functioning of the processes that involve development .
longitudinal studies following the development of children with ds will be important to deepen the knowledge on this population development rhythm .
children with ds showed an inferior performance in language and fine motor - adaptive skills when compared with typical developing children matched for mental age , gender and socioeconomic status .
there was no statistically significant difference in the gross motor and personal - social areas . | pubmed |
during recent years there has been increasing evidence for a connection between active galactic nuclei ( agn ) and star formation in the vicinity of the central black holes .
this subject forms the central topic of this paper , and is discussed in sections [ sec : prop ] and [ sec : staragn ] .
a large number of studies have addressed the issue of star formation around agn .
those which have probed closest to the nucleus , typically on scales of a few hundred parsecs , have tended to focus on seyferts notably seyfert2 galaxies since these are the closest examples @xcite .
the overall conclusion of these studies is that in 3050% cases the agn is associated with young ( i.e. age less than a few 100myr ) star formation .
while this certainly implies a link , it does not necessarily imply any _ causal _ link between the two phenomena .
instead , it could more simply be a natural consequence of the fact that both agn and starburst require gas to fuel them . and that in some galaxies this gas has fallen towards the nucleus , either due to an interaction or secular evolution such as bar driven inflow .
one aspect which must be borne in mind when interpreting such results , and which has been pointed out by @xcite , is the discrepancy in the scales involved .
agn and starburst phemonena occur on different temporal and spatial scales ; and observations are sensitive to scales that are different again .
for example , star formation has typically been studied on scales of several kiloparsecs down to a few hundred parsecs .
in contrast , accretion of gas onto an agn will occur on scales much less than 1pc .
similarly , the shortest star formation timescales that most observations are sensitive to are of order 100myr to 1gyr . on the other hand , in this paper
we show that the active phase of star formation close around a black hole is typically rather less than 100myr .
correspondingly short accretion timescales for black holes are reflected in the ages of jets which , for a sample of radio galaxies measured by @xcite , span a range from a few to 100myr . in seyfert galaxies the timescales are even shorter , as typified by ngc1068 for which @xcite estimate the age of the jets to be only @xmath4myr .
that the putative causal connection between agn and starbursts might occur on relatively small spatial scales and short timescales can help us to understand why no correlation has been found between agn and ( circum-)nuclear starbursts in general .
it is simply that the circumnuclear activity on scales greater than a few hundred parsecs is , in most cases , too far from the agn to influence it , or be strongly influenced by it ( cf * ? ? ?
in this paper we redress this imbalance .
while the optical spectroscopy pursued by many authors allows a detailed fitting of templates and models to the stellar features , we also make use of established star formation diagnostics and interpret them using starburst population synthesis models .
observing at near infrared wavelengths has brought two important advantages .
the optical depth is 10 times less than at optical wavelengths , and thus our data are less prone to the effects of extinction which can be significant in agn .
and we have employed adaptive optics to reach spatial resolutions of 0.10.2 , bringing us closer to the nucleus . applying these techniques
, we have already analysed the properties of the nuclear star formation in a few objects @xcite . here
we bring those data together with new data on 5 additional objects .
our sample enables us to probe star formation in agn from radii of 1kpc down to less than 10pc .
our aim is to ascertain whether there is evidence for star formation on the smallest scales we can reach ; and if so , to constrain its star formation history .
ultimately , we look at whether there are indications that the nuclear starburst and agn are mutually influencing each other . in [ sec : obs ] we describe the sample selection , observations , data reduction , psf estimation , and extraction of the emission and absorption line morphologies and kinematics . in [ sec : diag ] we discuss the observational diagnostics and modelling tools . brief analyses of the relevant facets of our new data for the individual objects are provided in appendix [ sec : obj ] , where we also summarise results of our previously published data , re - assessing them where necessary to ensure that all objects are analysed in a consistent manner .
the primary aims of our paper are addressed in
[ sec : prop ] and [ sec : staragn ] . in [ sec : prop ] we discuss global results concerning the existence and recent history of nuclear star formation for our whole sample . in
[ sec : staragn ] we discuss the implications of nuclear starbursts on the starburst - agn connection .
finally , we present our conclusions in [ sec : conc ] .
the agn discussed in this paper form a rather heterogeneous group .
they include type 1 and type 2 seyferts , ulirgs , and even a qso , and do not constitute a complete sample . in order to maximise the size of the sample
, we have combined objects on which we have already published adaptive optics near infrared spectra with new observations of additional targets .
source selection was driven largely by technical considerations for the adaptive optics ( ao ) system , namely having a nucleus bright and compact enough to allow a good ao correction .
this is actually a strength since it means that 7 of the 9 agn are in fact broad line objects as given either by the standard type 1 classification or because there is clear broad ( fwhm @xmath5kms@xmath6 ) br@xmath7 emission in our spectra .
[ fig : bbrg ] shows broad br@xmath7 in k - band spectra of 3 agn that are not usually classified as broad line galaxies .
this is in contrast to most other samples of agn for which star formation has been studied in detail , and avoids any bias that might arise from selecting only type 2 syeferts . that there may be a bias arises from the increasing evidence that the obscuration in perhaps half of type 2 agn lies at kpc scales rather than in the nucleus ,
which may be caused by spatially extended star formation in the galaxy disk @xcite .
such agn do not fit easily into the standard unification scheme ( and perhaps should not really be considered type 2 objects ) . because broad lines can be seen in the infrared , we know that we are seeing down to the nuclear region and
hence our results are not subject to any effects that this might otherwise introduce .
it is exactly broad line agn for which little is known about the nuclear star formation , because the glare of the agn swamps any surrounding stellar light in the central arcsec . as a result
, most studies addressing star formation close to agn have focussed on type 2 seyferts .
adaptive optics makes it possible to confine much of the agn s light into a very compact region , and to resolve the stellar continuum around it
. the use of adaptive optics does give rise to one difficulty when attempting to quantify the results in a uniform way , due to the different resolutions achieved which is a combination of both the distance to each object ( i.e. target selection ) and the ao performance . as a result ,
the standard deviation around the logarithmic mean resolution of our sample ( excluding ngc2992 , see section [ sec : obj ] ) of 22pc is a factor of 3 .
however , this has enabled us to study the centers of agn across nearly 3 orders of magnitude in spatial scale , from 1kpc in the more distant objects to only a few parsecs in the nearby objects with the best ao correction .
a summary of our observations is given in table [ tab : obs ] .
a description of observations and processing of the new data is given below .
data for iras05189 - 2524 and ngc1068 were taken in december 2002 at the vlt with naco , an adaptive optics near infrared camera and long slit spectrograph @xcite . since iras05189 - 2524
is nearly face on , there is no strongly preferred axis and the slit was oriented north - south ; for ngc1068 two orientations were used , north - south and east - west . in all cases
the slit width was 0.086 , yielding a nominal resolution of @xmath8 with the wide - field camera ( pixel scale 0.054 ) and medium resolution grism .
the galaxy was nodded back and forth along the slit by 10 to allow sky subtraction . for iras05189 - 2524 , 12 integrations of 300sec were made ; for ngc1068 12 integrations of 300sec were made at one position angle , and 14 frames of 200sec at the other .
all data were reduced and combined , using standard longslit techniques in iraf , to make the final h - band spectrum .
data for ngc7469 , ngc2992 , ngc1097 , ngc1068 , and ngc3783 were taken during 20042005 at the vlt with sinfoni , an adaptive optics near infrared integral field spectrograph @xcite .
data were taken with various gratings covering the h and k bands either separately ( @xmath9 ) or together ( @xmath8 ) .
the pixel scales were [email protected] or [email protected] , depending on the trade - offs between field of view , spatial resolution , and signal - to - noise ratio .
individual exposure times are in the range 50300sec depending on the object brightness .
object frames were interspersed with sky frames , usually using the sequence o - s - o - o - s - o , to facilitate background subtraction .
the data were processed using the dedicated _ spred _ software package @xcite , which provides similar processing to that for longslit data but with the added ability to reconstruct the datacube .
the data processing steps are as follows .
the object frames are pre - processed by subtracting sky frames , flatfielding , and correcting bad pixels ( which are identified from dark frames and the flatfield )
. the wavemap is generated , and edges and curvature of the slitlets are traced , all from the arclamp frame .
the arclamp frame is then reconstructed into a cube , which is checked to ensure that the calibration is good .
the pre - processed object frames are then also reconstructed into cubes , spatially shifted to align them using the bright nucleus as a reference , and combined . in some cases the final cube was spatially smoothed using a @xmath11 median filter .
estimation of the spatial resolution ( see below ) was always performed after this stage . in some cases , the strong near - infrared oh lines
did not subtract well . with longer exposure
times this is to be expected since the timescale for variation of the oh is only 12mins . if visual inspection of the reconstructed cubes showed signs of over- or under - subtraction of the oh lines , these cubes were reprocessed using the method described in @xcite .
standard star frames are similarly reconstructed into cubes .
telluric correction and flux calibration were performed using b stars ( k - band ) or g2v stars ( h - band ) .
in addition , flux calibration was cross - checked in 3 apertures using 2mass data , and in smaller 13 apertures using broad - band imaging from naco or hst nicmos .
agreement between cubes with different pixel scales , and also with the external data , was consistent to typically 20% .
there are a multitude of ways to derive the point spread function ( psf ) from adaptive optics data , five of which are described in @xcite . with agn , it is usually possible to estimate the psf from the science data itself , removing any uncertainty about spatial and temporal variations of the psf due to atmospheric effects .
typically one or both of the following methods are employed on the new data presented here . if a broad emission line is detected , this will always yield a measure of the psf since the blr of seyfert galaxies has a diameter that can be measured in light days .
alternatively , the non - stellar continuum will provide a sufficiently good approximation in all but the nearest agn since at near infrared wavelengths it is expected to originate from a region no more than 12pc across . in every case we have fit an analytical function to the psf . since the strehl ratio achieved is relatively low , even a gaussian is a good representation .
we have used a moffat function , which achieves a better fit because it also matches the rather broad wings that are a characteristic of partial adaptive optics correction .
the psf measured for ngc3227 , which is shown in fig . 1 of @xcite , can be considered typical .
if one applies the concept of ` core plus halo ' to this psf , then the gaussian fit would represent just the core while the moffat fit the entire ` core plus halo ' . integrating
both of these functions indicates that about 75% of the flux is within the ` core ' , and it is thus this component which dominates the psf . in this paper , a more exact representation of the psf
is not needed since we have not performed a detailed kinematic analysis , and we have simply used the moffat to derive a fwhm for the spatial resolution .
the resolutions achieved are listed in table [ tab : obs ] .
the 2d distribution of emission and absorption features has been found by fitting a function to the continuum - subtracted spectral profile at each spatial position in the datacube . the function was a convolution of a gaussian with a spectrally unresolved template profile in the case of emission lines it was an oh sky emission line , and for stellar absorption features we made use of template stars observed in the same configuration ( pixel scale and grism ) .
a minimisation was performed in which the parameters of the gaussian were adjusted until the convolved profile best matched the data . during the minimisation
, pixels in the data that consistently deviated strongly from the data were rejected .
the uncertainties were boot - strapped using monte carlo techniques , assuming that the noise is uncorrelated and the intrinsic profile is well represented by a gaussian .
the method involves adding a gaussian with the derived properties to a spectral segment that exhibits the same noise statistics as the data , and refitting the result to yield a new set of gaussian parameters . after repeating this 100 times , the standard deviation of the center and dispersion
were used as the uncertainites for the velocity and line width .
the kinematics were further processed using kinemetry @xcite .
this is a parameterisation ( i.e. a mathematical rather than a physical model ) of the 2d field .
as such , beam smearing is not a relevant issue to kinemetry , which yields an analytical expression for the observed data .
of course , when the coefficients of this expression are interpreted or used to constrain a physical model , then beam smearing should be considered .
mathematically , the kinemetry procedure fits the data with a linear sum of sines and cosines with various angular scalings around ellipses at each radius .
we have used it for 3 purposes : to determine the best position angle and axis ratio for the velocity field , to remove high order noise from the raw kinematic extraction , and to recover the velocity and dispersion radial profiles . in all of the cases considered here ,
the kinematic centre of the velocity field was assumed to be coincident with the peak of the non - stellar continuum .
in addition , the uniformity of the velocity field permitted us to make the simplifying assumption of a single position angle and axis ratio i.e. there is no evidence for warps or twisted velocity contours .
we then derived the position angle and inclination of the disk by minimising the _ a1 _ and _ b3 _ parameters respectively ( see @xcite for a description of these ) .
the rotation curves were recovered by correcting the measured velocity profile for inclination . we have assumed throughout the paper that the dispersion is isotropic , and hence no inclination correction was applied to the dispersion that was measured .
the innermost parts of the kinematics derived as above are of course still affected by beam smearing . in general , the central dispersion can not necessarily be taken at face value since it may either be artificially increased by any component of rotation included within the beam size , or decreased if neighbouring regions within the beam have a lower dispersion . in the galaxies we have studied ,
there are two aspects which mitigate this uncertainty : the rotation speed in the central region is much less than the dispersion and so will not significantly alter it ; and when estimating the central value we consider the trend of the dispersion from large radii , where the effect of the beam is small , to the center .
for the basic analyses performed here , we have therefore adopted the central dispersion at face value .
more detailed physical models for the nuclear disks , which properly account for the effects of beam smearing , will be presented in future publications .
lastly , we emphasize that the impact of the finite beam size on the derived rotation curve does not affect our measurement of the dynamical mass .
the reason is that , for all the dynamical mass estimates we make , the mass is estimated at a radius much large than the fwhm of the psf as can be seen in the relevant figures .
in this section we describe the tools of the trade used to analyse the data , and which lead us to the global results presented in section [ sec : prop ] .
specific details and analyses for individual objects can be found in appendix [ sec : obj ] .
we use the same methods and tools for all the objects to ensure that all the data are analysed in a consistent manner .
perhaps the most important issue is how to isolate the stellar continuum , which is itself a powerful diagnostic . in addition , we use three standard and independent diagnostics to quantify the star formation history and intensity in the nuclei of these agn .
these are the br@xmath7 equivalent width , supernova rate , and mass - to - light ratio .
much of the discussion concerns how we take into account the contribution of the agn when quantifying these parameters .
we also consider what impact an incorrect compensation could have on interpretation of the diagnostics .
we model these observational diagnostics using the stellar population and spectral synthesis code stars ( e.g. * ? ? ?
* ; * ? ? ?
* ; * ? ? ?
* ; * ? ? ?
* ; * ? ? ?
this code calculates the distribution of stars in the hertzsprung - russell diagram as a function of age for an assumed star formation history .
we usually assume an exponentially decaying star formation rate , which has an associated timescale @xmath12 .
spectral properties of the cluster are then computed given the stellar population present at any time .
we note that the model output of stars is quantitatively similar to that from version 5.1 of starburst99 , which unlike earlier versions does include agb tracks @xcite . as discussed in detail below ,
particular predictions of stars include , for ages greater than 10myr : equivalent widths of @xmath13 and @xmath14 , and h - k color of 0.15mag .
the equivalent quantities predicted by starburst99 v5.1 are @xmath15 and @xmath16 , and h - k color of 0.2mag . for small observational apertures a significant fraction of the k - band ( and even h - band )
continuum can be associated with non - stellar agn continuum .
the agn contribution can be estimated from a simple measurement of the equivalent width of a stellar absorption feature .
we use co2 - 0 2.29 in the k - band or co6 - 3 1.62 in the h - band . although the equivalent widths @xmath17 and @xmath18 vary considerably for individual stars , the integrated values for stellar clusters span only a rather limited range .
this was shown by @xcite who measured these values for elliptical , spiral , and star - forming ( hii ) galaxies .
we have plotted their measurements of these two absorption features in the left - hand panel of fig .
[ fig : equiv ] , together with the equivalent widths of giant and supergiant stars from @xcite . in stars
we use empirically determined equivalent widths from library spectra @xcite to compute the time - dependent equivalent width for an entire cluster of stars .
results for various star formation histories are shown in the centre and right panels of fig .
[ fig : equiv ] , for @xmath18 and @xmath17 respectively .
typical values are @xmath19 and @xmath20 .
the dashed box in the left panel shows that the locus of 20% deviation from each of these computed values is consistent with observations .
that the hii galaxies have slightly higher @xmath17 can be understood because these are selected to have bright emission lines and hence are strongly biassed towards young stellar ages often corresponding to the maximum depth of the stellar features that occurs at 10myr due to the late - type supergiant population .
it may be this bias for galaxies selected as ` starbursts ' , and the similarity of the co depth for starbursts of all other ages , that led @xcite to conclude that there is no evidence for strong starbursts in seyfert2 galaxies .
similarly , an estimate of the dilution can be found from the nai2.206 line .
fig . 7 of @xcite shows that for nearly all star formation histories the value @xmath21 remains in the range 23 .
our conclusion here is that within a reasonable uncertainty of @xmath2220% ( see fig .
[ fig : equiv ] ) , one can assume that the intrinsic equivalent width of the absorption most notably co features of any stellar population that contains late - type stars is independent of the star formation history and age . for a stellar continuum diluted by additional non - stellar emission , the fraction of stellar light is @xmath23 where @xmath24 and @xmath25 are the observed and intrinsic equivalent widths of the co features discussed above .
thus , we are able to correct the observed continuum magnitude for the contribution associated with the agn .
our data cover both the h and k - bands hence the reason for using both @xmath18 and @xmath17 . in order to homogenize the dataset , we need to convert h - band stellar magnitudes to k - band .
the stars computation in fig . [ fig : col_lum ] shows that this conversion is also independent of the star formation history , being close to @xmath26mag ( no extinction ) for all timescales and ages .
this result is supported empirically by photometry of elliptical and spiral galaxies performed by @xcite . for ellipticals
@xmath270.25 , and for spirals @xmath270.3
. some of the difference between the data and models could be due to extinction since @xmath28 ; and for @xmath29 , @xmath30 .
however , at the level of precision required here , the 510% difference between model and data can be considered negligible . to convert from absolute magnitude to luminosity we use the relation @xmath31 where @xmath32 is the total luminosity in the 1.92.5 band in units of bolometric solar luminosity ( @xmath33w ) , and as such different from the other
frequently used monochromatic definition with units of the solar k - band luminosity density ( @xmath34w@xmath35m@xmath6 ) .
we then use stars to estimate the bolometric stellar luminosity @xmath36 .
the relation between @xmath36 and @xmath32 is shown in the right panel of fig .
[ fig : col_lum ] .
the dimensionless ratio @xmath37 depends on the age and the exponential decay timescale of the star formation .
however , the range spanned is only 20200 for ages
greater than 10myr .
thus even if the star formation history can not be constrained , a conversion ratio of @xmath38 will have an associated uncertainty of only 0.3dex .
in general we are able to apply constraints on the star formation age , and so our errors will be accordingly smaller .
graphs showing how the diagnostics vary with age and star formation timescale are shown in fig .
[ fig : stars ] .
once the stellar continuum luminosity is known , an upper limit to the equivalent width of br@xmath7 asssociated with star formation can be found from the narrow br@xmath7 line flux . in some cases it is possible to estimate
what fraction of the narrow br@xmath7 might be associated with the agn .
this can be done both morphologically , for example if the line emission is extended along the galaxy s minor axis ; and/or kinematically , for example if the line shows regions that are broader , perhaps with fwhm a few hundred kms@xmath6 , suggestive of outflow . even if acounting for the agn contribution is not possible
, one may be able to set interesting upper limits or even rule out continuous star formation scenarios , and put a constraint on the time since the star formation was active .
this can be seen in the lefthand panel of fig .
[ fig : stars ] , which shows for example that for ages less than @xmath39yrs , continuous star formation scenarios will always have @xmath40 .
we estimate the type ii ( core collapse ) supernova rate @xmath41 from the radio continuum using the relation @xcite : @xmath42 where @xmath43 is the non - thermal radio continuum luminosity , @xmath44 is frequency of the observation and @xmath45 the spectral index of the non - thermal continuum .
this relation was derived for galactic supernova remnants ; but a similar one , differing only in having a coefficient of @xmath46 , was derived by @xcite for m82 . for the 5ghz non - thermal radio continuum luminosity of arp220 ( 176mjy , * ? ? ?
* ) it would lead to a supernova rate of 2.9yr@xmath6 , comfortably within the 1.753.5yr@xmath6 range estimated by @xcite based on the detection of individual luminous radio supernovae .
this , therefore , seems a reasonable relation to apply to starbursts .
we have to be careful , however , to take into account any contribution from the agn to the radio continuum .
our premise for the nuclei of seyfert galaxies is that if the nuclear radio continuum is spatially resolved ( i.e. it has a low brightness temperature ) and does not have the morphology of a jet , it is likely to originate in extended star formation . at the spatial scales of a few parsec or more that we can resolve , emission from the agn
will be very compact . as a result , we can use the peak surface brightness to estimate the maximum ( unresolved ) contribution from an agn . wherever possible
, we use radio continuum observations at a comparable resolution to our data to derive the extended emission ; and observations at higher resolution to estimate the agn contribution .
details of the data used in each case are given in the relevant sub - sections for each object in appendix [ sec : obj ] .
in addition , we exclude any emission obviously associated with jets , for example as in ngc1068 . to use @xmath41 as a diagnostic , we normalise it with respect to the stellar k - band luminosity .
this gives the ratio @xmath47 , for which stars output is drawn in fig .
[ fig : stars ] .
models indicate that the ratio @xmath48 of the stellar mass to k - band luminosity should be an excellent diagnostic since , for ages greater than 10myr , it increases monotonically with age as shown in fig . [
fig : stars ] .
however , in practice estimating the stellar mass is not entirely straightforward .
in many cases it is only practicable to derive the dynamical mass
. it may be possible to estimate and hence correct for the molecular gas mass based on millimetre co maps , but these are scarce at sufficiently high spatial resolution and are associated with their own co - to - h@xmath49 conversion uncertainties .
we also note that it is often not possible to separate the ` old ' and ` young ' stellar populations .
the best one can do is estimate the overall mass - to - light ratio , and argue that this is an upper limit to the true ratio for the young population . while there inevitably remains uncertainty on the true ratio ,
the limit is often sufficient to apply useful constraints on the age of the ` young ' population .
our estimates of the dynamical mass are based wherever possible on the stellar kinematics , since the gas kinematics can be perturbed by warps , shocks , and outflows .
we begin by estimating the simple keplerian mass assuming that the stars are supported by ordered rotation at velocity @xmath50 in a thin plane .
however , the stellar kinematics in all the galaxies exhibit a significant velocity dispersion indicating that a considerable mass is supported by random rather than ordered motions .
thus the simple keplerian mass is very much an underestimate , and any estimate of the actual mass is associated with large uncertainties see for example @xcite , who derive masses of spheroidal systems . as stated in section [ sec : obs ] , we assume that the random motions are isotropic . our relation for estimating the mass enclosed within a radius @xmath51 is then @xmath52 where @xmath53 is the observed 1-dimensional velocity dispersion .
we note that when taking rotation into account in estimating the masses of spheroids with various density profiles , @xcite also use a factor 3 between the @xmath54 and @xmath53 terms in their appendix b. despite the complexities involved , within the unavoidable uncertainties ( a factor 23 ) , their relation gives the same mass as that above .
although this uncertainty appears to be quite large , it does not impact the results and conclusions in this paper since we are concerned primarily with order - of - magnitude estimates when considering mass surface densities .
in the following section we bring to together the individual results ( detailed in appendix [ sec : obj ] ) to form a global picture .
it is possible to do this because all the data have been analysed in a consistent manner , using the tools described in section [ sec : diag ] to compare in each object the same diagnostics to the same set of stellar evolutionary synthesis models .
we note that the discussion that follows is based on results for 8 of the agn we have observed . as explained in appendix [
sec : obj ] we exclude ngc2992 because we are not able to put reliable constraints on the properties of the nuclear star formation .
despite this , there are indications that at higher spatial resolution one should expect to find a distinct nuclear stellar population as has been seen in other agn .
[ [ size - scale ] ] size scale + + + + + + + + + + tracing the stellar features rather than the broad - band continuum , we have in all cases resolved a stellar population in the nucleus close around the agn .
while this should not be unexpected if the stellar distribution follows a smooth @xmath55 or exponential profile , we have in several cases been able to show that on scales of @xmath56pc there is in fact an excess above what one would expect from these profiles .
this suggests that in general we are probing an inner star forming component .
[ fig : sizes ] shows normalised azimuthally averaged stellar luminosity profiles for the agn .
these have not been corrected for a possible old underlying population , nor has any deconvolution with the psf been performed .
nevertheless , it is still clear that the stellar intensity increases very steeply towards the nucleus . in 6 of the 8 galaxies shown ,
the half - width at half - maximum is less than 50pc .
the remaining 2 galaxies are the most distant in the sample , and the spatial resolution achieved does not permit a size measurement on these scales . we may conclude that the physical radial size scale of the nuclear star forming regions in seyfert galaxies does not typically exceed 50pc . [
[ stellar - age ] ] stellar age + + + + + + + + + + + for 8 of the agn studied here , we have been able to use classical star formation diagnostics based on line and continuum fluxes as well as kinematics to constrain the ages of the inner star forming regions .
the resulting ages should be considered ` characteristic ' , since in many cases there may simultaneously be two or more stellar populations that are not co - eval .
for example , if a bulge population exists on these small spatial scales , it was not usually possible to account for the contamination it would introduce . while this would have little effect on @xmath57
, it could impact on @xmath58 more strongly , increasing the inferred age .
the ages we find lie in the range 10300myr , compelling evidence that it is common for there to be relatively young star clusters close around agn .
intriguingly , we also find rather low values of @xmath57 : typically @xmath59 ( see table [ tab : derprop ] ) .
this indicates directly that there is currently little or no on - going star formation .
coupled with the relatively young ages , we conclude that the star formation episodes are short - lived .
one may speculate then that the star formation is episodic , recurring in short bursts .
the scale of the bursts and time interval between them would certainly have an impact on the fraction of seyfert nuclei in which observational programmes are able to find evidence for recent star formation .
[ [ nuclear - stellar - disks ] ] nuclear stellar disks + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + the first evidence for nuclear stellar disks came from seeing limited optical spectroscopy , for which a slight reduction in @xmath60 was seen for some spiral galaxies @xcite .
and there is now a growing number of spiral galaxies more than 30 in which the phenomenon has been observed , suggesting that they might occur in 30% or more of disk galaxies @xcite .
the @xmath60-drop has been interpreted by @xcite as arising from a young stellar population that is born from a dynamically cold gas component , and which makes a significant contribution to the total luminosity .
this appears to be borne out by n - body and sph simulations of isolated galaxies @xcite , which suggest that although the entire central system will slowly heat up with time , the @xmath60-drop can last for at least several hundred myr .
indeed , preliminary analysis of optical integral field data for ngc3623 suggest that the stellar population responsible for the @xmath60-drop can not be younger than 1gyr @xcite .
our results provide strong support for the nuclear disk interpretation . in previous work @xcite
, we had argued that in both circinus and ngc3227 the inner distributions were disk - like , albeit thickened .
we have now found much more direct evidence for this phenomenon in ngc1097 and ngc1068 . in both of these galaxies ,
we have spatially resolved a @xmath60-drop and an excess stellar continuum over the same size scales . in ngc1097
this size was @xmath610.5 , corresponding to about 40pc . for ngc1068
these effects were measured out to @xmath611 , equivalent to 70pc .
these are not the scale lengths of the disks , but simply the maximum radius to which we can detect them . in both cases
the mean mass surface densities are of order @xmath62(1 - 3)@xmath63m@xmath1pc@xmath2 . for an infinitely large thin self gravitating stellar disk
, one can use the expression @xmath64 to estimate the scale height .
although this may not be entirely appropriate , we use it here to obtain a rough approximation to the scale heights , which are 520pc .
thus while the disks appear to be flattened , they should still be considered thick since the radial extent is only a few times the scale height .
the impact of nuclear starbursts on the central light profile of galaxies was considered theoretically more than a decade ago by @xcite .
they performed numerical simulations of galaxy mergers to study the mass and luminosity profiles of the remnants , taking gas into account , and estimating the star formation rate using a modified schmidt law .
they found that there should be a starburst in the nucleus which would give rise to an excess stellar continuum above the @xmath55 profile of the older stars in the merged system .
several years ago , compact nuclei were found to be present in a significant fraction of spiral galaxies @xcite as well as coma cluster dwarf ellipticals @xcite .
more recently , nuclei with a median half - light radius of 4.2pc have been found in the majority of early - type members of the virgo cluster @xcite ; and traced out to @xmath611 , equivalent to @xmath65pc , in some of the ` wet ' merger remnants in that cluster @xcite .
while the nuclear starbursts in these latter cases are caused by a merger event , whereas those we are studying arise from secular evolution as gas from the galaxy disk accretes in the nucleus , there appear to be many parallels in the phenomenology of the resulting starbursts .
[ [ star - formation - rate ] ] star formation rate + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + it is possible to estimate the bolometric luminosity @xmath66 of the stars from their k - band luminosity @xmath67 even if one knows nothing about the star formation history . as discussed in section [ sec : diag ] , this would result in an uncertainty of about a factor 3 .
the diagnostics in table [ tab : derprop ] and discussions in appendix [ sec : obj ] enable us to apply some constraints to the characteristic age of the star formation . because continuous star formation is ruled out by the low @xmath57 , we have assumed exponential decay timescales of @xmath68100myr .
we have then used stars to estimate the average star formation rates . in order to allow a meaningful comparison between the objects ,
the rates have been normalised to the same area of 1kpc@xmath69 .
these are the rates given in table [ tab : derprop ] .
they are calculated simply as the mass of stars produced divided by the entire time since the star forming episode began . because @xmath12 is shorter than the age , the average includes both active and non - active phases of the starburst . indeed , for @xmath68myr one would expect the star formation rate during the active phases to be at least a factor of a few , and perhaps an order of magnitude , greater .
the table shows that on scales of a few hundred parsecs one might expect a few @xmath70m@xmath1yr@xmath6kpc@xmath2 , while on scales of a few tens of parsecs mean rates reaching @xmath65m@xmath1yr@xmath6kpc@xmath2 should not be unexpected ; and correspondingly higher up to an order of magnitude , see fig .
[ fig : starstoy ] during active phases .
an obvious question is why there should be such vigorous star formation in these regions .
star formation rates of 10100m@xmath1yr@xmath6kpc@xmath2 are orders of magnitude above those in normal galaxies and comparable to starburst galaxies .
the answer may lie in the schmidt law and the mass surface densities we have estimated in table [ tab : derprop ] .
[ fig : msurfden ] shows these surface densities at the radii over which they were estimated , revealing a trend towards higher densities on smaller scales and values of a few times @xmath71m@xmath1pc@xmath2 in the central few tens of parsecs .
the global schmidt law , as formulated by @xcite , states that the star formation rate depends on the gas surface density as @xmath72 . if one assumes that 1030% of the mass in our agn is gas , then this relation would predict time - averaged star formation rates in the range 10100m@xmath1yr@xmath6kpc@xmath2 , as have been observed .
that the high star formation rates may simply be a consequence of the high mass surface densities is explored futher by hicks et al .
( in prep . ) .
[ [ stellar - luminosity ] ] stellar luminosity + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + as a consequence of the high star formation rates , the stellar luminosity per unit area close around the agn is very high in these objects . despite this , because the star formation is occurring only in very small regions , the absolute luminosities are rather modest .
this can be seen in fig .
[ fig : mag_agn ] which shows the bolometric luminosity of the stars as a fraction of the entire bolometric luminosity of the galaxy .
we have calculated a range for the ratio @xmath73 appropriate for each galaxy based on the ages in table [ tab : derprop ] for different @xmath12 . because we assume that all the k - band stellar continuum is associated with the young stars ,
we have adopted the lower end of each range in an attempt to minimise possible overestimation of @xmath66 .
the resulting values for the ratio used span 30130 , within a factor of 2 of the ` baseline ' value of 60 given in section [ sec : diag ] . in the central few tens of parsecs ,
young stars contribute a few percent of the total .
but integrated over size scales of a few hundred parsecs , this fraction can increase to more than 20% . on these scales , the star formation is energetically significant when compared to the agn .
such high fractions imply that on the larger scales the extinction to the young stars must be relatively low .
on the other hand , on the smallest scales where in absolute terms the stellar luminosity is small , there could in general be considerable extinction even at near infrared wavelengths . in this paper
we have not tried to account for extinction since it is very uncertain .
the primary effect of doing so would simply be to increase the stellar luminosity above the values discussed here .
[ fig : mag_bol ] shows the stellar bolometric luminosity @xmath66 integrated as a function of radius .
all the curves follow approximately the same trend , with the luminosity per unit area increasing towards smaller scales and approaching @xmath74l@xmath1kpc@xmath2 in the central few parsecs .
this appears to be a robust trend and will not change significantly even with large uncertainties of a factor of a few .
it is remarkable that the luminosity density of @xmath74l@xmath1kpc@xmath2 is that estimated by @xcite for ulirgs , which they modelled as optically thick starburst disks .
the main difference between the ulirg model and the starbursts close around agn is the spatial scales on which the starburst occurs .
based on this model , they argued that ulirgs are radiating at the eddington limit for a starburst , defined as when the radiation pressure on the gas and dust begins to dominate over self - gravity .
the limiting luminosity - to - mass ratio was estimated to be @xmath75l@xmath1/m@xmath1 by @xcite .
he argued that in a star cluster , once the upper end of the main sequence was populated , the radiation pressure would halt further accretion on to the star cluster and hence terminate the star formation .
following @xcite , we apply this definition to the entire disk rather than a single star cluster . for the @xmath74l@xmath1kpc@xmath2 ,
this implies a mass surface density of @xmath76m@xmath1pc@xmath2 .
comparing these quantities to the agn we have observed , we find that on scales of a few tens of parsecs they are an order of magnitude below the eddington limit .
on the other hand , we have already seen that the low @xmath57 indicates that there is little on - going star formation and hence that the starbursts are short - lived .
this is important because short - lived starbursts fade very quickly . as shown in fig .
[ fig : starstoy ] , for a decay timescale of @xmath68myr , @xmath66 will have decreased from its peak value by more than an order of magnitude at an age of 100myr .
thus it is plausible and probably likely that while the star formation was active , the stellar luminosity was an order of magnitude higher . in this case
the starbursts would have been at , or close to , their eddington limit at that time .
the luminosity - to - mass ratio of @xmath77l@xmath1/m@xmath1 associated with the eddington limit is in fact one that all young starbursts would exceed if , beginning with nothing , gas was accreted at the same rate that it was converted into stars .
that , however , is not a realistic situation . a more likely scenario , shown in fig .
[ fig : ratio_bol ] , is that the gas is already there in the disk . in this case
, a starburst with a star - forming timescale of 100myr could never exceed @xmath78l@xmath1/m@xmath1 . to reach @xmath77l@xmath1/m@xmath1 ,
the gas would need to be converted into stars on a timescale @xmath79myr .
this timescale is independent of how much gas there is .
thus , for a starburst to reach its eddington limit , it must be very efficient , converting a significant fraction of its gas into stars on very short @xmath80myr timescales .
this result is consistent with the prediction of the schmidt law , which states that disks with a higher gas surface density will form stars more efficiently .
the reason is that the star formation efficiency is simply @xmath81 .
thus , from arguments based solely on the schmidt law and mass surface density , one reaches the same conclusion that the gas supply would be used rather quickly and the lifetime of the starburst would be relatively short .
summarising the results above , a plausible scenario could be as follows .
the high gas density leads to a high star formation rate , producing a starburst that reaches its eddington limit for a short time . because the efficiency is high
, the starburst can only be active for a short time and then begins to fade .
inevitably , one would expect that the starburst is then dormant until the gas supply is replenished by inflow .
this picture appears to be borne out by the observations presented here .
in the previous sections we have presented and discussed evidence that in general there appears to have been moderately recent star formation on small spatial scales around all the agn we have observed .
[ fig : age ] shows the first empirical indication of a deeper relationship between the star formation and the agn . in this figure
we show the luminosity of the agn , both in absolute units of solar luminosity and also in relative units of its eddington luminosity @xmath82 , against the age of the most recent known nuclear star forming episode .
since the agn luminosity is not well known , we have made the conservative assumption that it is equal to half the bolometric luminosity of the galaxy as may be the case for ngc1068 ( @xcite , but see also @xcite ) . to indicate the expected degree of uncertainty in this assertion we have imposed errorbars of a factor 2 in either direction , equivalent to stating that the agn luminosity in these specific objects is likely to be in the range 25100% of the total luminosity of the galaxy .
the eddington luminosity is calculated directly from the black hole mass , for which estimates exist for these galaxies from reverberation mapping , the m@xmath83 relation , maser kinematics , etc .
these are listed in table [ tab : basicdata ] . for the age of the star formation , we have plotted the time since the most recent known episode of star formation began , as given in table [ tab : derprop ] . for galaxies where a range of ages is given , we have adopted these to indicate the uncertainty ; the mean of these , @xmath8430% , has been used to estimate the uncertainty in the age for the rest of the galaxies .
we note that these errorbars reflect uncertainties in characterising the age of the star formation from the available diagnostics and also in the star formation timescale @xmath12 .
however , there are still many implicit assumptions in this process , and we therefore caution that the actual errors in our estimation of the starburst ages may be larger than that shown . conceding this , we do not wish to over - interpret the figure .
keeping the uncertainties in mind , fig .
[ fig : age ] shows the remarkable result that agn which are radiating at lower efficiency @xmath85l / l@xmath86 are associated with younger @xmath87100myr starbursts ; while those which are more efficient @xmath88l / l@xmath86 have older @xmath89100myr starbursts .
if one were to add to this figure the galactic centre which is known to have an extremely low luminosity ( l / l@xmath90 ; @xcite ) and to have experienced a starburst @xmath91myr ago @xcite it would be consistent with the categories above .
the inference is that either there is a delay between the onset of starburst activity and the onset of agn activity , or star formation is quenched once the black hole has become active . in section [ sec : prop ]
we argued that the starbursts are to some extent self - quenching : that very high star formation efficiencies are not sustainable over long periods .
in addition , an intense starburst will provide significant heat input to the gas , which is perhaps partially responsible for the typically high gas velocity dispersions in these regions ( hicks et al .
, in prep . ) .
this itself could help suppress further star formation .
heating by the agn could also contribute to this process , and has been proposed as the reason why the molecular torus is geometrically thick @xcite .
it is also used to modulate star formation ( at least on global scales ) in semi - analytic models of galaxy evolution @xcite .
while this is certainly plausible , it does not explain either why the star formation in some galaxies with a lower luminosity agn has already ceased , nor why none of the agn associated with younger starbursts are accreting efficiently .
instead we argue for the former case above , that efficient fuelling of a black hole is associated with a starburst that is at least 50100myr old .
it may be because of such a delay between agn and starburst activity that recent star formation is often hard to detect close to agn : the starburst has passed its most luminous ( very young ) age , and is in decline while the agn is in its most active phase ( see fig .
[ fig : starstoy ] ) .
this does not necessarily imply that the _ a priori _ presence of a starburst is required before an agn can accrete gas although it seems inevitable that one will occur as gas accumulates in the nucleus . nor
does it imply that all starbursts will result in fuelling a black hole ; indeed it is clear that there are many starbursts not associated with agn . as we argue below , the crucial aspect may be the stellar ejecta associated with the starburst ; and in particular , not just the mass loss rate , but the speed with which the mass is ejected .
[ [ winds - from - ob - stars ] ] winds from ob stars + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + in the galactic center , @xcite proposed that it is the recent starburst there that is limiting the luminosity of the black hole . in this scenario , mechanical winds from young stars both the outflow and the angular momentum of the gas ( which is a consequence of the angular momentum of the stars themselves ) hinder further inflow .
the authors argued that almost none of the gas flowing into the central parsec reached the black hole because of outflowing winds from irs16 and hei stars in that region .
detailed modelling of the galactic center region as a 2-phase medium was recently performed by @xcite .
they included both the fast young stellar winds with velocities of 700kms@xmath6 @xcite and the slower winds of @xmath92kms@xmath6 @xcite ; and also took into account the orbital angular momentum of the stars @xcite , which had a strong influence on reducing the accretion rate .
they found that the average accretion rate onto the black hole was only @xmath93m@xmath1yr@xmath6 , although an intermittent cold flow superimposed considerable variability onto this .
in contrast , the hypothetical luminosity @xcite estimate that sgra@xmath94 would have if it could accrete all the inflowing gas , would be @xmath95ergs@xmath6 , typical of seyfert galaxies . in principle
this process could be operating in other galaxy nuclei where there has been a starburst which extends to less than 1pc from the central black hole .
however , it can not explain the timescale of the delay we have observed , which is an order of magnitude greater than the main sequence lifetime of ob and wolf - rayet stars . [ [ winds - from - agb - stars ] ] winds from agb stars + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + stars of a few ( 18m@xmath1 ) solar masses will evolve on to the asymptotic giant branch ( agb ) at the end of their main sequence lifetimes .
the timescale for stars at the upper end of this range to reach this phase is @xmath96myr , comparable to the delay apparent in fig .
[ fig : mag_bol ] . since agb stars are known to have high mass - loss rates , of order @xmath97@xmath98m@xmath1yr@xmath6 at velocities of 1030kms@xmath6 @xcite , they may be prime candidates for explaining the delay between starburst and agn activity . to quantify this , we consider how much of the mass in the wind could be accreted by the central supermassive black hole .
the bondi parameterisation of the accretion rate onto a point particle for a uniform spherically symmetric geometry is given by @xcite @xmath99 where @xmath100 is the mass of the point particle moving through a gas cloud , @xmath54 is the velocity of the particle with respect to the cloud , @xmath101 is the density of the cloud far from the point particle , and @xmath102 is the sound speed .
this approximation is still used to quantify accretion on to supermassive black holes in models of galaxy evolution @xcite , even though it may be significantly inaccurate for realistic ( e.g. turbulent ) media @xcite . here , it is sufficient to provide an indication of the role that stellar winds may play in accretion onto a central black hole .
the density of the stellar wind at a distance @xmath51 from the parent star is given by @xmath103 in our case , @xmath51 is the distance from the star to the black hole .
one would therefore expect that the accretion rate on to the black hole could be written as ( see also @xcite ) @xmath104 this equation shows that @xmath105 .
we have implicitly assumed that @xmath106 is greater than the orbital velocity @xmath107 of the star from which it originates .
this is not the case for agb winds , and so one reaches the limiting case of @xmath108 , where for the galaxies we have observed @xmath109100kms@xmath6 .
this is still at least an order of magnitude less than the winds from ob and wolf - rayet stars .
thus , even though the mass loss rates from individual ob and wolf - rayet stars are similar to those of agb stars , the agb winds will fuel a black hole much more efficiently .
however , for slow stellar winds that originate close to a @xmath110m@xmath1 black hole , the equation breaks down because the conditions of uniformity and spherically symmetry are strongly violated .
indeed , the apparent accretion rate exceeds the outflow rate implying that essentially the entire wind can be accreted . for agb wind velocities of 1030kms@xmath6 ,
the maximum radius at which the entire wind from a star in keplerian orbit around a @xmath110m@xmath1 black hole will not exceed the escape velocity from that orbit ( i.e. @xmath111 ) is around 1070pc .
we adopt the middle of this range , 40pc , as the characteristic radius within which it is likely that a significant fraction , and perhaps most , of the agb winds are accreted onto the black hole .
[ fig : mag_bol ] indicates that the stellar luminosity within this radius is @xmath112l@xmath1 .
it is this luminosity that has been used to scale the stars model ( for @xmath68myr and an age of 100myr ) in fig .
[ fig : starstoy ] , and so one can also simply read off the mass loss from the figure .
the mass loss rate for such winds peaks at about 0.1m@xmath1yr@xmath6 and then tails off proportionally to the k - band luminosity , leading to a cumulative mass lost of @xmath113m@xmath1 after 1gyr ( although most of the loss occurs actually occurs within half of this timespan ) .
this mass loss rate is sufficient to power a seyfert nucleus for a short time .
a typical seyfert with m@xmath114m@xmath1 requires 0.02m@xmath1yr@xmath6 to radiate at the eddington limit . even for the short bursts we have modelled , fig .
[ fig : starstoy ] shows that this can be supplied by agb winds for starburst ages in the range 50200myrs .
we note that taking an agb star luminosity of @xmath71l@xmath1 ( which is at the high end of the likely average , @xcite ) we then find that there are @xmath115 agb stars close enough to the black hole to contribute to accretion . in order to provide at least 0.02m@xmath1yr@xmath6
, the typical mass loss rate per star must exceed @xmath97m@xmath1yr@xmath6 , which is the lower limit of the range measured for galactic agb stars given above .
thus the mass losses and rates estimated here appear to be plausible .
the low speed of these winds means they will not create much turbulence .
we quantify this by considering their total mechanical energy @xmath116 integrated over the same timespan , which is @xmath117j .
these two quantities gas mass ejected and mechanical energy are compared to those for supernovae below .
[ [ supernovae ] ] supernovae + + + + + + + + + + type ii supernovae are the stellar outflows most able to create turbulence in the interstellar medium , since they typically eject masses of @xmath118m@xmath1 at velocities of @xmath119kms@xmath6 @xcite .
each supernova therefore represents a considerable injection of mechanical momentum and energy into the local environment .
a large number of compact supernova remnants are known , for example in m82 and arp220 , and are believed to have expanded into dense regions with @xmath120@xmath71@xmath121 @xcite .
these authors argue that such remnants become radiative when they reach sizes of @xmath122pc , at which point the predicted expansion velocity will have slowed to @xmath75kms@xmath6 . by this time , the shock front will have driven across @xmath123m@xmath1 of gas . when integrated over the age of the starburst , even for low supernova rates
e.g. the current rate within 30pc of the nucleus of ngc3227 is @xmath124yr@xmath6 @xcite this represents a substantial mass of gas that has been affected by supernova remnants .
the stars model we have constructed in fig . [ fig : starstoy ] indicates that typically one could expect @xmath125 supernovae to occur as a result of one of the short - lived starbursts ; and that most of these will occur around 1050myr after the beginning of the starburst . for a decay timescale of the star formation rate that is longer than @xmath68myr , this timespan will increase .
hence , supernovae may also play a role in causing the observed delay between starburst and agn activity .
stars calculates the mass loss and mass loss rates using a very simple scheme , assuming that a star ejects all of its lost mass at the end of its life on a stellar track .
thus , it does not calculate the mass lost from supernovae explicitly , rather the combined mass lost from ob winds and supernovae which is much higher .
we therefore adopt the @xmath118m@xmath1 per supernova given above , which yields a total ejected mass of @xmath126m@xmath1 .
this is about 40% of that released by agb winds .
however , since this gas is ejected at high speed and @xmath105 , the efficiency with which it can be accreted onto the black hole is extremely low .
this can also be seen in the total mechanical energy of @xmath127j , which is several orders of magnitude greater than for agb winds .
in fact the total mechanical energy exceeds the binding energy of the nuclear region , which is of order @xmath128j ( assuming @xmath129m@xmath1 within 40pc ) . as a result
, it is highly likely that supernova cause some fraction of the gas to be permanently expelled .
indeed , superwinds driven by starbursts are well known in many galaxies .
this is not important as long as sufficient gas either remains to fuel the agn , or more is produced by stellar winds which , as we have argued above , appears to be the case for agb stars .
we have obtained near infrared spectra of 9 nearby active galactic nuclei using adaptive optics to achive high spatial resolution ( in several cases better than 10pc ) . for 7 of these
, integral field spectroscopy with sinfoni allows us to reconstruct the full 2-dimensional distributions and kinematics of the stars and gas .
although the individual agn are very varied , we have analysed them in a consistent fashion to derive : the stellar k - band luminosity , the dynamical mass , and the equivalent width of the br@xmath7 line .
we have combined these with radio continuum data from the literature , which has been used to estimate the supernova rate .
we have used these diagnostics to constrain stars evolutionary synthesis models and hence characterize the star formation timescales and ages of the starbursts close around agn .
our main conclusions can be summarised as follows : * the stellar light profiles show a bright nuclear component with a half - width at half - maximum of less than 50pc . in a number of cases these nuclear components clearly stand out above an inward extrapolation of the profile measured on larger scales .
in addition , there are 2 cases which show kinematical evidence for a distinct stellar component , indicating that the nuclear stellar populations most probably exist in thick nuclear disks .
the mean mass surface densities of these disks exceeds @xmath71m@xmath1pc@xmath2 .
* there is abundant evidence for recent star formation in the last 10300myr .
but the starbursts are no longer active , implying that the star formation timescale is short , of order a few tens of myr .
while the starbursts were active , the star formation rates would have been much higher than the current rates , reaching as high as 1000m@xmath1kpc@xmath2 in the central few tens of parsecs ( comparable to ulirgs , but on smaller spatial scales ) .
these starbursts would have been eddington limited . due to the very high star forming efficiency
, the starbursts would have also exhausted their fuel supply on a short timescale and hence have been short - lived .
it therefore seems likely that nuclear starbursts are episodic in nature .
* there appears to be a delay of 50100myr ( and in some cases perhaps more ) between the onset of star formation and the onset of agn activity .
we have interpreted this as indicating that the starburst has a significant impact on fuelling the central black hole , and have considered whether outflows from stars might be responsible .
while supernovae and winds from ob stars eject a large mass of gas , the high velocity of this gas means that its accretion efficiency is extremely low . on the other hand , winds from agb stars ultimately dominate the total mass ejected in a starburst ; and the very slow velocities of these winds mean they can be accreted onto the black hole very efficiently .
the authors thank all those who assisted in the observations , and also the referee for a thorough review of the paper .
this work was started at the kavli institute for theoretical physics at santa barabara and as a result was supported in part by the national science foundation under grant no .
phy05 - 51164 .
rd aknowledges the interesting and useful discussions he had there with eliot quartaert , norm murray , julian krolik and todd thompson .
_ facilities : _ , .
this appendix contains specific details on the individual objects . we summarize our published results from near infrared adaptive optics spectroscopy of individual objects , and present a brief analysis of the new data for several other objects .
the aim of re - assessing the data for mkn231 that has already been published is to ensure that it is analysed using stars in a manner that is consistent with the new data . for ngc7469
, we make a significant update of the analysis using new data from integral field spectroscopy . in general , for objects with new data , we provide only the part of the analysis relevant to understanding star formation around the agn .
our intention is that a complete analysis for each object will be presented in future publications .
our analyses are restricted to the nuclear region . since there is no strict universal definition of what comprises the ` nuclear region ' , we explicitly state in table [ tab : derprop ] the size of the region we study in each galaxy .
the table also presents a summary of the primary diagnostics . the way in which these have been derived , and their likely uncertainties ,
has been discussed in some detail already in section [ sec : diag ] . as such
, the description of these methods is not repeated , and in this section we discuss only issues that require special attention .
a detailed analysis of the star formation in the nucleus of mkn231 at a resolution of about 0.18 ( 150pc ) was given in @xcite .
here we summarize only the main points ; no new data is presented , but the analysis is updated using stars to make it consistent with the other objects studied in this paper .
the presence of stellar absorption features across the nucleus demonstrates the existence of a significant population of stars .
the radial distribution and kinematics indicate they lie , like the gas @xcite , in a nearly face - on disk .
@xcite found that the dynamical mass imposed a strong constraint on the range of acceptable starburst models , yielding an upper limit to the age of the stars of around 120myr .
re - assessing the mass - to - light ratio using stars models suggests that for the increased mass required by a more face - on orientation ( @xmath130 ) an upper age of 250myr is also possible , depending on the star formation timescale .
however , either a small change of only a few degrees to the inclination ( to @xmath131 ) , or a relatively short star formation timescale of 10myr would reduce the limit to the @xmath61100myr previously estimated .
this is more consistent with the extremely high supernova rate .
the stellar luminosity , found from the dilution of the co absorption @xcite , indicates that stars within 1 ( 800pc ) of the nucleus contribute 2540% of the bolometric luminosity of the galaxy .
similarly , within 200pc , stars comprise 1015% of l@xmath132 .
the age , star formation rate , and size scale ( disk scale length of 0.180.2 ) are all consistent with high resolution radio continuum imaging @xcite .
star formation in the central 16pc of circinus was addressed by @xcite .
the diagnostics given in table [ tab : derprop ] are taken from this reference .
we used the depth of the co2 - 0 bandhead to estimate the stellar luminosity , combined with the narrow br@xmath7 flux ( which we argued originated in star forming regions rather than the agn narrow line region ) and the radio continuum , to constrain starburst models .
the conclusion was that the starburst was less than 80myr old and was already decaying .
on these scales it contributes 1.4% of l@xmath132 , or more if extinction is considered .
a similar nuclear star formation intensity was estimated by @xcite , who were also able to study circinus on larger scales .
they found that the luminosity of young stars within 200pc of the agn was of order @xmath133@xmath134 , and hence comparable to the agn .
an analysis similar to that for circinus was performed on ngc3227 by @xcite , and the diagnostics given in table [ tab : derprop ] are taken from this reference . in this case
we were able to make estimates of and correct for contributions of : ( 1 ) the narrow line region to br@xmath7 , because there were clear regions along the minor axis that had higher dispersion ; ( 2 ) the agn to the radio continuum , by estimating the maximum contribution from an unresolved source ; and ( 3 ) the bulge stars to the stellar luminosity , by extrapolating the radial profile of the bulge to the inner regions .
the stars models yielded the result that in the nucleus , star formation began approximately 40myr ago and must have already ceased . at the resolution of 0.085 ,
the most compact component of stellar continuum had a measured fwhm of 0.17 , suggesting an intrinsic size scale of @xmath135pc .
young stars within 30pc of the agn ( i.e. more than just the most compact region ) have a luminosity of @xmath136@xmath134 , which is @xmath137% of the entire galaxy . star formation on large scales in ngc7469 has been studied by @xcite .
they found that within 800pc of the nucleus , a region that includes the circumnuclear ring , the luminosity from young stars was @xmath138@xmath134 , about 70% of the galaxy s bolometric luminosity .
this situation is similar to that in mkn231 . on smaller scales , the nuclear star formation in ngc7469
was directly resolved by @xcite on a size scale of 0.150.20 ( 5065pc ) fwhm .
an analysis of the longslit data , similar to that for mkn231 , was made making use of stellar absorption features , kinematics , and starburst models .
we estimated that the age of this region was no more than 60myr under the assumption that the fraction of stellar light in the k - band in the central 0.2 was 2030% .
our new integral field sinfoni observations of ngc7469 at a spatial resolution of 0.15 ( measured from both the broad br@xmath7 and the non - stellar continuum profiles , see section [ sec : obs ] ) are used here to make a more accurate estimate of the nuclear k - band luminosity .
they enable us to provide a short update to the detailed analysis in @xcite .
the sinfoni data show that the equivalent width of the 2.3 co2 - 0 is @xmath139 in a 0.8 aperture and 0.9 in a 0.2 aperture .
the corresponding k - band magnitudes are @xmath140 and @xmath141 respectively .
if one takes the intrinsic equivalent width of the 2.3 co2 - 0 bandhead to be 12 ( see section [ sec : diag ] ) , one arrives at a more modest value of 8% for the stellar fraction of k - band continuum in the 0.2aperture .
the stellar k - band luminosity in this region is then @xmath142l@xmath1 . comparing this to the dynamical mass in @xcite yields a mass - to - light ratio of m / l@xmath143m@xmath1/l@xmath1 .
previously , extrapolation from a 37mas slit to a filled aperture had led to an underestimation of the total magnitude but an overestimation of the stellar contribution .
fortuitously , these uncertainties had compensated each other . the same analysis for the 0.8 aperture yields a k - band stellar luminosity of @xmath144l@xmath1 and hence m / l@xmath145m@xmath1/l@xmath1 .
the k - band datacube yields estimates of the upper limit to @xmath57 of 17 and 11 in 0.2 and 0.8apertures respectively .
this has been corrected for dilution of the stellar continuum ( as described in section [ sec : diag ] ) but not for a possible contribution to the narrow br@xmath7 from the agn .
hence the actual @xmath57 corresponding to only the stellar line and continuum emission will be less than these values indicating that the star formation is unlikely still to be on - going .
we estimate the age of the star formation using the stars models in fig . [
fig : stars ] . within the 0.2 aperture
this gives 100myr , comparable to our original estimate . such a young age is supported by radio continuum measurements . with a 0.2 beam , @xcite reported that the unresolved core flux in ngc7469 was 12mjy at 8.4ghz . with much higher spatial resolution of 0.03
, @xcite reported an upper limit to the unresolved 8.4ghz continuum of 7mjy .
we assume that the difference of 5mjy is due to emission extended on scales of 1060pc which is resolved out of one beam but not the other .
as discussed in section [ sec : diag ] , star formation is a likely candidate for such emission . in this case , we would estimate the supernova rate to be @xmath4yr@xmath6 and the ratio @xmath146 .
this is likely to be a lower limit since there was only an upper limit on the core radio flux density . for a ratio of this order , even allowing for some uncertainty ,
fig [ fig : stars ] implies an age consistent with no more than 100myr . within the 0.8 aperture , which we adopt in table [ tab : derprop ] ,
continuous star formation is inconsistent with w@xmath147 . for a star formation timescale of @xmath148myr
, the mass - to - light ratio implies an age of 190myr , just consistent with the measured value of w@xmath149 .
if some of the narrow br@xmath7 is associated with the agn rather than star formation , then a shorter star formation timescale is required . for @xmath68myr , the ratio m / l@xmath150 yields an age of 110myr .
[ fig : ir05189_spec ] shows the h - band spectrum integrated across two segments of the naco slit , located on either side of the nucleus .
it shows that even away from the nucleus , the depth of the stellar absorption features is only a few percent .
we have therefore decomposed the data into the stellar and non - stellar parts using both the stellar absorption features and the spectral slope of the continuum .
the latter method has been shown to work for well sampled data by @xcite .
the rationale is that the hot dust associated with the agn will be much redder than the stellar continuum .
an agn component is also expected to be unresolved for a galaxy at the distance ( 170mpc ) of iras05189 - 2524 .
the spectral slope was determined by fitting a linear function to the spectrum at each spatial position along the slit .
it is plotted as a function of position in fig .
[ fig : ir05189_decomp ] , showing a single narrow peak . a gaussian fit to this
yields a spatial resolution of 0.12 ( 100pc ) fwhm .
the stellar continuum , also shown in fig .
[ fig : ir05189_decomp ] , has been determined by summing the four most prominent absorption features : co4 - 1 , sii , co5 - 2 , co6 - 3 . while a gaussian is not an optimal fit to this profile
, it does yield an aproximate size scale , which we find to be 0.27 fwhm .
quadrature correction with the spatial resolution yields an intrinsic size of 0.25 ( 200pc ) . as a cross - check , in the figure we have compared the sum of these two components to the full continuum profile . the good match indicates that the decomposition appears to be reasonable .
remarkably , the 200pc size of the nuclear stellar light is very similar to that of the 8.44ghz radio continuum map of @xcite . with a beam size of [email protected]
, they resolved the nuclear component to have an intrinsic size of [email protected] .
in constrast to radio sources which are powered by agn and have brightness temperatures @xmath151k , the emission here is resolved and has a low brightness temperature of @xmath152k .
this implies a star forming origin . using their scaling relations
further suggests that the flux density corresponds to a supernova rate of @xmath122yr@xmath6 .
as described in section [ sec : diag ] , we have estimated the stellar luminosity by comparing the h - band spectrum to a template star to correct for dilution .
we used hr8465 a k1.5i star for which the equivalent width of co6 - 3 is 4.2 , within the 45 range predicted by stars in fig .
[ fig : equiv ] . by extrapolating from the spatial profiles along
the slit we have estimated the integrated equivalent width within a 1.1 aperture , for which @xcite gave an h - band magnitude of 11.83 . using all four features above
we find for the template @xmath153 and for iras05189 - 2524 @xmath154 .
this implies that in the central 1.1 , approximately 45% of the h - band continuum originates in stars .
using the colour conversion @xmath26 from fig . [
fig : col_lum ] ( see section [ sec : diag ] ) we find a k - band magnitude for the stars of 12.55mag and hence a k - band stellar luminosity of @xmath155l@xmath1 . putting these results together
we derive a ratio of supernova rate to k - band stellar luminosity of @xmath156 / l_{k } [ 10^{10 } l_\odot ] \sim 5 $ ] . applying corrections for extinction and an agn contribution would tend to decrease this ratio . as a second diagnostic we use @xmath57 .
we estimate the dilution of the k - band continuum via two methods .
firstly , we measure @xmath157 , indicating a stellar fraction of 0.100.15 .
a consistency check is provided by the h - band dilution , which we extrapolate to the k - band using blackbody functions for the stars and dust assuming characteristic temperatures of 5000k and 1000k respectively .
this method suggests the k - band stellar fraction is around @xmath158 . hence correcting the directly measured equivalent width of the narrow br@xmath7 for the non - stellar continuum yields @xmath1595 . since iras05189 - 2524
is close to face - on @xcite , it is not straightforward to make a reliable estimate of the dynamical mass . nevertheless , requiring @xmath160 to be high while @xmath57 is low already puts significant constraints on the star formation history .
thus , although the star formation has probably ended , the age is unlikely to be greater than 100myr , and could be as low as 50myr where @xmath160 peaks . for such ages
the ratio @xmath37 is in the range 100150 .
hence for the young stars within 0.55 ( 450pc ) of the nucleus we find @xmath16123@xmath162l@xmath1 , about 20% of @xmath36 for the galaxy .
the spatial resolution of the k - band data for ngc2992 has been estimated from both the broad br@xmath7 and the non - stellar continuum ( see section [ sec : obs ] and [ sec : diag ] ) .
the two methods yield symmetric psfs , with fwhms of 0.32 and 0.29 respectively , corresponding to 50pc . unlike iras05189 - 2524 ,
the radio continuum in ngc2992 is quite complex .
much of the extended emission on scales of a few arcsec appears to originate from a superbubble , driven either by the agn or by a nuclear starburst . on the other hand ,
most of the nuclear emission seems to be unresolved . with a beam size of [email protected] , @xcite measured the unresolved flux to be 7mjy at 5ghz . at a resolution better than 0.1 , @xcite reported a 2.3ghz flux of 6mjy .
based on this as well as non - detections at 1.7ghz and 8.4ghz , they estimated the core flux at 5ghz to be @xmath1666mjy .
taking a flat spectral index , as indicated by archival data @xcite , one might expect the 5ghz core flux to be not much less than 6mjy , leaving room for only @xmath122mjy in extended emission in the central 0.5 .
if we assume this difference can be attributed to star formation , it implies a supernova rate of @xmath167yr@xmath6 and hence @xmath168 .
[ fig : stars ] shows that a ratio of this order is what one might expect for ages up to 200myr .
however , given the uncertainty it does not impose a significant constraint .
it is also difficult to quantify what fraction of the narrow br@xmath7 is associated with star formation .
this is made clear in fig .
[ fig : n2992_brg ] which shows that the morphology of the line ( centre left panel ) does not follow that of the stars ( far left ) .
in addition , particularly the south - west side is associated with velocities that are bluer than the surrounding emission , indicative of motion towards us .
the western edge also exhibits high velocity dispersion . taken together ,
these suggest that we may be seeing outflow from the apex of an ionisation cone with a relatively large opening angle .
this interpretation would tend to support the hypothesis that the radio bubble has been driven by the agn .
the stellar continuum appears to trace an inclined disk , the north west side of which is more obscured ( fig .
[ fig : n2992_brg ] ) .
however , the velocity dispersion is high , exceeding 150kms@xmath6 across the whole field ( fig .
[ fig : n2992_vel ] ) .
this is similar to the 160kms@xmath6 reported by @xcite from optical spectroscopy , and suggests that we are seeing bulge stars . to analyse the radial luminosity profile
we have fitted it with both an @xmath55 law and exponential profile .
the fits in fig .
[ fig : n2992_rad ] were optimised at radii @xmath169 and then extrapolated inwards , convolved with the psf . whether one could claim that there is excess continuum in the nucleus depends on the profile fitted .
the @xmath55 law provides a stronger constraint since it is more cuspy , and suggests there is no excess .
although this evidence is inconclusive , fig .
[ fig : n2992_vel ] suggests that there is some kinematic evidence favouring the existence of a distinct nuclear stellar population .
this comes in the form of a small unresolved drop in dispersion at the centre , similar to those in ngc1097 and ngc1068 . while the evidence in ngc2992 is not compelling , the dispersion is consistent with there being an equivalent but fainter nuclear disk on a scale of less than our resolution of 50pc .
in general it seems that the k - band light we are seeing is dominated by the bulge , and we are therefore unable to probe in detail the inner region where it seems that more recent star formation has probably occurred .
thus , although the available data suggest there has likely been recent star formation in the nucleus of ngc2992 , the only strong constraint we can apply is that continuous star formation in the central arcsec over the last gyr can be ruled out since it would require @xmath17015 .
we therefore omit ngc2992 from the discussion and analysis in sections [ sec : prop ] and [ sec : staragn ] . in ngc1097 , the first evidence for recent star formation near the nucleus was in the form of a reduction in the stellar velocity dispersion .
@xcite proposed this could be explained by the presence of a dynamically cold nuclear disk that had recently formed stars .
direct observations of a spiral structure in the central few arcsec , from k - band imaging @xcite and [ nii ] streaming motions @xcite , have since confirmed this idea .
however , some issues remain open , such as why there are three spiral arms rather than the usual two , and why gas along one of them appears to be outflowing . our data , at a resolution of 0.25 measured from the h - band non - stellar continuum ,
also reveal the same spiral structure .
indeed , we find that it is traced by the morphology of the co bandhead absorption as well as by the 2.12 h@xmath49 1 - 0s(1 ) line . interestingly ,
1 - 0s(1 ) emission is stronger where the stellar features are weaker .
this suggests that obscuration by gas and dust plays an important role .
[ fig : n1097_prof ] shows that an @xmath55 law , typical of stellar bulges , with effective radius @xmath171 is a good fit to the stellar radial profile at @xmath172 .
it therefore seems reasonable to argue that at these radii it is only the gas that lies in a disk . in this picture
the spiral structure in the stellar continuum arises solely due to extinction of the stars behind the disk . extrapolating this fit , convolved with the psf , to the nucleus indicates that at @xmath173 there is at least 25% excess stellar continuum .
there could be much more , given that it coincides with a change in the dominant kinematics . for ngc1097 we parameterized the kinematics of the gas and stars quantitatively using kinemetry .
based on the uniformity of the velocity field , we made the simplifying assumption that across the central 4 the gas lies in a single plane whose centre is coincident with the peak of the non - stellar emission .
we were then able to derive the position angle and inclination of the disk ( see section [ sec : obs ] ) .
the 2d kinematics of the stars is traced via the co2 - 0 absorption bandhead , and that of the gas through the 1 - 0s(1 ) emission line .
these independently yielded similar parameters : both gave a position angle of @xmath174 and their inclinations were 43@xmath175 and 32@xmath175 respectively .
these are fully consistent with values found by other authors ( @xcite ) .
the resulting rotation curves and velocity dispersions are shown in fig .
[ fig : n1097_dispvel ] . the residuals , which can be seen in the velocity field of the gas but not the stars , and their relation to the spiral structure described above will be discussed elsewhere ( davies et al . in prep ) .
the important result here is that at our spatial resolution , we find that the central stellar dispersion is @xmath176kms@xmath6 , less than the surrounding 150kms@xmath6 and also less than that in the seeing limited spectra of @xcite . in the same region
we find that the rotation velocity of the gas starts to decrease rapidly , and its dispersion increases from @xmath177kms@xmath6 to @xmath178kms@xmath6 .
[ fig : n1097_dispvel ] also shows that while the kinematics of the stars and gas are rather different at large ( @xmath179 ) radii , they are remarkably similar at radii @xmath180 .
this certainly provides a strong indication that in the nuclear region the stars and gas are coupled , most likely in a ( perhaps thick ) disk ; and that the stars in this disk , which are bright and hence presumably young , give rise to the excess stellar continuum observed .
evidence for a recent starburst has been found by @xcite through optical and uv spectra .
they argued that a number of features they observed could only arise from an @xmath181m@xmath1 instantaneous starburst , which occurred a few myr ago and is reddened by @xmath182mag of extinction .
using stars we have modeled this starburst as a @xmath181m@xmath1 burst beginning 8myr ago with an exponential decay timescale of 1myr .
the age we have used is a little older to keep the br@xmath7 equivalent width low ; and at this age , the model predicts @xmath159 . as fig .
[ fig : n1097_maps ] shows , the observed br@xmath7 is weak , although perhaps slightly resolved . corrected for the non - stellar continuum
, we measure only @xmath183 .
however , the bulge population may account for a significant fraction of the k - band stellar continuum . correcting also for this could increase @xmath57 to 25 , consistent with that of the model assuming that the br@xmath7 is associated with the starburst rather than the agn .
to within a factor of a few , the scale of the model starburst is also consistent with that measured : in the central 0.5 we measure a br@xmath7 flux of @xmath184wm@xmath2 , compared to that predicted by the model of @xmath185wm@xmath2 .
given the uncertainties factors of a few both in the parameters of the starburst model and also in the corrections we have applied to the data , we consider this a good agreement .
we can not constrain the starburst further due to its compactness .
@xcite found that it was occurring in the central 0.2 , whereas our resolution is only 0.25 .
the br@xmath7 emission is confined to the central 0.40.5 , although its size is hard to measure due to its weakness with respect to the stellar absorption features . in this region
the k - band stellar luminosity is @xmath186l@xmath1 . to estimate the dynamical mass we use the mean kinematics of the stars and gas , i.e. v@xmath187kms@xmath6 ( corrected for inclination ) and @xmath188kms@xmath6 ( this is the central value , which is least biassed by bulge stars ) , yielding @xmath189m@xmath1
this is actually dominated by the black hole , which has a mass of @xmath190m@xmath1 @xcite .
the difference between these implies a mass of gas and stars of @xmath191m@xmath1 , although with a large uncertainty .
the associated mass - to - light ratio is @xmath192 . on its own ,
this implies that over the relatively large area that it encompasses , the maximum characteristic age for the star formation is a few hundred myr .
if one speculates that star formation has been occurring sporadically for this timescale , then the starburst seen by @xcite is the most recent active episode . in order to make a rough estimate of the supernova rate in the central region we make use of measurements reported by @xcite .
they find an unresolved component ( size @xmath193 ) with 5ghz flux density @xmath194mjy , but at lower resolution there is a @xmath195mjy component of size 1 . as discussed in section [ sec : diag ] we assume that the difference albeit with only marginal significance of @xmath196mjy is due to star formation in the central region , which implies a supernova rate of @xmath197yr@xmath6 and hence @xmath198 , a value consistent with rather more recent star formation . indeed , when compared to fig .
[ fig : stars ] , this and the low @xmath57 imply a young age and short star formation timescale . for @xmath68myr
the age is 6070myr ; for an instantaneous burst of star formation , the age would be @xmath80myr , broadly consistent with that of @xcite .
thus , although our data do not uniquely constrain the age of the starburst in the nucleus of ngc1097 , they do indicate that recent star formation has occurred ; and they are consistent with a very young compact starburst similar to that derived from optical and uv data .
evidence for a stellar core in ngc1068 with an intrinsic size scale of @xmath199pc was first presented by @xcite . based on kinematics measured in large ( 24 ) apertures , they assumed the core was virialized and estimated a mass - to - light ratio based on this assumption leading to an upper limit on the stellar age of 1600myr . making a reasonable correction for an assumed old component lead to a younger age of 500myr .
stellar kinematics from optical integral field spectra @xcite show evidence for a drop in the stellar velocity dispersion in the central few arcsec to @xmath200kms@xmath6 , inside a region of higher 150200kms@xmath6 dispersion ( presumably the bulge ) .
our near infrared adaptive optics data are able to fully resolve the inner region where @xmath60 drops , as shown in fig .
[ fig : n1068_prof ] . as for ngc1097
, the velocity distribution of the stars was derived through kinemetry , again making use of the uniformity of the stellar velocity field to justify the simplifying assumption that the position angle and inclination do not change significantly in the central 4 .
the derived inclination of @xmath201 and position angle of @xmath202 are quantitatively similar to those found by other authors in the central few to tens of arcseconds @xcite .
the uniformity of the stellar kinematics is in contrast to molecular gas kinematics , as traced via the 1 - 0s(1 ) line , which are strongly perturbed and show several distinct structures superimposed .
these are too complex to permit a comparably simple analysis and will be discussed , together with the residuals in the stellar kinematics in a future work ( mueller snchez et al . in prep ) .
the crucial result relevant here is that at our h - band resolution of 0.10 we find that @xmath60 reduces from 130kms@xmath6 at 12 to only 70kms@xmath6 in the very centre . that there is in the same region an excess in the stellar continuum
is demonstrated in fig .
[ fig : n1068_prof_wide ] . here
we show the radial profile of the stellar continuum from both sinfoni integral field spectra out to a radius of 2 and naco longslit spectra out to 5 ( 350pc ) . at radii 15
, corresponding roughly to the region of high stellar dispersion measured by @xcite , the profile is well matched by an @xmath55 law , as one might expect for a bulge . at radii @xmath203 the same radius at which we begin to see a discernable reduction in the stellar dispersion
the stellar continuum increases by as much as a factor 2 above the inward extrapolation of the profile , indicating that there is extra emission . as for ngc1097 ,
the combined signature of dynamically cool kinematics and excess emission is strong evidence for a nuclear disk which has experienced recent star formation .
we can make an estimate of the characteristic age of the star formation in the central arcsec based on the mass - to - light ratio in a similar way to @xcite .
because the stars appear to lie in a disk , we estimate the dynamical mass as described in section [ sec : diag ] from the stellar kinematics , using the rotation velocity and applying a correction for the dispersion .
the stellar rotation curve is essentially flat at 0.10.5 , with @xmath204kms@xmath6 ( corrected for inclination ) .
we also take @xmath205kms@xmath6 , which is the central value and hence least biassed by the high dispersion bulge stars .
these lead to a mass of @xmath206m@xmath1 within @xmath207 ( 35pc ) , and a mean surface density of @xmath208m@xmath1pc@xmath2 . correcting for the non - stellar continuum , the h - band magnitude ( which the behaviour of @xmath60 indicates is dominated by the disk emission ) in the same region is 11.53mag . for @xmath26mag ( fig .
[ fig : stars ] ) , we find @xmath209l@xmath1 and hence @xmath210m@xmath1/l@xmath1 . if no star formation is on - going , this implies a characteristic age of 200300myr fairly independent of the timescale ( for @xmath211myr , see fig .
[ fig : stars ] ) on which stars were formed .
we note that this is significantly younger than the age estimated by @xcite primarily because their mass was derived using a higher @xmath60 corresponding to the bulge stars .
the assumption of no current star formation is clearly demonstrated by the br@xmath7 map in fig .
[ fig : n1068_maps ] . away from the knots of br@xmath7 , which are associated with the coronal lines and the jet rather than possible star formation
, the equivalent width is @xmath212 .
this is significantly less than that for continuous star formation of any age .
thus , while it seems likely that star formation has occurred in the last few hundred myr , it also seems an unavoidable conclusion that there is no current star formation . to complete our set of diagnostics for ngc1068 ,
we consider also the radio continuum .
this is clearly dominated by phenomena associated with the agn and jets , and our best estimate of the flux density away from these features is given by the lowest contour in maps such as figure 1 of @xcite . from this
we estimate an upper limit to the 5ghz continuum associated with star formation of 128mjy within @xmath173 . however , converting to a supernova rate and comparing to the k - band stellar luminosity yields a limit that is not useful , being an order of magnitude above the largest expected values . at near infrared wavelengths ,
the agn in ngc3783 is remarkably bright .
integrated over the central 0.5 less than 4% of the k - band continuum is stellar .
in addition , the broad brackett lines are very strong and dominate the h - band .
both of these phenomena are immediately clear from the h- and k - band spectra in fig .
[ fig : n3783_spec ] .
however , it does mean that the spatial resolution can be measured easily from both the non - stellar continuum and the broad emission lines ( see section [ sec : obs ] ) .
we find the k - band psf to be symmetrical with a fwhm of 0.17 . due to the ubiquitous brackett emission in the h - band we were unable to reliably trace the stellar absorption features and map out the stellar continuum .
instead we have used the co2 - 0 bandhead at 2.3 even though the dilution at the nucleus itself is extreme .
the azimuthally averaged radial profile is shown in fig .
[ fig : n3783_rad ] together with the psf for reference . at radii from 0.21.6 (
the maximum we can measure ) the profile is well fit by an @xmath55 de vaucouleurs law with @xmath213 ( 120pc ) .
as has been the case previously , at smaller radii we find an excess that here is perhaps marginally resolved .
thus a substantial fraction of the near infrared stellar continuum in the central region is likely to originate in a population of stars distinct from the bulge .
we were unable to measure the stellar kinematics due to the limited signal - to - noise .
instead , we used the molecular gas kinematics to estimate the dynamical mass .
as before , we used kinemetry to derive the position angle of @xmath214 and the inclination in the range 3539@xmath175 .
this orientation is consistent with the larger ( 20 ) scale isophotes in the j - band 2mass image and implies that in ngc3783 there is no significant warp on scales of 50pc to 4kpc .
a small inclination is also consistent with its classification as a seyfert 1 . adopting these values , the resulting rotation curve is shown in fig .
[ fig : n3783_rot ] . at
very small radii the rising rotation curve may be the result of beam smearing across the nucleus . at @xmath215
, the falling curve suggests that the rotation is dominated by the central ( @xmath216 ) mass , perhaps the supermassive black hole .
we estimate the dynamical mass within a radius of 0.3 ( 60pc ) , corresponding to the point where the excess continuum begins and also where the rotation curve appears to be unaffected by beam smearing .
taking @xmath217kms@xmath6 and @xmath218kms@xmath6 we derive a dynamical mass of m@xmath219m@xmath1 .
the black hole mass of @xmath220m@xmath1 ( from reverberation mapping , @xcite ) is only 30% of this , and so can not be dominating the dynamics on this scale unless its mass is underestimated . with respect to this , we note that @xcite claim the statistical uncertainty in masses derived from reverberation mapping is about a factor 3 .
alternatively , there may be a compact mass of gas and stars at @xmath221 .
however , including @xmath53 in the mass estimate implicitly assumes that the dispersion arises from macroscopic motions . on the other hand , because we are observing only the hot h@xmath49 , it is possible that the dispersion is dominated by turbulence arising from shocks or uv heating of clouds that generate the 1 - 0s(1 ) emission
issues that are discussed in more detail by hicks et al .
( in prep . ) .
in this case we will have overestimated the dynamical mass .
excluding @xmath53 from the mass estimation yields @xmath222m@xmath1 .
we consider these two estimates as denoting the maximum range of possible masses . subtracting m@xmath223
then gives a mass of stars and gas in the range ( 27)@xmath224m@xmath1 , implying a mass surface density of 17006000m@xmath1pc@xmath2 and @xmath2252.1m@xmath1/l@xmath1 .
based on these ratios alone , fig [ fig : stars ] indicates that the characteristic age of the star formation may be as low as @xmath226myr , although it could also be an order of magnitude greater . without additional diagnostics we can not discriminate further .
we are unable to use br@xmath7 as an additional constraint on the star formation history .
its morphology and velocity field are similar to that of [ sivi ] , and rather different from the 1 - 0s(1 ) .
it shows an extension to the north which appears to be outflowing at @xmath227kms@xmath6 ( fig [ fig : n3783_maps ] ) perhaps tracing an ionisation cone .
since the br@xmath7 resembles the [ sivi ] , it is reasonable to conclude that it too is associated with the agn rather than star formation .
thus the equivalent width of br@xmath7 ( with respect to the stellar continuum ) of @xmath228 represents an upper limit to that associated with star formation .
the radio continuum in the nucleus of ngc3783 has been measured with several beam sizes at 8.5ghz . for a beam of @xmath229
, @xcite found it was unresolved with a flux density of @xmath230mjy . with a smaller @xmath164 beam
, @xcite measured a total flux density of 8.0mjy dominated by an unresolved component of @xmath231mjy . at smaller scales still of @xmath232 corresponding to 6pc
, @xcite placed an upper limit on the 8.5ghz flux density of 7mjy .
taken together , these results imply that there is some modest 8.5ghz radio continuum of 0.71mjy extended on scales of 0.31 .
based on this we estimate a supernova rate as described in section [ sec : diag ] of @xmath233yr@xmath6 , and hence a ratio @xmath234 . given that the unresolved radio continuum on the smallest scales is an upper limit , the extended component may be stronger and hence the true @xmath235 ratio may be greater than that estimated here .
fig [ fig : stars ] then puts a relatively strong limit of @xmath96myr on the maximum age of the star formation .
this age is fully consistent with that above associated with our lower mass estimate .
the value of @xmath236 above does not impose additional constraints , although we note that if the br@xmath7 flux associated with star formation is only a small fraction of the total then it would imply that the timescale over which the star formation was active is no longer than a few times @xmath80myr . therefore in the nucleus ( @xmath221 ) of ngc3783
we adopt 5070myr as the age of the star formation and @xmath237m@xmath1 as the dynamical mass excluding the central supermassive black hole .
knapen j. , 2004 , in _ penetrating bars through masks of cosmic dust : the hubble tuning fork strikes a new note _ , eds block d. , puerari i. , freeman k. , groess r. , block e. ( dordrecht : kluwer academic publishers ) , assl , vol .
319 , p.189 mkn231 & h & 0.176 & may 02 & keck , nirc2 + ngc7469 & k & 0.085 & nov 02 & keck , nirspao + & k & 0.15 & jul 04 & vlt , sinfoni + circinus & k & 0.22 & jul 04 & vlt , sinfoni + ngc3227 & k & 0.085 & dec 04 & vlt , sinfoni + iras05189 - 2524 & h & 0.12 & dec 02 & vlt , naco + ngc2992 & k & 0.30 & mar 05 & vlt , sinfoni + ngc1097 & h & 0.245 & oct 05 & vlt , sinfoni + ngc1068 & h & 0.10 & oct 05 & vlt , sinfoni + & h & 0.13 & dec 02 & vlt , naco + ngc3783 & k & 0.17 & mar 05 & vlt , sinfoni + mkn231 & ulirg , sy1 , qso & 170 & 12.5 & 7.2 & 1 & + ngc7469 & sy1 & 66 & 11.5 & 7.0 & 2 & + circinus & sy2 & 4 & 10.2 & 6.2 & 3 & + ngc3227 & sy1 & 17 & 10.2 & 7.3 & 4 & + iras05189 - 2524 & ulirg , sy1 & 170 & 12.1 & 7.5 & 1 & + ngc2992 & sy1 & 33 & 10.7 & 7.7 & 5 & + ngc1097 & liner , sy1 & 18 & 10.9 & 8.1 & 6 & + ngc1068 & sy2 & 14 & 11.5 & 6.9 & 7 & + ngc3783 & sy1 & 42 & 10.8 & 7.5 & 2 & + mkn231 & 0.6 & 480 & 9.3 & 9.8 & 0.9 & & 3.1 & 20 & 120250 & 2550 + ngc7469 & 0.4 & 128 & 8.5 & 8.7 & 1.0 & 11 & 1.6 & 3 & 110190 & 50100 + circinus & 0.4 & 8 & 6.2 & 7.5 & 17 & 30 & 23 & 1.5 & 80 & @xmath226 + ngc3227 & 0.4 & 32 & 7.8 & 8.0 & 3.7 & 4 & 1.9 & 2.2 & 40 & @xmath238 + iras05189 - 2524 & 0.55 & 450 & 9.3 & & & 4 & & 5 & 50100 & 3070 + ngc2992 & 0.4 & 64 & 7.5 & & & @xmath16612 & & 1 & & + ngc1097 & 0.25 & 22 & 6.7 & 8.2 & 1.3 & 1 & 4.5 & 1.4 & 8 & @xmath178 + ngc1068 & 0.5 & 35 & 7.6 & 8.1 & 3.4 & 4 & 3.0 & @xmath16620 & 200300 & 90170 + ngc3783 & 0.3 & 60 & 7.5 & 7.3 & 0.2 & @xmath16630 & 0.6 & 2 & 5070 & 3060 + | arxiv |
Frozen The Mechanic
Anna was close to tears.
Her baby was sick.
She hadn't handled it well when she had started coughing and making this awful rumbly noises, but Anna's Volvo had, fortunately, made it to the local mechanic's shop before shuddering and dying.
Her cousin Rapunzel had recommended the place ages ago when lights first started coming on in her dash, but working at an Animal Rescue Center wasn't exactly lucrative enough to pay for what seemed like a superficial issue.
Well, the issue wasn't superficial now.
She sighed and patted Betty before entering the shop, looking around the place in hopes she would find someone who coulf help her immediately. There were some really nice looking cars in here - not that she would recognize what they were - and the space looked pretty immaculate. Anna had imagined grease everywhere, car parts strewn about like questionable hazards for both the staff and clientele, and nasty floors dyed black.
A woman in a pixie cut and overalls, rubbing her hands on a rag, walked over to her with slight smile on her face. "Hey there," she greeted cheerfully, sticking the rag in her back pocket and taking her glasses off the top of her head and positioning them on her nose. "I'm Van, how can I help you?" Anna raised an eyebrow, biting her lip to restrain a giggle. "Yeah, yeah," Van groused theatrically, "My name is Van and I'm a mechanic. Yuk it up."
"I'm Anna," Anna greeted, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. She looked behind her through the front window and gestured at her Volvo. "And that's Betty. She's sick," Anna explained morosely, pouting her lip.
"Maybe we can make her better?" A new voice came, making Anna almost jump out of her skin. She peered around the shoulder of her new she caught sight of her, the redhead felt air leave her lungs. Her eyes widened and she stopped herself before her jaw dropped.
The woman was inconceivably gorgeous. Her white-blonde hair done up in an immaculate plait, her wide blue eyes twinkling as she approached the pair, hips swaying in a pair of sinfully tight jeans. She wiped her hand on her already slightly oil-stained wifebeater and grinned shyly.
"Hi."
"Hi," Anna greeted breathlessly, falling over herself to clasp the woman's hand when she held it out.
"I'm Elsa," the blonde added, her hand lingering in Anna's grip for a moment, fingers brushing against the back of her hand, before letting go.
"Uh-huh," Anna whispered, staring at Elsa and nibbling on her lower lip. She jerked and shook her head, her braids slapping against her chest. "I, I mean, hi, I'm Anna, n-nice to meet you—" she noticed how the woman's eyes seemed to linger on Anna's face for a few seconds, as if drinking up the sight of her, and the thought of that possibility made the redhead dizzy.
As if waking in a dream,Elsa blinked and shook her head, motioning a hand toward her Volo, "So," she exhaled, "Anything I can help you with?"
"She means 'we'," Van piped in from behind Elsa, "'Anything 'we' can help you with'?" the blonde sent the other woman a look, who took the hint and left her coworker to her 'job', winking as she did so.
Anna flushed when Elsa's gaze returned to her, her stare boring into her like some kind of high powered x-ray. "Um," she began, her hands fiddling with the hem of her skirt. Elsa's eyes flickered to look down and were slow on the return back up to her face. "My car's been making strange noises for a while now, and it kinda died when I drove it into the parking lot…"
"I see. Well then," Elsa said, walking towards the door and placing a hand on the small of Anna's back to lead her outside. "Let's bring her in and see what she's got going on under her hood." Van opened the garage door and Elsa got the car inside of the shop, grunting as she listened to the engine whine. "Doesn't sound too good in there," Elsa admitted, climbing out of the drivers seat and leaning against the car. Anna gnawed on her lip worriedly and Elsa brushed her thumb over the redhead's mouth, pulling it from between Anna's teeth. "Don't worry," she murmured, "I'll get up under her and work some magic." She turned and walked towards the wall, grabbing a… rolley-thingy.
"You can work your magic under me any time." Anna said, breathlessly.
"Hm? What was that?"
"Nothing." the redhead flushed when Elsa gave her a smile that said she had most likely heard what she had said. "What is that thing called?" Anna asked, pointing to the thing the blonde woman had grabbed, attempting to change the subject.
"This? It's a creeper," Elsa explained. "I lay on it to peek up under the carriage." She winked and Anna didn't know if she could get any redder. "Sometimes we roll around on them like skateboards."
Anna brightened at that. "Could I try?" she asked, grinning. Elsa raised an eyebrow and looked solemn as she shook her head.
"I'm afraid you need a mechanic's license to get on one of these bad boys," she said. Anna's face fell before she scrunched her nose and side-eyed Elsa. "It's true. They're very dangerous. I can't let you on without a professional escort." She looked around the shop and leaned in to whisper conspiratorially. "I could bend the rules for you and let you sit on my lap while we roll around."
Anna flushed a deep red, only managing to stutter out a reply, her feet taking a step back, "I-its all right. I don't want to bounce… I mean bother your lap."
Elsa raised an eyebrow at that, covering her lips with a hand as she giggled, "Don't worry, I really don't mind." she said, her eyes growing dark seemingly capturing Anna in a trance, "It'll be my pleasure." She set down the creeper and settled on top of it, tossing her braid over her shoulder and reaching out her arms to guide Anna into her lap. Anna stared for a moment before settling down on top of Elsa, wriggling to settle and balance herself. Elsa grunted and Anna twisted around to look at her.
"Am I too heavy?" she asked shyly, tugging on one of her braids. Elsa shook her head slowly.
"You're perfect," she murmured, grasping Anna's hips. "Ready?" Anna tucked herself against Elsa's chest and nodded, but wasn't prepared for the woman to rock her hips against her. She groaned out loud, and flushed.
"S-sorry—" She muttered, mortified, and Elsa rocked her hips again, sending the creeper rolling. Anna felt something poke against her thigh and her head shot up, teal eyes wide and staring at Elsa.
The look on the blonde's face was a mix of embarrassment and smolder. "It's either my wrench," she began wryly, "Or I'm happy to see you."
Her eyes searched Anna's. The redhead managed to collect herself, a sly smile stretching across her lips. She placed a gentle, innocuous hand on Elsa's stomach and began trailing it down. "Let's find out which, shall we?" Elsa gasped, her hips lifting up under Anna's ministrations. She sighed when the girl began to rock her hips against the bulge under her pants, which seemed to twitch and grow mechanic watched as Anna's wandering hand reached down, cupping the tent in her pants and squeezing her there.
"Gods," Elsa croaked, and Anna shot her a pleased grin.
"Els? Did that girl leave? Where are you at?" A voice called above their heads, and they froze. Anna quickly rolled off of Elsa's lap and the mechanic stood, leaning against the car and adjusting herself.
"What's up, Van?" Elsa asked, trying to seem nonchalant. She was looking at her coworker and therefore didn't notice when Anna smirked up at her.
"I'm taking the truck to get this guy who's stuck a few counties over. It'll be a few hours, so mind the shop, y'hear?" Van shook a fist at her and dissolved into a southern twang before laughing.
"Yeah, sure, oH-KAY —"
Elsa bucked her hips as Anna's hand returned to her crotch and she breathed hot hair just below Elsa's zipper. Van gave her a strange look, pausing in her path towards the exit. "You okay Els?"
"Fine! I'm fine. Go on ahead, I'll be here." Van gave her a strange look, but shrugged.
"Alrighty. See you later!" The woman walked out, whistling, and Elsa glared down at Anna. Her expression morphed into a strained gasp when Anna unzipped her jeans and fished her cock out.
The blonde mechanic bit her lower lip at the sight, falling back against the car with a sigh when Anna fisted her penis and popped the head in her hot mouth; her wet tongue caressing the slit, tasting her precum with a moan.
Elsa watched in muted fascination and mounting arousal as Anna's lips claimed inch after inch of her, upon every enthusiastic bob of her head. She resisted thrusting her hips forward, pressing her hands flat against the car in an effort to hang on to something while pleasure surged in her loins.
Every sigh and wet lick uttered by the redhead shot through her lower body, spreading pleasantly around her balls. Elsa whined when Anna's mouth released her, yet looking down at the flushed girl, her flat tongue licking her hard flesh as teal eyes watched her reaction almost caused her to come.
Anna smirked, pressing the side of her cock against her cheek, "I think," she said, "There's also something wrong with my car's seats. Maybe you should… check that out too?"
Elsa reached down and pulled Anna up by the arm, shuddering when her body brushed against Elsa's freed cock. "I'll take a look," she promised, voice strained with arousal, "but why don't you climb in first so you can point out the problem."
Opening the back door, Anna climbed inside and settled her back against the other side, spreading her legs as Elsa followed her so she could settle between them. The mechanic pulled Anna's dress over her hips and slid her out of her underwear, questioning glances met with Anna licking her lips and staring at her with a burning gaze
Elsa's eyes were immediately drawn to those lips, glinting red and smiling at her in a captivating way. She leaned forward and kissed her, gasping when the redhead welcomed her tongue which slipped inside her mouth.
The mechanic pushed her hips forward, and she moaned when she felt the length of her cock rub against Anna's wet slit.
Anna began to rock her hips, whimpering in Elsa's mouth every time the woman's cock slid against her clit, until both their hips — with their actions growing feverish — pushed against each other in a painfully slow pace.
She gasped Elsa's name when the heat building around her cunt caused her to gush her juices on the car seat's upholstery, lining the surface with a slickness which caused her ass to slip and slide every time she moved her hips up.
Elsa positioned her head at the entrance of Anna's pussy lips, murmuring nonsense against the skin of the redhead's neck as she slowly entered her, easily sliding inside with the assistance of Anna's dripping wetness. "Uhn," Elsa grunted, going deeper and deeper as Anna's nails dug into her biceps, "fuck, you're so hot."
She pulled back out to her tip, Anna mewling at the loss, before pushing back inside. Her lips pressed against Anna's still clothed breast, suckling her hardened nipple through the fabric. Anna threw her hands up and the smacked into the car window. "Ow, ow, ow!" Anna complained, cradling her hands on her belly and grimacing. Elsa tried not to laugh, but failed miserably. The sound broke out into a shuddering moan as Anna jerked her hips spitefully, her inner walls clenching around Elsa's length.
"M-maybe we should go somewhere else," she suggested, still pumping in and out of Anna. "Betty's backseat is a bit of a - tight! - uhn, space."
"We can improvise." the younger woman said, dragging the tip of her tongue over Elsa's swollen lips. She shifted her body, moaning when she felt Elsa's cock slip out of her pulsing cunt. Anna sat up and pushed her lover against the seats, settling on her lap and rocking her hips with a lewd moan, "Like this?" she asked, her voice shaking, feeling her insides tingle and burn with both wanting and loss as she teased the blonde's cock with the gaping hole of her throbbing pussy. Anna anticipated the feeling of Elsa filling her again, and she couldn't help but mewl with ecstasy when her new lover's hips began to move against hers. Her breathing turning into ragged, lustful moaning when Elsa grabbed her hips, and she cried out when the blonde entered her again in one swift thrust which shook the very core of her.
Anna's hand clawed at the car seat's leather, gripping it until her fingers grew pale while she bounced her ass on Elsa's lap. The car creaked and rocked wildly as the two lovers moved as one.
Elsa rested against the seat and flipped the redhead's skirt up, and with lewd fascination watched her prick slide inside Anna deeper and deeper, the ginger hair of her crotch already slick from her precum and the younger woman's wetness. She groaned at the sight, feeling as if she would come just by watching herself fuck the girl. She latched her mouth on Anna's neck, lapping at her sweat and feeling the lines of muscle with her tongue before she could feel her balls tighten. The mechanic didn't want this to end so soon, they had an hour left for them after all…
"Elsa." the redhead sobbed, burying her face in her blonde head, "I- I'm so close."
"Hold on, baby."
"So, so close… you feel so good."
Elsa heard her breath hitch and draw out a long groan of pleasure, but before Anna could ride out the beginnings of her climax, the mechanic held the redhead's ass as she slipped out from inside her. She felt something warm gush out from the younger girl's cunt and wet her balls, which intensified the smell of sex already wafting inside her car. The blonde smirked at the sounds of Anna's frustrated whimpering, keeping her hips from bucking forward as she denied her any ways of release.
She bit Anna's shoulder, as if to both pacify and silence her, licking up and tugging at her earlobe, "On the hood of the car." Elsa said.
Anna glared at the blonde mechanic, leaving her a bruising kiss before she opened the side doors and almost threw herself out, her legs still shaking from their earlier fuck, and her cunt still dripping wet as her juices trailed a wet line from inside her thighs. Elsa watched with a grin at the sight, before Anna grabbed her collar and pulled her out from the car. She grunted in both pain and pleasure when the redhead slammed her back against the car, claiming her mouth again in another bruising kiss, feeling her teeth nibble at her bottom lips until they stung. Anna fiercely grabbed her throbbing prick, squeezing the hard flesh and stroking her until the mechanic was writhing against the shorter girl's body.
Anna pressed her chest against Elsa's pinning her against the car, "I want you to fuck me hard this time." she said, grabbing one of her breasts underneath the cloth of her wifebeater and kneading them hard, "Got it?"
"Fuck." Elsa bucked her hips forward, "On the hood of the car." she said through gritted teeth, "Now."
Anna chuckled darkly at her new lover's impatience, and feeling satisfied with her perverse retribution, lead Elsa by the cock towards the front of the Volvo. She met the mechanic's heated gaze, licking the palm of her hand which — only seconds ago — was busy with giving her the best fucking hand job she ever had.
"Fuck my pussy." Anna whispered vehemently, lifting the back of her skirt and practically showing Elsa her abused hole. The redhead bent forward and rested her upper body on the Volvo's hood, groaning as she rubbed her sensitive nipples on the surface of the car. She spread her legs wide, one of her hands reaching back to pull one of her ass cheeks, showing the slick opening of her gaping vagina; hips thrusting against the car ornament impatiently.
Elsa cursed under her breath as she watched the young woman present herself, grabbing the redhead's ass herself and spreading her wide. She watched as the tip of her twitching cock played over her leaking cunt until Anna was left sobbing, her hands closing into tight fists.
"Please," she said, "Inside, Elsa. I want you inside me."
"I'm sorry—" the blonde mechanic slapped her ass cheeks, grabbing Anna by her hips to keep her from moving too much. Elsa rolled her hips and allowed an inch of her dick to tease the rim of her cunt, feeling very much in control again, "I can't hear you. Maybe you should speak up?"
"Please fuck me hard." Anna said, all but screaming out like a wild feline in heat. Elsa chuckled and, with a hard thrust which slammed her dick inside Anna's cunt, granted the redhead's wish too gladly.
"What do you want me to do?" the mechanic asked, her sentence this time came out breathless, husky and heavy.
"I- I want you to come inside me." Anna whined, moaning louder and louder as her upper body slid up and down the hood from the severity of Elsa's rutting.
Elsa bit her lips once she heard Anna's plea, throwing her head back and pushing her hips harder against the younger woman's ass. She hummed, the sound low in her throat, mind thinking of other things, other places than this because she was getting so close, and Anna felt so good around her cock.
She slid her penis out from inside Anna again, telling the younger woman to sit on the hood this time before she could protest or think the mechanic was being playful again this time. But both of them were thinking of that sweet end, and the blonde woman's body was screaming for release.
Elsa watched Anna slide her body up until her ass hung over the edge of the car's hood. The redhead lifted her legs up and opened them wide, and from here the mechanic could see her face burning red; her hair wild with strands of red were undone from her braids, and her sweat glistened on her exposed skin. Anna's chest was heaving when Elsa pressed her body between her legs, easily slipping her length back inside the wet folds of her lover. She grabbed her thighs, Anna's dress falling around her hips. The blonde opening her legs up and wide, allowing the mechanic enough freedom to fuck her mercilessly against the hood of the car until the metal itself was groaning underneath her thrusts.
From here Anna could see the mechanic's breasts bounce and strain against her wifebeater; she could see the strain on Elsa's face, and watched the blonde woman's hips work between her legs. Anna licked her lips when she spied the other woman's cock drive deep inside her, causing her sex to gush more of her juices until the sound of their fucking was just as loud as their cries. The volume of their moans growing louder until it echoed all over the garage.
Elsa felt her cock throb and twitch deep inside the younger woman. With a gasp, she leaned forward, just as Anna grabbed the collar of her thin shirt again, tearing it slightly. Their lips met in another kiss, tongues sloppily entering each other's mouths. The mechanic came first, her semen shooting inside Anna's cunt, which milked her cock's seed while Elsa rode out her orgasm with long, shuddering thrusts.
Anna arched her body up, the back of her head banging against the hood of the car. She bucked her hips and clamped Elsa's hips between her legs, her breath uneven while the walls of her vagina pulsated and squeezed the cock still buried inside her.
"Oh god." Anna groaned, her eyes closed tight, throwing her head back from the strength of her orgasm.
The two spent lovers took their time in each other's arms, Anna's legs still trapping Elsa and keeping her from moving, though it wasn't as if the blonde could easily move away. Not that she wanted to. "Oh. God." the redhead repeated, laughing when she felt Elsa smile against her neck. "That was…"
Mind blowing?
Ridiculously good?
Anna wasn't sure if she was able to walk, let alone stand with her two shaky legs like this. She sighed when she felt Elsa's cock slip from inside her, and Anna found it strange she missed the feeling of it penetrating her, but she kept silent this time. The mechanic found the strength to support her own weight, and their eyes met towards the end of their…
Romp? Love-making? Anna didn't know.
But as the two women both smiled at each other, tenderly regarding each other's sudden appearance in their separate lives, Anna was sure she wanted to find out after this.
"So," Anna cleared her throat after realizing how raw it felt thanks to their earlier… activities, " I suppose it's too late to ask you out to dinner?"
"Well," Elsa chuckled, "We kinda did things backwards, didn't we?"
"And you did me backwards. Which I'd like to do again."
Elsa smirked and pressed a kiss on Anna's lips, "After pizza maybe," she whispered, "And a movie."
They kissed again, ignoring the uncomfortable slickness of the car, and the obvious smell of sex which Van was sure to notice when she got back. Elsa forgot about the rip on her shirt, and how her flaccid cock was slowly turning hard again. Anna held the mechanic's face in her hands, thumb stroking her cheeks.
"Pizza sounds good." she purred, pulling Elsa close with her legs.
End file.
| fanfiction |
is a railway station in the town of Ogose, Saitama, Japan, jointly operated by East Japan Railway Company JR East and the private railway operator Tobu Railway.
Lines
Ogose Station is served by the single-track Hachikō Line between and , and also forms the terminus of the 10.9 km Tobu Ogose Line single-track branch from . The station lies 8.5 km from the starting point of the Hachikō Line at Komagawa.
Station layout
The station consists of two island platforms for Tobu and JR East respectively. The JR East platform serves only one track since the removal of the track on platform 1 in April 2013 to allow construction of a passenger lift. An additional storage track is located on the east side of the Tobu platform. The station has a JR Midori no Madoguchi staffed ticket office.
The toilets located on the north end of the Tobu platform were removed in 2013 when the platform was lengthened as part of the work to add lift access to the platforms.
Platforms
Adjacent stations
History
The JR East station formerly JNR opened on 15 April 1933. The Tobu station opened on 16 December 1934.
From 17 March 2012, station numbering was introduced on the Tobu Ogose Line, with Ogose Station becoming TJ-47.
In 2013, construction work started to add lift access between the platforms and the station entrance. This entailed lifting the track serving platform 1, removal of the toilet block at the north end of the Tobu platform, and lengthening the Tobu platform by one car length to the north.
Passenger statistics
In fiscal 2014, the JR East station was used by an average of 738 passengers daily boarding passengers only. The Tobu station was used by an average of 3,851 passengers daily. The passenger figures for previous years are as shown below. JR East figures are for boarding passengers only.
Surrounding area
Saitama Prefectural Ogose High School
See also
List of railway stations in Japan
References
External links
Ogose Station information JR East
Ogose Station information Tobu
Category:Stations of East Japan Railway Company
Category:Stations of Tobu Railway
Category:Railway stations in Saitama Prefecture
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trained research assistants obtained consent and enrolled participants as part of an ongoing prospective study measuring quality of care for hospitalized general medicine patients at the university of chicago medicine and mercy hospital and medical center ( meltzer et al . ,
the university of chicago medicine and mercy hospital and medical center institutional review boards approved the protocol .
research assistants administered the bvsq , which consisted of the questions , how confident are you filling out medical forms by yourself ? , how often do you have someone help you read hospital materials ? , and how often do you have problems learning about your medical condition because of difficulty understanding written information ? , scored on a likert scale from 0 to 4 .
participants had low health literacy if they had a score of 2 or less on at least one question ( chew et al . , 2004 ; chew et al . , 2008 ) .
the realm - revised ( realm - r ) was administered to participants with at least 20/50 acuity in at least one eye ( snellen eye chart ) .
the realm - r ( bass et al . , 2003 ) is a list of eight medical terms and was used as the comparator to the bvsq due to its brevity and feasibility for implementation .
descriptive statistics were calculated to summarize data using means , standard deviations , and proportions .
mcnemar 's test was utilized for matched pair testing to compare the health literacy tools . a two - tailed p value of less than .05 defined statistical significance .
areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve ( auroc ) allowed comparison between the bvsq items , in individual and composite form , and the realm - r tool .
the auroc , sensitivity , and specificity were therefore calculated for each individual question and as a composite to review tradeoffs with respect to improving sensitivity versus specificity ( chew et al .
, 2008 ; morris , maclean , chew , & littenberg , 2006 ; wallace et al . , 2006 ) .
research assistants administered the bvsq , which consisted of the questions , how confident are you filling out medical forms by yourself ? , how often do you have someone help you read hospital materials ? , and how often do you have problems learning about your medical condition because of difficulty understanding written information ? ,
participants had low health literacy if they had a score of 2 or less on at least one question ( chew et al . , 2004 ; chew et al . , 2008 ) .
the realm - revised ( realm - r ) was administered to participants with at least 20/50 acuity in at least one eye ( snellen eye chart ) .
the realm - r ( bass et al . , 2003 ) is a list of eight medical terms and was used as the comparator to the bvsq due to its brevity and feasibility for implementation .
descriptive statistics were calculated to summarize data using means , standard deviations , and proportions .
mcnemar 's test was utilized for matched pair testing to compare the health literacy tools . a two - tailed p value of less than .05 defined statistical significance .
areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve ( auroc ) allowed comparison between the bvsq items , in individual and composite form , and the realm - r tool .
the auroc , sensitivity , and specificity were therefore calculated for each individual question and as a composite to review tradeoffs with respect to improving sensitivity versus specificity ( chew et al .
, 2008 ; morris , maclean , chew , & littenberg , 2006 ; wallace et al . ,
from june 20 , 2011 , through august 20 , 2012 , 2,776 patients were screened ; 1,061 were discharged before approach , 19 did not complete the bvsq , 63 did not provide consent for participating in the vision screen and/or realm - r , 35 were repeat participants , 4 required a proxy , and 701 did not complete vision testing .
more than three fourths of participants ( 680/893 ) had sufficient vision , and 12 participants did not complete the realm - r for other reasons , including refusing to complete the realm - r or being discharged or otherwise unavailable ( e.g. , taken away for a test ) ; 668 participants completed both the bvsq and the realm - r .
of the 893 participants , 79% were african american , 57% were female , and 29% were age 65 years or older . of those reporting , 20% ( 173/874 ) had less than a high school education , 33% ( 221/678 ) did not have insurance or had medicaid , and 51% ( 163/319 ) had an annual household income less than $ 25,000 .
when comparing participants with poor vision ( completed bvsq only , n = 213 ) to those with sufficient vision ( completed both bvsq and realm - r , n = 668 ) , significant differences emerged between the groups with respect to race ( 91% vs. 81% non - white race , p = .001 ) , income ( 68% vs. 46% low income , p = .003 ) , educational level ( 30% vs. 16% without high school diploma , p < .001 ) , and age ( 40% vs. 26% age 65 years or older , p <
.001 ) , but not with gender ( 59% vs. 56% female , p = .44 ) or insurance type ( 26% vs. 34% without insurance or on medicaid , p = .11 ; see table 1 ) .
bsvq = brief verbal screening questions ; realm - r = rapid estimate of adult learning in medicine revised .
data were missing for 1 participant in the sufficient vision group ( completed both bvsq and realm - r ) ; 375 of 667 participants in the sufficient vision group were female ( 56% ) , 292 of 667 participants were male ( 44% ) .
data were missing for one participant in the insufficient vision group ( completed bvsq only ) ; 125 of 212 participants in the insufficient vision group ( completed bvsq only ) were female ( 59% ) , 87 of 212 participants were male ( 41% ) .
data were missing for nine participants in the sufficient vision group ( completed both bvsq and realm - r ) .
race was dichotomized into white and non - white ; 124 of 659 participants in the sufficient vision group ( 19% ) were white , and all other responses were defined as non - white .
african americans made up the majority of the non - white category with 506 of 659 participants ( 77% ) , 6 of 659 participants ( 0.9% ) were american indian / alaskan native , 2 of 659 participants ( 0.3% ) were asian / pacific islander , and 21 of 659 participants ( 3% ) chose the other category .
data were missing for one participant in the insufficient vision group ( completed bvsq only ) .
race was dichotomized into white and non - white ; 20 of 212 participants in the insufficient vision group ( 9% ) were white , and all other responses were defined as non - white .
african americans made up the majority of the non - white category with 186 of 212 participants ( 88% ) , 3 of 212 participants ( 1% ) were american indian / alaskan native , 0 of 212 participants ( 0% ) were asian / pacific islander , and 3 of 212 participants ( 1% ) chose the other category .
data were missing for 16 participants in the sufficient vision group ( completed both bvsq and realm - r ) ; education categories for this group include junior high school or less ( 17/652 , 3% ) , some high school ( 90/652 , 14% ) , high school graduate ( 188/652 , 29% ) , some college / junior college ( 219/652 , 34% ) , college graduate ( 87/652 , 13% ) , and postgraduate ( 51/652 , 8% ) .
data were missing for four participants in the insufficient vision group ( completed bvsq only ) ; education categories for this group include junior high school or less ( 16/209 , 8% ) , some high school ( 46/209 , 22% ) , high school graduate ( 64/209 , 31% ) , some college / junior college ( 54/209 , 26% ) , college graduate ( 16/209 , 8% ) , and postgraduate ( 13/209 , 6% ) .
data were missing for 102 participants in the sufficient vision group ( completed both bvsq and realm - r ) ; insurance categories for this group include medicare ( 230/566 , 41% ) , medicaid ( 169/566 , 30% ) , private ( 145/566 , 26% ) , no payer ( 21/566 , 4% ) , and grants ( 1/566 , 0.2% ) .
data were missing for 112 participants in the insufficient vision group ( completed bvsq only ) ; insurance categories for this group include medicare ( 63/101 , 62% ) , medicaid ( 20/101 , 20% ) , no payer ( 6/101 , 6% ) , and private ( 12/101 , 12% ) .
data were missing for 411 participants in the sufficient vision group ( completed both bvsq and realm - r ) ; income categories for this group include $ 2,500 or less ( 26/257 , 10% ) , $ 2,501 to $ 5,000 ( 10/257 , 4% ) , $ 5,001 to $ 10,000 ( 26/257 , 10% ) , $ 10,001 to $ 15,000 ( 31/257 , 12% ) , $ 15,001 to $ 25,000 ( 26/257 , 10% ) , $ 25,001 to $ 35,000 ( 33/257 , 13% ) , $ 35,001 to $ 50,000 ( 29/257 , 11% ) , $ 50,001 to $ 100,000 ( 52/257 , 19% ) , $ 100,001 to $ 200,000 ( 18/257 , 4% ) , and over $ 200,000 ( 6/257 , 2% ) .
data were missing for 156 participants in the insufficient vision group ( completed bvsq only ) ; income categories for this group include $ 2,500 or less ( 6/57 , 11% ) , $ 2,501 to $ 5,000 ( 4/57 , 7% ) , $ 5,001 to $ 10,000 ( 7/57 , 12% ) , $ 10,001 to $ 15,000 ( 8/57 , 14% ) , $ 15,001 to $ 25,000 ( 14/57 , 25% ) , $ 25,001 to $ 35,000 ( 7/57 , 12% ) , $ 35,001 to $ 50,000 ( 4/57 , 7% ) , $ 50,001 to $ 100,000 ( 3/57 , 5% ) , $ 100,001 to $ 200,000 ( 3/57 , 5% ) , and over $ 200,000 ( 1/57 , 2% ) . among participants completing the bvsq , 43% ( 384/893 )
of participants completing the realm - r , 47% ( 311/668 ) had low health literacy . among participants who completed both tools ,
the prevalence of low health literacy was greater with the realm - r ( 311/668 , 47% ) than with the bvsq ( 251/668 , 38% ; p = .0001 ) .
the sensitivity of each bvsq item ( 24%34% ) was less than the sensitivity of the combination of all three items ( 51% ) .
the auroc for the combination of the three items was 0.65 ( see table 2 ) .
performance of health literacy screening questions for detecting inadequate health literacy ( n = 668 ) note .
questions adapted from the brief questions to identify patients with inadequate health literacy , by chew , bradley , and boyko ( 2004 ) . confident with forms = how confident are you filling out medical forms by yourself ? help read = how often do you have someone help you read hospital materials ? problems learning = how often do you have problems learning about your medical condition because of difficulty understanding written information ? nearly one fourth of participants had insufficient vision ( 213/893 ) .
approximately one third of the cases of inadequate vision were due to each of the following : participants not having corrective lenses ( 35% ) , participants having inadequate corrective lenses ( 33% ) , or participants not having their lenses with them in the hospital ( 32% ) .
among participants with low health literacy on the bvsq ( n = 213 ) , those with insufficient vision were at greater risk of low health literacy ( 126/213 , 59% ) than those with sufficient vision ( 258/680 , 38% ; p < .001 ) .
of the 893 participants , 79% were african american , 57% were female , and 29% were age 65 years or older . of those reporting , 20% ( 173/874 ) had less than a high school education , 33% ( 221/678 ) did not have insurance or had medicaid , and 51% ( 163/319 ) had an annual household income less than $ 25,000 .
when comparing participants with poor vision ( completed bvsq only , n = 213 ) to those with sufficient vision ( completed both bvsq and realm - r , n = 668 ) , significant differences emerged between the groups with respect to race ( 91% vs. 81% non - white race , p = .001 ) , income ( 68% vs. 46% low income , p = .003 ) , educational level ( 30% vs. 16% without high school diploma , p < .001 ) , and age ( 40% vs. 26% age 65 years or older , p < .001 ) , but not with gender ( 59% vs. 56% female , p = .44 ) or insurance type
( 26% vs. 34% without insurance or on medicaid , p = .11 ; see table 1 ) . characteristics of study population note .
bsvq = brief verbal screening questions ; realm - r = rapid estimate of adult learning in medicine revised .
data were missing for 1 participant in the sufficient vision group ( completed both bvsq and realm - r ) ; 375 of 667 participants in the sufficient vision group were female ( 56% ) , 292 of 667 participants were male ( 44% ) .
data were missing for one participant in the insufficient vision group ( completed bvsq only ) ; 125 of 212 participants in the insufficient vision group ( completed bvsq only ) were female ( 59% ) , 87 of 212 participants were male ( 41% ) .
data were missing for nine participants in the sufficient vision group ( completed both bvsq and realm - r ) .
race was dichotomized into white and non - white ; 124 of 659 participants in the sufficient vision group ( 19% ) were white , and all other responses were defined as non - white .
african americans made up the majority of the non - white category with 506 of 659 participants ( 77% ) , 6 of 659 participants ( 0.9% ) were american indian / alaskan native , 2 of 659 participants ( 0.3% ) were asian / pacific islander , and 21 of 659 participants ( 3% ) chose the other category .
data were missing for one participant in the insufficient vision group ( completed bvsq only ) .
race was dichotomized into white and non - white ; 20 of 212 participants in the insufficient vision group ( 9% ) were white , and all other responses were defined as non - white .
african americans made up the majority of the non - white category with 186 of 212 participants ( 88% ) , 3 of 212 participants ( 1% ) were american indian / alaskan native , 0 of 212 participants ( 0% ) were asian / pacific islander , and 3 of 212 participants ( 1% ) chose the other category .
data were missing for 16 participants in the sufficient vision group ( completed both bvsq and realm - r ) ; education categories for this group include junior high school or less ( 17/652 , 3% ) , some high school ( 90/652 , 14% ) , high school graduate ( 188/652 , 29% ) , some college / junior college ( 219/652 , 34% ) , college graduate ( 87/652 , 13% ) , and postgraduate ( 51/652 , 8% ) .
data were missing for four participants in the insufficient vision group ( completed bvsq only ) ; education categories for this group include junior high school or less ( 16/209 , 8% ) , some high school ( 46/209 , 22% ) , high school graduate ( 64/209 , 31% ) , some college / junior college ( 54/209 , 26% ) , college graduate ( 16/209 , 8% ) , and postgraduate ( 13/209 , 6% ) .
data were missing for 102 participants in the sufficient vision group ( completed both bvsq and realm - r ) ; insurance categories for this group include medicare ( 230/566 , 41% ) , medicaid ( 169/566 , 30% ) , private ( 145/566 , 26% ) , no payer ( 21/566 , 4% ) , and grants ( 1/566 , 0.2% ) .
data were missing for 112 participants in the insufficient vision group ( completed bvsq only ) ; insurance categories for this group include medicare ( 63/101 , 62% ) , medicaid ( 20/101 , 20% ) , no payer ( 6/101 , 6% ) , and private ( 12/101 , 12% ) .
data were missing for 411 participants in the sufficient vision group ( completed both bvsq and realm - r ) ; income categories for this group include $ 2,500 or less ( 26/257 , 10% ) , $ 2,501 to $ 5,000 ( 10/257 , 4% ) , $ 5,001 to $ 10,000 ( 26/257 , 10% ) , $ 10,001 to $ 15,000 ( 31/257 , 12% ) , $ 15,001 to $ 25,000 ( 26/257 , 10% ) , $ 25,001 to $ 35,000 ( 33/257 , 13% ) , $ 35,001 to $ 50,000 ( 29/257 , 11% ) , $ 50,001 to $ 100,000 ( 52/257 , 19% ) , $ 100,001 to $ 200,000 ( 18/257 , 4% ) , and over $ 200,000 ( 6/257 , 2% ) .
data were missing for 156 participants in the insufficient vision group ( completed bvsq only ) ; income categories for this group include $ 2,500 or less ( 6/57 , 11% ) , $ 2,501 to $ 5,000 ( 4/57 , 7% ) , $ 5,001 to $ 10,000 ( 7/57 , 12% ) , $ 10,001 to $ 15,000 ( 8/57 , 14% ) , $ 15,001 to $ 25,000 ( 14/57 , 25% ) , $ 25,001 to $ 35,000 ( 7/57 , 12% ) , $ 35,001 to $ 50,000 ( 4/57 , 7% ) , $ 50,001 to $ 100,000 ( 3/57 , 5% ) , $ 100,001 to $ 200,000 ( 3/57 , 5% ) , and over $ 200,000 ( 1/57 , 2% ) .
. of participants completing the realm - r , 47% ( 311/668 ) had low health literacy . among participants who completed both tools , the prevalence of low health literacy was greater with the realm - r ( 311/668 , 47% ) than with the bvsq ( 251/668 , 38% ; p = .0001 ) .
the sensitivity of each bvsq item ( 24%34% ) was less than the sensitivity of the combination of all three items ( 51% ) .
the auroc for the combination of the three items was 0.65 ( see table 2 ) .
performance of health literacy screening questions for detecting inadequate health literacy ( n = 668 ) note .
questions adapted from the brief questions to identify patients with inadequate health literacy , by chew , bradley , and boyko ( 2004 ) .
confident with forms = how confident are you filling out medical forms by yourself ?
help read = how often do you have someone help you read hospital materials ? problems learning = how often do you have problems learning about your medical condition because of difficulty understanding written information ?
approximately one third of the cases of inadequate vision were due to each of the following : participants not having corrective lenses ( 35% ) , participants having inadequate corrective lenses ( 33% ) , or participants not having their lenses with them in the hospital ( 32% ) . among participants with low health literacy on the bvsq ( n = 213 ) , those with insufficient vision were at greater risk of low health literacy ( 126/213 , 59% ) than those with sufficient vision ( 258/680 , 38% ; p < .001 ) .
we found that within the same population , the realm - r identified a greater proportion of patients with low health literacy than the bvsq .
further , a nontrivial proportion of participants failed a vision screen , which may explain some of the divergent results .
our study demonstrates less concordance , compared to previous studies , between the bvsq and frequently used tools to measure health literacy .
responses to the bvsq self - report items may differ because our inpatient population differs substantially from prior study populations of generally healthier ambulatory patients ( chew et al .
health literacy can also be context specific , varying by the setting or the problem being treated ( baker , parker , williams , & clark , 1998 ; koh et al .
, 2013 ; morris , grant , repp , maclean , & littenberg , 2011 ; six - means et al . , 2012 ) .
for example , inpatients may be facing new challenges based on their current sick state , which may influence how much help they need navigating the health care system compared to their usual well state . although the bvsq may have less utility among inpatients , the tool does not rely on patients ' vision level .
our findings highlight that participants may have a dual risk of low health literacy and poor vision ; those with vision limitations were more likely to have low health literacy .
participants with poor vision were more likely to be african american , older , and have lower income .
our findings have implications for interventions and practice by addressing barriers related to poor vision . because one third of the study population did not have their corrective lenses available , hospital - based interventions to increase access to corrective lenses
similarly , inpatient vision screening may identify access barriers that could prompt vision care referrals following discharge .
one limitation of this study is the generalizability of the findings because the majority of this inpatient population was african american .
although it is important to begin to obtain data on the utility of the bvsq tool for this largely understudied population ( shea et al . , 2004 ) , future multicenter studies can build on this work to further evaluate the utility of the bvsq among diverse hospitalized patients .
the bvsq should be tested against other research tools such as the short - tofhla or the full realm for robust validation ( chew et al . , 2004 ; chew et al . , 2008 ;
haun et al . , 2012 ; powers , trinh , & bosworth , 2010 ) .
lastly , vision may play a role in delirium , falls , or other inpatient hazards ( inouye , 1998 ) .
future research should explicitly evaluate the extent to which poor vision is a proxy for low health literacy versus a unique risk factor that may have implications for self - care .
the implications of poor vision on assessing health literacy and self - care also warrant further study . | pubmed |
redirectThe Kids from Room 402 | wikipedia |
according to standard models , the x - ray emission of active galactic nuclei ( agn ) originates in the innermost regions of the accretion flow , via inverse compton scattering of the disc thermal photons in a hot , optically thin plasma ( the so called corona ) located above the accretion disc ( e.g. , @xcite ; @xcite ; @xcite ; @xcite ; @xcite ) .
this primary x - ray emission interacts with the optically thick matter of the accretion disc and the molecular torus , producing a reflection spectrum @xcite .
this spectrum is characterised by a series of fluorescence lines , the most prominent , due to a combination of fluorescence yield and cosmic abundance , is the fe k@xmath0 line at 6.4 kev ( e.g. , @xcite ; @xcite ) .
the reflection spectrum extends also to the hard x - ray band , where emission is produced as a consequence of compton - back scattering of the high energy photons ( e.g. , @xcite ; @xcite ) from the primary continuum .
this reflection continuum typically peaks at @xmath520 - 30 kev producing a prominent broad feature , known as the compton hump .
when the reflection arises from the inner regions of the accretion disc , it will be affected by the strong gravitational field of the black hole .
the result is an fe k@xmath0 emission line whose shape is modified into a skewed and asymmetric profile ( @xcite , @xcite , @xcite , @xcite ) . since the relativistic lines originate within few gravitational radii from the central object , the analysis of these features represents a powerful probe of the innermost region of the agn .
analysis of the fe line complex ( i.e. @xcite ; @xcite ; @xcite ; @xcite ) has revealed the presence of a ubiquitous narrow component in the spectra of the brightest agn observed with _
xmm - newton _ and _ suzaku_. assuming a standard accretion disc , expected in high efficiency systems such as bright seyfert galaxies , broad fe k@xmath0 lines should also be detected in the x - ray spectra .
however , in samples of objects , where _ xmm - newton _ and _ suzaku _ observations were analysed , some sources and/or observations were missing this component ( 30@xmath6 of the sources in @xcite , 60@xmath6 in @xcite , 50@xmath6 in @xcite and 20@xmath6 in @xcite ) .
the reason why this component is not detected in some cases is still unclear .
several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this puzzle .
looking at the samples compiled with _
xmm - newton _ observations , the overall picture shows that low signal - to - noise ratio could be one of the main reasons for the absence of a detection of the relativistic line in some observations or sources ( e.g. , @xcite , @xcite , @xcite ) .
another possible explanation is that in some sources the disk is truncated , so that the inner radius is large and the relativistic effects relatively small . @xcite
have on the other hand suggested that strong relativistic effects , disk ionization and/or high disk inclination can explain the apparent lack of relativistic signatures , due to the difficulty of disentangling very broad features from the continuum . the aim of this work is to investigate this phenomenon by analyzing _ suzaku _ observations of sources previously observed with _
xmm - newton _
, where a relativistic fe k@xmath0 line is missing .
the high throughput of _ suzaku _ around the fe k@xmath0 line allows an independent check of the _ xmm - newton _ results , while the wide energy range allows an investigation of the compton hump at high energies , for comparison with the emission line properties .
the objects for our analysis were chosen from the work of @xcite .
they compiled their sample from the observations available in the _ xmm - newton _
public archive , cross - correlated with the @xcite agn catalogue .
the analysis was restricted to nearby objects , with a cutoff on the redshift of @xmath7 0.05 .
seyfert 2 galaxies were excluded , as were radio loud objects and central cluster galaxies ( see @xcite for more details ) . from these objects we selected those in which a relativistic fe k@xmath0 line was not detected .
if a source has multiple observations and one of these did not show a relativistic component , the object was still included in our analysis .
the sources satisfying these criteria and observed by _
suzaku _ are reported in table [ sample ] .
the _ suzaku _
data give better constraints at the high energies ( @xmath8kev ) and hence better modelling of the primary continuum and the compton hump .
two sources , mrk 6 and he 1143 - 1810 , were excluded in the following analysis because no _ suzaku _ observations are available . in table
[ sample ] we report the continuum flux in the fe k band ( 5 - 7 kev ) of each source . when multiple observations are available , the mean flux is quoted .
we also report the number of observations analysed and the total exposure time in ks .
[ sample ] .agn sample .
these consist of objects observed by suzaku which are missing a relativistic fe k@xmath0 line in the _ xmm - newton _ observations ( @xcite ) .
the flux is in units of 10@xmath9 erg @xmath10 s@xmath11 . [
cols="^,^,^,^",options="header " , ] having determined the critical @xmath12 values , we then fitted all the actual source spectra using the relativistic relline model ( rr ) : _ zwabs*(pexrav+zgauss+relline ) _ with the same _ relline _ parameters listed above , and the same combinations of inner radius and inclination .
these fixed combinations are necessary because it is very difficult to constrain all parameters of the relativistic line simultaneously , bearing in mind that the spectra in our sample have been chosen specifically because the relativistic component is weak and/or of low significance .
the relativistic relline model includes a neutral absorber at the redshift of the source ( _ zwabs _ ) , a cutoff power law together with a reflection continuum ( _ pexrav _ ) , a narrow emission line ( _ zgauss _ ) and a relativistic line component ( _ relline _ ) .
the width of the narrow gaussian was fixed to @xmath13 = 1 ev , and the energy to 6.4 kev .
we also included the corresponding narrow fe k@xmath14 .
fe xxv and fe xxvi emission lines were included when significantly detected in the prior analysis ( see table [ lineiron ] ) .
for each source , we fitted all the combinations of inclinations and inner radii .
thereafter , we selected all the solutions which lead to an improvement in @xmath15 at more than 95@xmath6 ( see table [ chi ] for the @xmath12 values adopted ) .
if more than one solution satisfies this criterion , we choose the one with the highest @xmath12 . in cases where the line is not detected ,
we have chosen the combination which leads to the best fit with the highest @xmath12 in order to calculate the upper limits for the relativistic fe line fluxes .
the best fit parameters for the relativistic relline model are presented in table [ relline ] .
the errors correspond to 1@xmath13 confidence level , whereas upper limits correspond to the 95@xmath6 confidence level as determined from the simulations .
the relativistic fe k@xmath0 emission line is detected at least in one observation of every source in our sample , and in a total of 12 out of 22 observations . in cases where the significance exceeds 95@xmath6 confidence
, we determine the significance more precisely using the distributions of @xmath12 from the simulations described above .
we report these values in the last column of table [ relline ] .
we also present the improvements in @xmath16 when the _ relline _ model is included in the narrow line model . the mean value for the equivalent width of this component averaged over all the sample is @xmath5 100 ev .
the bottom panels of figure [ plotapp ] show the data to model ratios for the xis spectra when the relativistic relline model is applied to the data .
the broad line residuals present in several cases in the middle panels ( narrow line model ) are generally well fitted by the _
model component .
however , in the case of ngc 7469 residuals around 6.4 kev are still present even if a relativistic fe line is included ( and detected at more than 95@xmath6 confidence ) .
this could be due to the fact that we have used fixed parameters in the fits .
we tested this by letting the inner radius , the inclination and the emissivity index free to vary in the _ relline _ model component for this source .
we found a much better fit in this case with a @xmath17 = 601.13/665 , compared to that with frozen parameters ( @xmath17 = 637.81/667 ) .
the best fit parameters for inclination , inner radius and emissivity index are : @xmath18 , @xmath19 and @xmath20 .
the equivalent width of the relativistic line is @xmath21 ev .
our results for this source are in agreement within the errors with previous analysis of the same spectrum performed by @xcite .
figure [ 7469 ] shows the data to model ratios for ngc 7469 when the baseline model ( upper panel ) , the narrow line model ( middle panel ) and the relativistic relline model ( bottom panel ) are applied to the data .
it is clear that , when the inclination , inner radius and emissivity index are free to vary in the fit , the relativistic relline model is fitting all the residuals associated with the broad fe component . fig .
[ ew ] shows the equivalent width of the relativistic fe k@xmath0 line for each observations as a function of the counts in the fe k band .
the latter values were calculated as the product between the counts / s in the 5 - 7 kev energy band and the exposure time of the observation .
different symbols and colours in the plot correspond to different sources as described in the legend .
it is clear from the figure that when the observations have a low number of counts the measurement of the equivalent width of the relativistic line in general gives only an upper limit .
in contrast , whenever the counts in the fe band are higher than @xmath5 4 @xmath3 10@xmath4 , we generally see evidence for the presence of a broad fe k@xmath0 line .
nevertheless , we do detect a relativistic fe line in spectrum with fewer counts ( @xmath5 3 @xmath3 10@xmath22 ) .
in mrk 590 , the inferred equivalent width of the line ( @xmath5 450 ev ) is much larger than is typical , accounting for the detection . in 6 out of 7 observations of ngc 5548
, we measured only an upper limit to the flux of the relativistic fe line . in one observation , however , we find an apparently intense broad line with ew@xmath23 ev , albeit at low significance .
it seems likely that this is due to malmquist bias , whereby we see a positive statistical fluctuation in the line strength resulting in an apparent detection of a strong line , when the true ew is much lower .
we further note that at some epochs exhibits absorption feature in the fe k - band , which may complicated the detection of the broad fe k emission ( e.g. @xcite , @xcite ) .
we note that while the trend of positive detections at high signal - to - noise ratio is clear , there are also spectra with high signal - to - noise ratio where only upper limits are obtained , most notably for ic4329a , where one such upper limit is inconsistent with the detections in the same source .
this is discussed further in section [ specialcases ] .
the results on this source are consistent with the previous work of @xcite where the same _ suzaku _ observations were analyzed .
the authors pointed out that the relativistic line in this object is relatively weak and detected with high significance only when the data are combined together .
the main result of our analysis i.e. the need for high signal - to - noise ratio in the detection of broad lines , is in agreement with previous work using samples of sources observed with _
xmm - newton _
( e.g. , @xcite , @xcite , @xcite , @xcite ) .
the relativistic relline model described above provides an improvement to the fit in many cases , but the model is not self - consistent .
this is because , as the disk is expected to be optically thick , the relativistic line should be accompanied by a reflection continuum which is also modified by the same relativistic effects as the line . furthermore , the strength of the continuum should be linked to the line .
this latter consideration also applies to the reflection continuum associated with the narrow emission line , which was fitted separately from the line in our baseline model . to provide a more physical and self - consistent model for the spectra
, we used the _ pexmon _ model ( @xcite ) .
this model reproduces the main features of the reflection spectrum produced by the interaction of the primary continuum with a compton thick layer of neutral material ( accretion disk and/or torus ) .
this model combines : i ) a narrow fe k@xmath0 line at 6.4 kev ; ii ) a narrow fe k@xmath14 line at 7.06 kev ; iii ) a narrow ni k@xmath0 line at 7.47 kev ; iv ) compton reflection and v ) an fe k@xmath0 compton shoulder .
we adopt two such components , one from distant material ( e.g. the torus ) and another modified by relativistic effects in the accretion disk .
we designate this the relativistic pexmon model ( rp ) _
zwabs*(cutoffpl+pexmon+relconv*pexmon)_. this model self consistently reproduces the high energy reflection continua associated with both the narrow and relativistic lines . to model the relativistic effects , one _ pexmon _
component is convolved with the _ relconv _ model ( @xcite ) , which broadens the whole reflection spectrum using the same kernel as the _ relline _ emission line model ( @xcite ) . as in the relativistic relline model ,
the _ zwabs _ model was introduced only for ic 4329a and ngc 5506 with column densities of n@xmath24 = 0.4 @xmath3 10@xmath25 @xmath10 and n@xmath24 = 3 @xmath3 10@xmath25 @xmath10 , respectively .
we also fixed the high energy cut - off for these two sources to 180 kev and 130 kev , while for the other sources in the sample we adopted 300 kev .
the fe abundance was always fixed to the solar value , and in the _ relconv _ model we fixed the following parameters , as for the _ relline _ model : i ) index1 = index2 = 3 ; ii ) r@xmath26 = 15 r@xmath27 ; iii ) r@xmath28 = 400 r@xmath27 ; iv ) limb = 0 . for each source
, we adopted the combination of inclination and inner radius as in the relativistic relline model ( see table [ relline ] ) .
the spin parameter was assumed to be a = 0 for r@xmath29 = 6 r@xmath27 and a = 0.998 for r@xmath29 = 1.24 r@xmath27 .
[ deltachi ] table [ deltachi ] presents the @xmath15/d.o.f . for the relativistic relline and for the relativistic pexmon model .
we also report the @xmath12 per @xmath30d.o.f . between these two ,
expressed as @xmath31-@xmath32 .
this is helpful to understand whether the fe emission line strength and the compton hump at higher energies are simultaneously well - fitted , since the _ pexmon _ model links these two quantities while the _ rellline _ model does not .
we find in general that the physically self - consistent model provides a similar fit to the phenomenological one , showing consistency between the strength of the fe k@xmath0 line and the reflection continuum at high energies ( e.g. compton hump ) .
however , in two cases ( mcg + 8 - 11 - 11 and ic 4329a obs .
i d 702113020 ) the @xmath12 between the relativistic pexmon and the relativistic relline models is large ( @xmath33 ) , indicating a much better fit if the line and continuum are decoupled .
we now consider these cases in more detail .
we investigate here the two extreme cases where the relativistic relline model gives better fit to the data , with a @xmath33 , compared to the more self - consistent relativistic pexmon model : mcg + 8 - 11 - 11 and one observation of ic 4329a ( i d : 702113020 ) .
the case of mcg + 8 - 11 - 11 has already been noted by @xcite .
they found a detection of relativistic fe k@xmath0 line , but without any reflection component at higher energies . the results of our analysis are fully consistent with this result ( see table [ relline ] ) .
when the relativistic pexmon model is applied to the data , it leads to an inadequate fit with @xmath34 = 122.74 compared to the relativistic relline model .
the reason is that , in the former , the compton hump is linked to the strength of the emission line , while in the latter they are independent .
this can be discerned immediately from the parameters in table [ relline ] .
the reflection fraction @xmath35 for mcg + 8 - 11 - 11 is very small and well constrained @xmath36 .
conversely both the narrow and relativistic lines are well detected and have a combined equivalent width of 156 ev , corresponding to a total reflection fraction of @xmath37 .
figure [ mcgextra ] shows the unfolded spectrum for this source together with all the components of the relativistic pexmon model .
the plot shows the best fit model of the xis spectrum extrapolated to the high energy band , and compared to the pin data .
the bottom panel shows the data to model ratio for both the xis and pin spectra .
it is evident that the _ pexmon _ model greatly overestimates the amount of reflection at high energies .
physically , there are several possible interpretations for the appearance of the spectrum of mcg + 8 - 11 - 11 .
the first is that the line emission arises from material of small optical depth , producing a line but with little compton scattering , and hence compton hump .
this interpretation is very unlikely : the line emission in this source is strong and low optical depth material would likely underproduce the emission line unless other circumstances were in play .
a second possibility is that the material has very high fe abundance .
this could produce line emission which is relatively strong compared to the compton hump .
we tested for this possibility by allowing the fe abundance to be a free parameter in the two _ pexmon _ models . letting this parameter free to vary , the fit does improve ( @xmath15/d.o.f .
= 1238.17/1323 ) . however , the values of the fe abundance for the two components of the _ pexmon _ model are very extreme ( a@xmath38/a@xmath39 @xmath599 ) .
this explanation therefore also seems quite unlikely .
while the fe abundance can explain an anomalous ratio of the line to the continuum , it does not explain why the absolute value of the reflection fraction as measured by the compton hump is so low in this source .
the most likely explanation for the phenomenology of mcg + 8 - 11 - 11 is related to our assumptions about the high energy cutoff . in our fit
we have assumed an exponential cutoff of 300 kev .
this ensures that there are plentiful high energy photons which can be downscattered into the compton hump .
if the temperature of the corona is lower , this will suppress the high energy reflection while having little effect on the strength of the fe k@xmath0 line .
we tested this by fitting the spectrum imposing an high energy cutoff of e@xmath40 = 50 kev in both the relativistic relline and the relativistic pexmon models .
the @xmath15/d.o.f .
now are comparable ( relativistic relline : @xmath15/d.o.f .
= 1262.03/1324 ; relativistic pexmon : @xmath15/d.o.f .
= 1262.31/1325 ) .
line.,scaledwidth=85.0% ] finally we tested the hypothesis of ionized reflection in this source .
we fitted the spectrum with the _ relxill _ model ( @xcite ) together with a narrow _ pexmon _ component .
the _ relxill _ model allows us to fit the reflection spectrum produced by ionized material in the inner regions of the accretion disk , modified by relativistic effects .
the best fit @xmath17 for this model is 1254.91/1322 , which is comparable to that obtained with the relativistic relline model .
the model fit constraints the inclination , the reflection fraction from the disk and the high energy cut - off of the primary continuum : @xmath41 , @xmath42 and @xmath43 kev .
ionization of the disk is thus also a plausible explanation for the unusual spectrum , although the rather low reflection fraction is puzzling .
line is not detected , however there is a significant reflection component .
the _ pexmon _ model constrained by the line underestimates the reflection at high energies.,scaledwidth=85.0% ] intriguingly , the case of ic 4329a obs .
702113020 appears to be opposite to that of mcg + 8 - 11 - 11 . in this observation
, a relativistic fe k@xmath0 line is not detected .
however , a significant contribution of the reflection continuum at high energies is present , and it is well constrained ( see table [ relline ] ) .
this is a particularly puzzling case , because the relativistic fe k@xmath0 feature , while relatively week , is detected in all the other _ suzaku _ spectra of this object ( see also @xcite ) .
figure [ icextra ] shows the unfolded spectrum for this observation when the relativistic pexmon model is applied only to the xis spectrum and extrapolated to high energies , and compared to the pin data .
formally a sub - solar fe abundance can account for the weak fe k@xmath0 line in this individual observation .
we let the fe abundance vary in both the relativistic relline and relativistic pexmon models .
the best - fit fe abundance for the two models indeed appear to be sub - solar ( relativistic relline : 0.46@xmath44 ; relativistic pexmon : 0.25@xmath45 ) .
the difference in the goodness of fit between the two also reduces substantially , with @xmath46 , much less then the the @xmath12 = 55.61 obtained with solar abundances .
however , the other observations of ic 4329a have fe abundance close to solar .
a variation of the fe abundances is highly unlikely , especially if we consider the short time scale between each observation ( @xmath5 1 week ) .
these observations of ic 4329a therefore provide a challenge to the prevailing reflection paradigm .
we have analysed a sample of seyfert 1 galaxies observed with _ suzaku _ , which had previously shown an absence of evidence for a relativistic fe k@xmath0 emission line in their _ xmm - newton _ spectra .
the goals of this work were to investigate whether the _ suzaku _ spectra show evidence for the relativistic line , and whether the line , if present , is consistent with the measured strength of the compton hump . to achieve these aims
, we systematically fitted the spectra of all the sources with a series of models of varying complexity , testing for the presence of relativistic lines and their consistency with the compton reflection hump at higher energies .
as in previous work , we find that all the spectra show a peak at 6.4 kev which we identify with a narrow line from relatively distant material .
the majority of the sources show additional complexity around the fe k - complex , however . several sources also show evidence for more highly ionized species , identified with fe xxv and fe xxvi .
in addition , at least one observation of all the sources in our sample , and 12 out of 22 in total , shows a significant improvement when a relativistic line is added to the model . where broad lines are detect in our sample , the typical equivalent widths are in the range 50 - 100 ev , and the upper limits in the case of non - detections rarely exclude such values .
this is fully consistent with the work of @xcite , using xmm - newton data , who found an average broad line ew of @xmath47 ev . both are consistent with the work of @xcite where a sample of seyfert 1 agn was analyzed using _ suzaku
_ observations . in this case
, the mean ew within the sample was found to be 96@xmath48 ev .
it is interesting to note that the sources in our sample were chosen because the relativistic line in the previous _ xmm - newton _ spectra is weak and/or of low significance , but our results show that in reality they are entirely consistent with typical line strength seen in more complete samples .
the results for the individual sources in our sample are also broadly consistent with previous work .
_ xmm - newton _ observations of ngc 5506 revealed the presence of a broad residual in the fe band ( @xcite ) .
the overall emission complex was equally well fit either with a broad line or a blend of he - like and h - like narrow lines .
our analysis of this source shows that , even accounting for the presence of the ionised emission lines , a relativistic fe k@xmath0 emission component with an equivalent width of @xmath582 ev is required in addition .
the same observations were analyzed by @xcite where a relativistic line was detected but with a lower value of equivalent width ( @xmath5 30 ev ) . in this work the parameters of the _ relline _ component , such as the emissivity index , the inclination and the inner radius , were left free to vary , whereas some parameters were fixed in our work .
this may partially account for the difference in derived broad line ew .
recently , a _ nustar _
observation of ngc 5506 was analyzed by @xcite .
a significant relativistic fe k@xmath0 line was not required in their fitting of that spectrum , perhaps suggesting a variation of the intensity of the line between the _ suzaku _ and _ nustar _ observations , which are separated by @xmath57 years .
the results of the analysis on the bright seyfert 1 galaxy , ic 4329a are consistent with the work of @xcite , where the same five _ suzaku _ observations were analysed , plus an additional suzaku observation which is simultaneous with a _ nustar _ observation .
this spectrum was analysed by @xcite but only a moderately broad fe k@xmath0 line was detected using a simple gaussian model with an equivalent width of 34@xmath49 ev .
considering only one observation of this source , it was not possible to constrain any parameters of the relativistic model for the fe k@xmath0 line ( @xcite ) . in this work , we considered all 6 _ suzaku _ observations available in archive , which allowed us to better constrain the parameters of the relativistic line , such as the inclination of the disk ( 30@xmath50 ) and the inner radius ( 6 r@xmath27 ) , which are also in agreement with the previous work of @xcite .
we detected the relativistic line at 95 per cent confidence in 3 observations out of 6 , with a mean value for the equivalent width of @xmath5 86 ev .
@xcite pointed out that this spectral feature was detected only in the combined data because of the weakness of the feature and relatively poor statistics of the single observations .
our results on this source are fully consistent with this scenario .
the same observations were analyzed by @xcite . using the same model component for modelling the relativistic fe line ( i.e. _ relline _ ) , and they found an equivalent width of 69@xmath51 ev , slightly lower than the value found in our analysis .
this difference could be due to the fact that they modelled the mean spectrum and not the single observations separately and also again to the fact that the parameters of the _ relline _ model were free to vary .
as discussed above , a relativistic fe k@xmath0 line was already detected in mcg + 8 - 11 - 11 in the same _ suzaku _ observation with an equivalent width of about 90 ev ( @xcite ) , and our measurements are consistent with these results ( ew = 92@xmath52 ev ) .
previous work on ngc 7213 ( @xcite ) has not revealed the presence of a relativistic emission line , whereas our analysis shows this component to be present in the _ suzaku _ spectra . in the work of @xcite the same _ suzaku
_ observation of ngc 7213 was considered . in their work , a _ diskline _
model was used assuming an inclination of the disk of 30@xmath50 and the inner radius of 6r@xmath27 , but an upper limit was found for the flux of the relativistic fe line . however ,
in our work different combinations of inner radii and inclinations were tested .
we do detect a relativistic fe k@xmath0 line with an equivalent width of 233@xmath53 ev adopting an inclination of 80@xmath50 and inner radius of 6r@xmath27 .
as with the other objects in our sample , mrk 110 is a source which did not show evidence for a relativistic fe line in previous _ xmm - newton _ data ( @xcite ) .
we do find such evidence , albeit at marginal statistic significance ( @xmath595 per cent confidence ) .
the same _ suzaku _ observation was also analyzed by @xcite , who also found evidence for a broad fe component .
_ beppo - sax _ observations of ngc 7469 revealed the presence of both the relativistic fe k@xmath0 line ( ew = 121@xmath54 ev ) and the associated compton hump ( @xcite ) .
our results on this source are consistent with this work ( ew = 81@xmath55 ev ) .
the same _ suzaku _ spectrum was also analyzed by @xcite , who fitted the data with a relativistic line with an equivalent width consistent within the errors with our result ( ew= 91@xmath56 ev ) . finally , there are two objects in our sample where the evidence for any relativistic fe k@xmath0 emission line is very weak , those being ngc 5548 and mrk 590 .
we note that no broad fe k@xmath0 line was detected also in previous observations of these objects ( ngc 5548 : @xcite , mrk 590 : @xcite ) . in both of these sources , however , the constraints on any broad component in the spectrum are poor , with upper limits typically several 100 ev , usually in excess of the typical ew for the detected broad lines of @xmath57 ev .
the apparent absence of a broad features is therefore like due to the low signal - to - noise ratio of the data .
overall , our results are broadly consistent with the idea that relativistic fe k@xmath0 emission line is ubiquitous in the x - ray spectra of seyfert 1 galaxies .
the lack of detection in some sources and/or observations can be attributed to the low signal - to - noise ratio of the spectra analyzed .
this result confirms previous conclusions from the analysis of _ xmm - newton _ spectra , where it was claimed that high signal - to - noise ratio is necessary for the detection of broad fe lines of typical equivalent width ( e.g. @xcite ; @xcite ; @xcite ) .
our sample analysis shows that broad line are consistently detected when the counts in the 5 - 7 kev energy band are @xmath2 4 @xmath3 10@xmath4 . taking advantage of the extended energy band of _ suzaku _ , we were also able to examine the relationship between the emission of the fe k@xmath0 line and the reflection continuum at higher energies .
in particular , we compared the fits with our relativistic relline model , which allows the fe line and reflection strengths to vary independently , with a more self - consistent reflection model ( relativistic pexmon model ) , in which the line and compton hump are linked in the ratio expected for a compton - thick slab . for the vast majority of the observations ( 19/22 ) , this self - consistent model gives a better or comparable fit to the phenomenological relativistic relline model .
this shows that in general the line and reflection strengths in agn are consistent with each other , in support of the idea that both arise from the same material . in two cases the self - consistent model leads to an inadequate fit , that of mcg + 8 - 11 - 11 and in one of the spectra of ic 4329a , which shows a difference in fits statistic of @xmath12 @xmath58 50
surprisingly , these two observations exhibit this behaviour for opposite reasons . in mcg + 8 - 11 - 11 , as already noted by @xcite ,
strong evidence for a relativistic fe line is present , but with the absence of any reflection emission at high energy . a possible explanation for the lack of reflection in this source could be a low value of the high energy cut off ( e.g. @xmath5 50 kev ) .
this hypothesis could be tested using high energy data of higher quality , as can be expected e.g. from _
nustar_. the opposite situation pertains to one observation of ic 4329a ( obs .
i d : 702113020 ) . in this spectrum
the relativistic line was not detected , with a tight upper limit , while a strong reflection continuum is observed at high energies .
this is very puzzling , especially when considered in context with the other observations of ic 4329a with _
suzaku_. these do show both a relativistic line and a reflection continuum , with strengths that are typically consistent with each other .
the lack of consistency in just one case argues against some interpretations , such as an unusual fe abundance in the reflecting material .
a possible explanation for the results is rapid variability of the geometry of the inner regions of the disk , for example variability of the illuminating pattern and/or ionization state of the disk , or strong relativistic effects ( e.g. @xcite ; @xcite ) .
these might results in unusual line and continuum properties , such as strong line profile variations , or extreme broadening of the line , which may make it difficult to distinguish from the continuum .
overall , however , it is difficult to provide a robust interpretation for why in this source the line and reflection continuum would not follow each other . if the two components can exhibit differential variability of this kind , it is not only difficult to explain , but also difficult to make predictions which would allow models to be tested .
this is troublesome for the standard reflection models , and unless an interpretational framework can be established , diminishes their diagnostic power .
this research has made use of data obtained from the suzaku satellite , a collaborative mission between the space agencies of japan ( jaxa ) and the usa ( nasa ) .
g.p . acknowledges support via an eu marie curie intra- european fellowship under contract no .
fp - people-2012-ief- 331095 and the bundesministerium f " ur wirtschaft und technologie / deutsches zentrum f " ur luft - und raumfahrt ( bmwi / dlr , fkz 50 or 1408 ) and the max planck society .
we thank the anonymous referee for his / her constructive comments .
gm acknowledges m. fossati , b. de marco and a. ballone for useful discussions and suggestions .
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'Call Of Duty: Warzone' Hacking Is So Bad Console Players Are Turning Off PC Crossplay
Paul Tassi
News and opinion about video games, television, movies and the internet.
While Call of Duty: Warzone is still quite popular among home quarantiners during this strange time, some of its early momentum seems to have been blunted lately, and a good chunk of the reason is no doubt due to a very large swath of cheaters on the PC platform specifically.
Search YouTube and you will find countless clips of cheaters infecting Call of Duty: Warzone, and it's gotten so bad that console players are taking the not-recommended-by-Activision step of disabling crossplay for console in order to avoid PC cheaters, where the practice is widespread.
The game highly discourages you from doing this, as Eurogamer notes, popping up multiple windows encouraging you to keep crossplay on because it will take you a much longer time to find a game if you turn it off, due to how many players are needed for Warzone's sprawling modes. But players are so sick of cheaters they don't care. On PS4 this is as simple as changing a setting, but Xbox One players cannot disable crossplay easily and some are digging into system settings of the console itself to get it done. Though reportedly if you do this, it becomes almost impossible to actually find a game on Xbox with so few players knowing about the workaround.
While cheaters can ruin any game, Warzone is particularly vulnerable with its battle royale format because you might be able to play 95% of a game normally, but all it takes is a single cheater making their way into a 150 person lobby and they can swipe a win from you in the final seconds of the game without you even knowing they were there the rest of the time.
Here's an example of a hacker breaking the game's kill record during a Nadeshot stream (warning, people cursing out the hacker):
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Call of Duty has proudly announced they've banned tens of thousands of Warzone cheaters, but it still has not been enough. We have seen the game fall down the ranks of Twitch viewership since launch, now consistently behind Valorant, League, Dota, Fortnite and CS:GO when it was leading the pack for a little while. While yes, Valorant itself vacuumed up a lot of Warzone streamers, the other issue is that most big streamers are on PC where the cheating is the worst, and they experience it more often. In some cases, often enough to quit.
Cheating is as old as time in competitive shooters, but seems to be a more pressing problem for a lot of big games lately. Destiny 2 has had its Trials of Osiris mode plagued by cheaters on PC since its return. Valorant, despite barely being a week old, is already seeing cheats and cheaters pop up in-game. I also would theorize that in the age of social media, cheaters have a larger stage. They're not just winning, their trolling, often of big streamers, gets to go viral in a way that wouldn't have happened 5-10 years ago. Sometimes that makes them easier to find and ban, but it may be making things worse overall.
We'll see if Warzone takes any further drastic steps to curb cheating rather than periodic ban waves. For now, things remain not great.
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Pick up my new sci-fi novel Herokiller, and read my first series, The Earthborn Trilogy, which is also on audiobook. | slim_pajama |
The following lists events that happened during 1997 in South Africa.
Incumbents
President: Nelson Mandela.
Deputy President: Thabo Mbeki.
Chief Justice: vacant.
Events
February
4 The Constitution of South Africa comes into effect.
March
19 Denel and Aérospatiale sign a co-operation agreement.
28 President Nelson Mandela and Prime Minister of India H. D. Deve Gowda sign the Red Fort Declaration on a Strategic Partnership during Mandela's state visit to India.
April
7 South African soap opera Muvhango debuts on SABC 2.
23 Eugène Terre'Blanche, Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging leader, is convicted of attempted murder and assault in the Magistrates Court in Potchefstroom.
26 Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is re-elected as president of the African National Congress's Women's League by 656 votes to 114.
August
Dirk Coetzee, David Tshikalange and Butana Almond Nofomela, former members of the Vlakplaas counter-insurgency unit, are granted amnesty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in respect of the murder of Durban attorney Griffiths Mxenge in November 1981.
October
10 A combined version of Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika and Die Stem van Suid-Afrika becomes the National Anthem.
30 The South African National Defence Force announces that it had completed destroying its stock pile of anti-personnel mines.
South Africa and India sign the terms of reference of the India-South Africa Commercial Alliance and agreements in tourism, geology and mineral resources. The science and technology co-operation program is ratified.
December
1620 The African National Congress holds its 50th National Conference in Mafikeng.
Unknown Date
Cabinet and parliamentary approval is announced by Thabo Mbeki of the Defence Review which enables the South African National Defence Force to undertake tenders for R12bn worth of arms equipment.
Births
3 October Jo-Ane van Dyk, javelin thrower.
23 July; Bianca Tredoux, world leader in Occupational Therapy Practices
5 September; Lesego Kone, Public Figure.
Deaths
25 November - Hastings Banda, the first president of Malawi, dies in Johannesburg b. 1898
Sports
Athletics
23 February Thabiso Moqhali from Lesotho wins the South African title in the men's marathon, clocking 2:15:31 in Pinelands.
References
South Africa
Category:Years in South Africa
Category:History of South Africa | wikipedia |
Can a straight rod exist next to or inside a black hole?
A black hole is defined as a part of spacetime where gravity is so strong, that spacetime curvature reaches extreme levels. Not even light can escape.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_hole>
Now as spacetime is curved inside the black hole, is matter curved too inside the black hole?
Can anything straigt (3D) exist inside the black hole? I mean except the direction towards the singularity.
If a straight (3D) rod (not lying in the direction towards the singularity) enters the gravitational zone of the black hole, will it bend?
[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/5s60q.jpg)
Gravity bends spacetime around the black hole as per GR, and even the photon's path gets bent (actually it is a straight line in 4D spacetime).
Question:
1. Now will the rod bend next to the black hole because of spacetime curvature or will it stay straight, and which way will it bend?
That depends on the rigidity of the stick, but since all the tidal forces are finite in the case of a nonrotating black hole in theory it should be possible to have a straight stick around it (in principle just like around the earth, where light is also slightly curved, but it is still possible to compensate for that on a stick).
One thing you'll have to choose is the geometric definition of a straight line, if you define it with a light ruler a straight line can also be a closed circle (if it goes exactly around the photon sphere), or you can define it as locally bent but straight in some arbitrary coordinate system, for example that of a stationary or free falling observer.
This is also possible inside the black hole, although the stick would have to be in free fall since a stick with one part outside of the black hole and the other part already inside would break if the part outside of the black hole was held stationary.
Closer to the singularity the differential of the local free fall velocity between the various parts of the stick will eventually exceed c (when exactly that happens depends on the lenght of the stick and the mass of the black hole), then the stick will have to bend (or break, if it is rigid).
With a rotating black hole it's a different story, since the differential of the frame dragging velocity from one part of the stick to another may exceed the speed of light even outside of the horizon (but inside of the ergosphere), in which case even a maximally rigid stick would have to break.
| stackexchange/physics |
Why is it bad to charge a phone to 100%? [duplicate]
**This question already has an answer here**:
[What's the chemistry behind only charging a Lithium-ion battery to 80% capacity at most, to increase its lifespan?](/questions/1334/whats-the-chemistry-behind-only-charging-a-lithium-ion-battery-to-80-capacity)
(1 answer)
Closed 4 years ago.
I see everywhere that a phone should ideally be between 20 and 80% to work efficiently, but I don't understand why, in an electrochemistry point of view. (I'm not talking about the fact that overcharging a phone is bad).
It depends largely on what the cathode and anode materials are. In general, when you charge the phone you remove lithium ions from the cathode. This produces a change in the unit-cell of the material, producing internal strain. This becomes more severe at high states of charge. This strain can cause fracturing in the particles, which causes regions of the particle to become disconnect from the current pathway. The same is true at the graphite anode.
One example I work with is the layered NCA material. Beyond 60-80% there's a dramatic drop in the c lattice parameter[1], which can be described as the layers "collapsing". This produces internal fractures, which become dramatic at high states of charge[2] and builds up over multiple cycles causing loss of capacity as portions of the electrode become disconnected[3].
[1] <https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/cm503833b>
[2] <https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2018/ee/c8ee00001h>
[3] <https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b00379>
| stackexchange/chemistry |
Kim Possible 1. Ron's Ready!
**This Is The Day!!!!**
**Hi Peoples!!! This is my first Kim Possible story!!!! I LOVE SEASON 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have you seen it? Kim and Ron are together!!!!! HOORAY!!!!! Anyway, this story is based off of the end of season 4(I don't want it to come too soon tear). So please read and review!!!! Disclaimer: I do not own Kim Possible, just a fan. I would say if I did Kim and Ron would be together, but they are!!!! So no need for that!!!!!! Much love!!!!**
**Chapter 1**
**"This is the day, Rufas," Ron Stoppable said as he fixed his tie. He looked at himself in the mirror, and started to feel a mixture of happiness and nerves. Rufas gave him a thumbs up. Today was a special day Ron had planned. **
**"Today I'm going to ask Kim Possible to marry me!" Ron declaired as he pulled a small velvet box out of his pocket. He opened it and admired the pretty gold engagement ring. The diamond caught the light just right. It will look beautiful on Kim's finger, he thought. He took it out and read the special engraving to Rufas.**
**"To My Angel, K.P. Love, R.S." Ron had spent almost a years worth of his pay from Smarty Mart, but it was soooo worth it.**
**"AWWWWWWWW!" sighed Rufas. Ron put the ring back in the box and put the box back in his pocket. **
**"This day is going to be perfict. First, I'll pick Kim up and take her to the picnic I planned in the park. Second, We'll go for a walk that leads to Lovers Lake. That's where I'll surprise her!" Ron got really excited when he got to that part of the plan. It was a part he'd asked Kim for help on, in a round about way.**
**----------Flashback------------**
**"Kim," Ron began casually, "What would you consider is the most romantic spot in Middleton?" Kim eyed him curiously, then answered.**
**"Lovers Lake," she sighed. Ron put that in his mental notepad. **
**"Really," Ron said thoughtfully. "I would have said Bueno Nacho, but we all have different tastes." Kim shock her head, but Ron could see she was trying hard to surpress laughter. Ron smiled. He liked to make Kim laugh. **
**---------End Flashback--------------**
**"I'll go get her a 6 o'clock. Only four hours to go!" Ron sat on his bed. It was in this very spot that he was always thoughtful. He was now going over the past events. He and Kim had first been brought together at their junior prom. That was a beautiful night. From that night on, they had become a couple. They graduated high school and were now sophmores at Middleton Comunity Collage. Those years had just seemed to fly. Now he and Kim were 20. He knew they were ready for marriage. He was brought out of his thoughts suddenly by a phone call.**
**"Hello?" Ron said into the reciever. **
**"Hi Ron," It was Kim. A shock of static electricity went though him.**
**"Hey, K.P.! What's up?" Ron was hoping that for at least one day, there would be no missions. This was an important day. **
**"Well, I just got a call from Wade that Draken's robbed a bank. Well, sort of." Ron should have known better then to hope it wasn't a mission. **
**"Robbed a bank? Whatever happened to take over the world? Robbing a bank sounds like low profile villany doesn't it?"**
**"Wade thinks it's got something to do with taking over the world. He stole three billion dollars." Ron thought he was going to have a heart attack! That wasn't as big as Nacho Royalties, but it was bigger then he'd seen since that. Kim must have thought he'd passed out.**
**"Ron, you okay?" she asked. **
**"Yeah, I'm okay. That's just a lot of money! It's definately got something to do with the take-over-the-world thing. But you said 'sort of'."**
**"That's the wired part. He stole it with permission from Monkeyfist." **
**"Whoa, that's twisted." Ron became thoughtful again. **
**"Do we need to do anything?" Ron asked. **
**"Not yet. Wade said he'd keep us posted on new developments. Until then, it'll just be a pretty normal day." Ron smiled. She thinks it'll be normal, he thought. She'll be soooo surprised!**
**"Okay, let me know if anything new happens." Ron said. **
**"See you at 6!" Kim said, and then she hung up. Ron hung too, and looked at the clock. Now only three and a half hours to go 'til their date! Now, all he had to do was wait...**
2. Boston!
**Hi Again!!! Chapter 2 time! So, did you like chapter 1? I hope so. Enjoy this second chapter in This Is The Day! Disclaimer: I don't own K.P. or it's characters. I heard that they are working on another K.P. movie!!!!! HOORAY!!!!! Much love!!!!**
**Chapter 2**
**The idea of Monkeyfist letting Draken steal his money was a strange idea. It had been on Ron's mind all afternoon. Just now, Ron was reminded of the big night ahead and looked at his alarm clock.**
**"Only 4:30!?! How long is the clock going to drag!?!" Ron was very excited, and having to wait any longer was going to kill him for sure. Ron didn't want to have time to think of all the stuff that could go wrong. Ron had tried to keep his mind off the "What ifs?", and tried to focus on the Monkeyfist/Draken case. He needed to get out of his room. That was it! So he stood up and was almost to the door when the phone rang. **
**"Hello?" Ron answered. **
**"Hi Ron. Wade has set up a ride to Boston." Those were the words he didn't want to hear. They couldn't leave Middleton! How long would it take to get home?**
**"Why Boston?" Ron was pretty sure he knew why, but he wanted to be positive. **
**"Draken robbed the National Bank of Boston. The bank officials want us to take a look around." Kim said matter-of-factly.**
**"Oh, okay. Where do I need to meet you?"**
**"We're hovering over your house right now." Ron looked out the window to see a giant helicopter hoovering with a rope latter at his window. **
**"Okay, I'm coming." Ron hung up and pulled his head back in the window. He took off his tie. He didn't have time to change, so he took off his dress jacket. There, now he was casual. Rufas jumped in his pocket, and Ron ran over to the window. He jumped out and grabbed the rope latter. He climbed and reached the top rather quickly. Kim helped it in the helicopter and they were off!**
**"What's the occasion?" Kim asked eyeing his dress shirt. Ron looked down at it trying to think of an answer. He didn't want to lie, but he wanted to keep a surprise...**
**"Oh, this old thing? I haven't worn it in forever, and I thought it deserved to be pulled out of the closet." Ron dusted the sleve with his hand. Kim smiled.**
**"I like it." Kim said. Ron blushed. He liked it when Kim liked things like this. A silence passed between them. Stuff like this didn't happen between him and Kim. He decided to break the silence.**
**"Will we have to stay long?" Ron could tell his question surprised Kim. He usually went with the flow of things. **
**"No, it's only to take a look at the crime scene, get evidence, you know." Ron felt relieved. He'd just ask the pilot to take them straight to the park after they were done. Not exactly as he had planned it, but you have to be prepared for anything. **
**"Good." Ron answered. He was to busy in his own thoughts to see the curiosity flicker in Kim's eyes. By then they were almost there. They were going to skydive to the scene. **
**"Thanks for the lift, Berneice!" Kim shouted as she helped Ron put on his parachute pack. **
**"It's the least I could do after you saved me from that fake vacation at Team Impossibles place."**
**"That was no big. Those guys had it coming to them." Ron had finally gotten his parachute on.**
**"You go first," Ron said in a gentlemanly manner. Kim smiled and jumped. Ron followed. He didn't like skydiving, but he would deal. Not very well... Kim took Ron's hand once he was in reach, and they sailed down together. They soon had landed in an open field. **
**"Are we in Boston?" Ron asked as they looked around. Then he saw a bunch of tall buildings in the distance. **
**"Oh, yeah we are." They began to walk toward them. For a while they walked in silence. Then Kim looked at Ron.**
**"What's up with you today?" Kim asked. Ron returned her glance.**
**"Oh, well, just busy with stuff, you know..." Ron didn't know exactly what to say. **
**"Hmmmmm." Kim said. Ron wasn't quite sure how to answer any of her questions. They finally reached the bank, and started surveying the crime scene. They saw green claw marks on a safe. They looked at each other and said,**
**"Shego!" So Shego was involved too. **
**"Figures." Kim said simply. She surveyed the rest of the scene.**
**"I still don't get the part about Monkeyfist letting Draken steal his money." Kim said thoughtfully. That's when Ron was hit by a thought that seemed impossible, but it could happen.**
**"What if he signed the permission slip under pressure? Like, if he'd been kidnapped and forced." Kim lookd at Ron. She looked as if she'd just opened her eyes. **
**"I think you're on to something there." Kim looked like she was processing it all.**
**"Pretty bad when super villans start kidnapping other super villans." Ron mused. Kim smiled. **
**"That sounds like a good theory." Kim said, as she reached into her pocket for the Kimmunicator. **
**"Wade, Ron has a theory-" Kim was cut off when Ron ran over to take the Kimmunicator.**
**"Booyah! I have a theory!" Ron yelled. Kim took it from him and glared. **
**"Minding much?" she asked, then got back to the subject.**
**"As I was saying, Ron thinks that maybe Monkeyfist didn't sign the permission slip on his own free will. What if he was kidnapped and forced to sign it?" Wade smiled. **
**"It sounds probable. I'll get on finding Drakens lair. You guys can go home." Ron was reminded of their date. He couldn't believe he could actually forget it! Kim put the Kimmunicator back in her pocket. **
**"You ready to go?" she asked.**
**"Yeah, I'm ready." He smiled, his stomach full of nerves.**
3. Back To Boston!
**Hi, Wow, the thrid chapter already. Do you like it? Please read and review!! Disclaimer: I don't own K.P., but If I did I would want to put out another movie. It would be huge!!!!! Much love!! **
**Chapter 3**
**A half hour later, Ron and Kim were eating the picnic he'd set up. **
**"This was so sweet, Ron!" Kim said smiling. Ron blushed.**
**"It was nothin'." Ron patted his pocket. Then patted again. No box. Scared he patted his other pocket. Nothing. Ron started to panick, but then told himself to be calm. He needed to go back to Boston. **
**"Eh, Kim, can we go back to Boston?" Kim looked up surprised. **
**"What for?" Ron knew he couldn't honestly answer this question, but he tried to come up with something.**
**"I think I lost something there." Kim sighed, then reached into her pocket and pulled out the Kimmuncator. **
**"Wade, we need a lift back to Boston." **
**"What for?" Wade always asked the same questions Kim did. **
**"Ron lost something there." Ron heard a bit of tired disappointment in her voice. He didn't like it. **
**"Well, I can have GJ take you in their superjets." **
**"Okay." She put the Kimmunicator back in her pocket and they sat in silence. **
**"I'm sorry," Ron offered. Kim smiled. **
**"It's okay. Let's just get there and get back." Ron felt better, but not a lot. He always seemed to do this to Kim. Why are you so stupid? Ron questioned himself. At that moment, that felt the helicopter above them and the rope latter. **
**"Ladies first," Ron said, as he held the rope still and bowed. Kim smiled and climbed up. Ron followed. **
**--------------------------------------------------------------------------**
**Yes, I know. Short chapter. A longer one is coming your way!!! Please review!!! Much love!!! Peace!!! **
4. An Arguement
**Hi again!!! So this is the fourth chapter. It's gonna be good!!! Disclaimer: I do not own K.P., obviously. Much love!!! **
**Chapter 4**
**In the National Bank of Boston, Ron had searched high and low, but couldn't find the box. He had Rufas search under cabnets, but still not a thing. Ron leaned againist a wall and sighed. **
**"Any luck?" Kim asked. Ron smiled weakly. He felt sick.**
**"No. Just dust." Kim put her hand on his shoulder. **
**"Maybe you left it at home." Ron thought hard. Did he set the box on his dresser? He couldn't remember. At that moment, a bank teller came around the corner. In his hand he held...no, it couldn't be...but it looked like it...Ron walked over to him.**
**"Sir, may I see that box." Ron held out his hand and the bank teller looked wary. **
**"I'm afraid I can't. This is bank property now." Ron couldn't believe his ears.**
**"But I lost it." Ron persisted. The bank teller just eyed him suspiciously. Ron went on.**
**"Did you find it on the floor back here?" Ron asked. **
**"Yes, and I was told to pick it up." The bank teller said. Ron smiled triumphantly.**
**"Well, I was just here with my girlfriend and world famouse teen hero, Kim Possible. We were sent here. It must have fallen out of my pocket." Ron looked at the bank teller with an expression that read 'What Now?'. The bank teller wasn't going to give up so easily.**
**"Prove it." He said. He returned Ron's challenging look. Ron got nervous. He didn't want to ask Kim to marry him in front of this guy! He thought for a moment.**
**"You have security camaras, correct?" Ron asked. The Bank Teller nodded. **
**"Watch them and you'll se me, and something probably falling out of my pocket." Ron crossed his arms. The bank teller nodded. **
**"I'll bring them in." He went to the back, and returned quickly. He played them, and sure enough there was Ron with the box falling out of his pocket. The bank teller turned to him with an apologetic face.**
**"I am so sorry for the mix up, sir." he said as he shook Ron's hand. Ron took the box.**
**"No prob, dude. We all make mistakes." Ron smiled and turned to Kim. **
**"You ready to go?" Kim smiled.**
**"Let's go." The GJ helicopter was waiting over the building. They climbed up the latter, and were out of there. **
5. The End or The Beginning!
**Hi, Wow, Ch.5!!! This is it!!!! Will Ron do it? Read to find out!!! Please review!!! Disclaimer: I don't own K.P., but I love the series!!!!!!!! Much love!!!!!! **
**Chapter 5**
**Ron and Kim were once again in the park a half hour later. They were walking hand in hand to the lake. Kim smiled. **
**"You know, it's like you've had this all planned." Ron smiled and laughed.**
**"Me? Mr. unorganized? Nooooooo!" Kim laughed. There was a bench up ahead in front of the lake. The sun was getting ready to set. This is more perfict then I thought it would be, Ron thought. He led Kim to the bench and they sat down. Ron put his arm around her and she laid her her head on his shoulder. **
**"This was a wonderful day, Ron!" Kim said happily. Ron knew it was time. The first stars were coming out and the sky was purplish pink. **
**"And it's about to get better," he said. To Kim's surprise, he got off the bench and down on one knee in front of her. He took her hand. **
**"Kim Possible, we have been friends as long as I can remember. All my dreams came true when we started dating. Everytime I'm with you I feel wonderful. You are the most beautiful girl I've ever known. I love you, Kim. I want to live with you forever. Will you be my wife?" Ron smiled. He had tears in his eyes. Everything he'd said had brought such emotion. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring. He opened the box. The diamond shined in the twilight. Kim had tears in her eyes too. She smiled. **
**"Yes, Ron, I'll be your wife!" Ron felt like whooping and hollaring. Instead, he stood up and took her into his arms. He kissed her gently. **
**"AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!" sighed Rufas from the bench. Ron and Kim hugged for a while. A band had started playing softly from across the lake, and Ron and Kim danced to the music. This turned out better then I planned, Ron thought happily. He smiled. He knew his future was bright. **
**------------------------------------------------**
**That's it!! Please review. This isn't the end!!! Much love!!! Thanks to all the reviewers!!!! **
End file.
| fanfiction |
Harry Potter 1. Chapter 1: Prologue
_Disclaimer :Tout à la merveilleuse **Jk Rowling**, rien à moi. Je ne gagne rien pour écrire._
_Résumé :Lorsque Drago se fait mettre à la porte par Hermione, le jeune homme n'a plus d'autre choix que d'aller s'adresser à son pire ennemi pour l'héberger quelques nuits, le temps qu'Hermione accepte de le reprendre. Ce que le jeune homme ignore c'est que la situation va s'éterniser et lorsque sa conscience s'en mêle, une chose est sûre, plus rien ne sera jamais comme avant. Voudra-t-il vraiment quitter ce canapé et son propriétaire ?_
_Avertissement :Ceci est un **slash** Drago/Harry donc, homophobes, s'absternir. Je met** PG-12 **pour le moment, car il y a des risques de **lemon**. Si cela arrivait, je préciserais avant le chapitre, bien entendu !_
_Note de l'auteur : Bonjour à tous. Je m'étais jurée de ne pas poster cette fic avant d'avoir tout écrit mais je n'ai pas pu résister à le tentation. Tout d'abord parce que j'ai besoin de votre avis pour savoir où je dois me diriger et ensuite parce que j'aurais besoin d'un relecteur franc pour m'aider.La fic ne sera surement pas très longue, il n'aurait pas tant de travail ;) Donc, l'appel est lacé, le premier à me répondre remportera la place de relecteur._
_Si j'ai beaucoup de réponses pour ce chapitre, je mettrai rapidement à jour, sinon j'attendrai d'avoir quelques chapitres de réserve avant de le faire ! En attendant, bonne lecture à tous, j'espère que ce prologue vous plaira._
* * *
Cela avait commencé comme chaque journée. Drago s'était réveillé de mauvais poil, il avait envoyé paître cette idiote de Pansy Parkinson puis avait ordonné à ses deux gorilles de tartiner ses toasts. Il avait lancé quelques insultes au désormais très célèbre trio gryffondorien dont cette Sang-de-Bourbe d'Hermione avait fini par fondre en larmes. Bien décidé à l'ennuyer encore un peu pour se mettre de bonne humeur pour commencer la journée, Drago l'avait suivie alors qu'elle se précipitait, en pleurs, dans les couloirs. Coincée par son agresseur dans un coin sombre, Hermione avait fini par lui envoyer une claque magistrale, mettant ses nerfs à vif.
-Hey, c'est quoi ton problème, Granger ? T'as tes cloques ou tu te rebelles ? Cracha Drago Malfoy avec toute la hargne dont il était capable.
-C'est toi mon problème, Malfoy, hurla-t-elle en se débattant pour libérer ses bras de l'emprise de celui-ci.
-Oh, je suis outré, Granger ! Puis-je savoir ce que je t'ai fait ? Ce n'est pas quelques insultes qui t'ont mise dans un état pareil, tout de même ?
-Mais je t'aime, salaud, rétorqua-t-elle, au grand étonnement du jeune Malfoy qui se retrouva à son tour plaqué au mur, embrassé passionnément par une Hermione aux hormones en ébullition.
Tandis que Drago répondait à ce baiser, leurs langues se mêlant dans un tourbillon de sensations, échauffant leur corps autant que leur esprit, une voix parvint aux oreilles de Drago, troublant ce moment magique.
-Drago, réveille-toi.
Peu à peu les contours de cette scène se flouèrent. Les yeux fermés d'Hermione disparurent peu à peu et cette sensation de bien être s'envola en même temps. L'image de leurs lèvres se séparant pour laisser place à des sourires émus ne parvint même pas au cerveau de Drago, qui se réveilla doucement.
-Allez, réveille-toi, fainéant, cria Hermione dont la voix transperçait les tympans de Drago
-Hum…
-Debout !
-Laisse-moi dormir encore un peu, se plaignit-il, se frottant les yeux en émergeant peu à peu de son si doux songe. Je rêvais du jour de notre rencontre, tu aurais dû le faire durer plus longtemps, Mione !
-Oh, comme c'est touchant ! Maintenant il est temps de redescendre sur Terre, Drago. Le jour ne notre rencontre est bien loin !
Un bruissement d'habits se fit entendre. Hermione s'affairait certainement à la lessive, c'était elle qui s'en occupait. Hermione s'occupait d'ailleurs toujours de tout dans le ménage. Drago, lui, n'avait qu'à mettre les pieds sous la table et endurer quelques fois la compagnie des amis de sa compagne. Lui et le Survivant entretenaient des relations tendues mais évitaient à présent de s'entretuer pour ne pas subir les foudres de leur amie. Celle-ci continua durant quelques minutes encore à retourner les vêtements jusqu'à ce qu'un bruit sourd fasse sursauter Drago qui daigna alors ouvrir les yeux.
- Mione, qu'est-ce que tu fais, s'étonna-t-il alors de voir celle qui partageait sa vie depuis deux ans remplir une malle noire des robes de Drago.
-Ta valise. Tu la prends et tu pars, je ne veux jamais que tu mettes les pieds ici. Pars !
-Hein ? Mais, pourquoi, Mione ?
-Et ne m'appelle pas Mione ! J'ai toujours détesté ce surnom ! Pars, immédiatement ! Ta très chère collègue, Eva, m'a raconté votre aventure toride, s'écria la brunette, hors d'elle.
-Eva ? Mais elle n'est qu'… tenta de s'expliquer le jeune Malfoy.
-Il n'y a pas de mais. J'ai été assez claire, tu prends cette malle et tu pars immédiatement !
-Mione, laisse-moi au moins le temps de m'habiller…
-DEHORS, hurla-t-elle en détachant chaque syllabe alors que son désormais ancien petit ami s'exécutait.
Sans avoir compris ni quoi, ni qu'est-ce, Drago se retrouva en sous-vêtement, n'ayant pas eu le temps d'enfiler une robe, avec une valise en carton dans la main sous le porche de ce qui était autrefois son appartement. Ce fut bien entendu à ce moment-là que choisit la pluie pour commencer à tomber à verse. C'est un Drago trempé et en slip qui déambula ensuite durant quelques heures dans les rues de Londres.
-Allez, réfléchis Drago, murmura-t-il pour lui-même alors que la pluie frappait son visage.
_/ Attention, ton cerveau commence à chauffer/ _lui répondit une petite voix dans sa tête.
-Oh, silence !
_/ Et en plus tu parles tout seul ! Cela s'appelle la sénilité, Drago /
_
-Laisse-moi réfléchir, se plaignit une fois de plus le jeune Malfoy.
_/ Une minute de silence, s'il vous plait. Nous avons affaire à un cas très rare d'intelligence aigue. Cet homme réfléchit / _continua la conscience du jeune homme sur un ton mélodramatique.
-Par Merlin, ce que tu es drôle, là-dedans, fit-il en direction de sa tête.
_/ Evidemment ! C'est ta conscience qui te parle. Tu vois, cette chose au fond de ton crâne que tu as mise en veilleuse il y a bien longtemps, cela s'appelle une conscience. Une conscience est généralement tout le contraire de la personne à laquelle elle appartient. Je suis drôle, pas toi /
_
-Merci, je sais encore ce qu'est une conscience !
_/ Bien, félicitons notre ami Drago qui a appris un nouveau mot aujourd'hui. Demain nous verrons le mot « arbre ». /
_
-Silence ! Par Merlin, cela devient vraiment grave, je me parle à moi-même.
_/ C'est ce que j'essaie de t'expliquer depuis une heure /
_
-En plus d'être sans toit, me voila psychotique, la belle affaire !
-Vous parlez tout seul, jeune homme ? Demanda soudain une clocharde à côté de laquelle Drago passait sans prêter attention.
_/ Ha, tu vois que j'ai raison, Drago ! Tu parles tout seul /
_
-La ferme !
-Mais, soyez un peu poli jeune homme, je voulais juste plaisanter, se défendit la vieille femme mendiante qui croyait que son interlocuteur lui parlait.
-Oh, pardonnez-moi, madame, je ne m'adressais pas à vous mais à ma conscience, répondit le jeune homme comme s'il s'agissait d'une chose habituelle.
La vieille femme le regarda avec un air surpris, reprit fermement son cadi usé et s'enfouit comme si elle avait vu le diable en personne. Drago se frappa mentalement. La pauvre dame avait dû le prendre pour un fou. Mais, après tout, Drago n'était pas du genre à s'inquiéter du regard des personnes lui étant inconnues, plus depuis qu'il avait tout plaqué, famille et amis y compris pour suivre Hermione et rejoindre le camp de la Lumière. C'était d'ailleurs grâce à lui que la bataille finale visant à détruire Voldemort après l'anéantissement de ses Horcruxes avait été menée à bien. Sa carrière de Mangemort était belle et bien finie mais à présent, il ne pouvait plus compter ni sur sa famille ni sur ses anciens amis pour l'héberger en urgence.
Drago reprit sa route, se moquant du regard des passants qui se retournaient sur son passage pour fixer son boxer, n'ayant pas pris la peine d'enfiler autre chose.
_/ Bravo, tu lui a fait peur / _reprit alors la petite voix.
-Cela t'arrive-t-il de te taire ?
_/ Hum, laisse-moi réfléchir…Non ! Drago, ton cas est incurable. Tu te plains d'être célibataire et lorsqu'une femme t'aborde, tu la repousses /
_
-Cette bonne femme devait avoir deux cents ans !
_/ Et plus toutes ses dents /
_
-Elle était sans le sou, sans maison…
_/ Cela vous fait un point commun /
_
-Moche et puante… continua Drago sans prêter attention à ce que lui disait sa conscience.
_/ Oh, un deuxième point commun /
_
-Ridée et surtout, moldue, par Merlin !
_/ Quelle honte ! Des personnes pareilles ne méritent même pas de vivre / _répliqua la voix sur un ton pompeux.
-Exactement, s'exclama alors Drago Malfoy.
_/ C'était ironique, Drago /
_
-Silence !
Drago continua sa procession dans les rues détrempées de la capitale Londonienne. Pour aller où ? Il n'en savait rien. Drago était tout de même un Malfoy et donc, était trop fier pour s'adresser à un centre d'hébergement pour les sans-abri. Puis, on était la journée et, bien qu'il fasse un temps misérable, le froid était supportable. Il y avait un dicton anglais qui disait que s'il pleuvait le matin, il ne pleuvrait plus le soir. Après la pluie vient le beau temps. Il ne restait plus à Drago que d'attendre une éclaircie. Soudain, Drago entendit un sifflement sur son passage. Il se retourna et vit étonné un vieil homme qui le regardait avec un air coquin et qui lui fit un clin d'œil appuyé. Drago ravala sa salive et accéléra le pas. Il faudrait vraiment qu'il songe à ouvrir sa malle et enfiler des vêtements.
_/ Par Merlin, quel succès tu as auprès des trois fois vingt et tous sexes confondus, par-dessus le marché /
_
-Moi au moins quelqu'un m'apprécie !
_/ Oh, mais on dirait que mon humour merdique déteint sur toi /
_
-Ce doit être à cause de la pluie…
_/ Mais tu as oublié un détail, c'est que ceux qui t'apprécient ne sont pas les personnes que tu voudrais. /
_
-Ma rupture avec Hermione n'est que provisoire.
_/ C'est beau l'espoir…/_
-Et puis je peux très bien me débrouiller sans elle !
_/ Je vois cela oui. C'est clair que se balader en boxer dans les rues de Londres sans savoir où aller est un modèle de réussite /
_
-Je sais ce que je vais faire, s'exclama-t-il alors.
_/ L'illumination du jour ! Va falloir dire au maire d'éteindre les lampadaires en plein jour, cela te donne de faux espoirs. /
_
-Je vais aller au Chaudron Baveur pour dormir cette nuit !
_/ Bien, et tu y resteras avec quel argent /
_
-Je passerai à Gringotts avant.
_/ Magnifique ! Mais tu oublies que le Chaudron Baveur a brûlé il y a un an sous les sortilèges de ton père et ses petits amis Mangemorts. Retour à la case départ. /
_
-Oh… Dans ce cas, je vais trouver la maison de Eva. On couche ensemble, elle pourra bien m'héberger pour une nuit ! Après tout, ce ne serait pas la première fois qu'on passe une nuit ensemble.
_/ Parfait, et elle te mettra où ? Tu feras ta place entre son mari que tu as rendu cocu et ses enfants /
_
-Exacte, elle est mariée, constata Drago.
_/ Femme de ministre, pour être plus précise. Tu n'as pas choisi la moins influente des Médicomages avec lesquelles tu travailles, Médico Drago /
_
-J'ai choisi celle avec la plus grosse paire de seins !
_/ Ou la seule qui ait bien voulu de toi. /
_
-Silence, soupira Drago Malfoy. Et puis, pourquoi tu apparais comme cela, dans mon cerveau aussi subitement ?
_/ Oh, les consciences se réveillent après des épisodes assez violents et traumatisants, si elles se réveillent, bien entendu. Là tu a été tiré de ton rêve pour te faire larguer, c'est pas super comme moment pour se montrer mais je m'ennuyais toute seule dans ton cerveau miniature alors je m'en suis contentée. /
_
-Puis-je espérer te voir disparaître un jour ?
_/ Oui, bien sûr, quand ta vie aura repris du sens, si elle en reprend un jour, ce qui, j'en doute fort, ne risque pas d'arriver de sitôt. /
_
-Me voila beau, se plaignit-il.
_/ Pour une fois. Faut dire que la nature ne t'as pas gâté mon pauvre… Personne ne mérite d'avoir des cheveux pareils. /
_
-Hey, j'aime cette coiffure, moi !
_/ Dans ce cas, tu es le seul ! C'est vrai, qui serait assez fou pour trouver cette chose gluante attirante ? Je parie que si j'y mettais les doigts, j'y resterais collée ! Oh, suis-je bête, je n'ai pas de doigts /
_
-Hermione aussi l'appréciait. Elle ne me l'a jamais dit clairement mais elle trouvait cela charmant.
_/ Oui, bien sûr et c'est pour cela qu'elle t'a mis à la porte /
_
-Silence, cracha le jeune homme blond entre ses dents tel un serpent qui crache son venin.
_/ Si je compte bien c'est la sixième fois en quelques minutes que tu utilises ce mot, tu comptes entrer dans le Guinness Book des records /
_
-Le quoi ?
_/ Silence, et marche /
_
-Pour aller où ?
_/ Chez lui, pardi ! Tu vois, cette personne à laquelle tu t'obliges de ne pas penser depuis que tu cherches un endroit où aller… /
_
-Je n'irai pas chez lui, se défendit alors Drago Malfoy.
_/ Dans ce cas, pourquoi c'est la cinquième fois que tu passes devant la porte d'entrée de ce célèbre Survivant /
_
-Silence !
**_TBC... _**
2. Chapter 2
_Disclaimer : Tout à la merveilleuse **Jk Rowling**, rien à moi. Je ne gagne rien pour écrire._
_Résumé : Lorsque Drago se fait mettre à la porte par Hermione, le jeune homme n'a plus d'autre choix que d'aller s'adresser à son pire ennemi pour l'héberger quelques nuits, le temps qu'Hermione accepte de le reprendre. Ce que le jeune homme ignore c'est que la situation va s'éterniser et lorsque sa conscience s'en mêle, une chose est sûre, plus rien ne sera jamais comme avant. Voudra-t-il vraiment quitter ce canapé et son propriétaire ?_
_Remerciement : Un énorme merci à **Ano **pour sa relecture attentive. S'il y a des fautes, c'est à elle qu'il faut s'adresser :D_
_Avertissement : Ceci est un **slash** Drago/Harry donc, homophobes, s'absternir. Je met **PG-12** pour le moment, car il y a des risques de **lemon**. Si cela arrivait, je préciserais avant le chapitre, bien entendu !_
* * *
Harry avait tout prévu pour que cette soirée soit parfaite. Sur la table de son salon, un pot de glace d'un litre fondait lentement. Il sentait déjà le bon goût de la vanille enivrer ses sens et les petits bouts de nougats qu'elle contenait craquer sous ses dents. Armé d'une cuiller, il s'installa confortablement dans le canapé, totalement prêt à engloutir la crème glacée pendant la diffusion du magico-film. Harry Potter se délectait déjà. Il avait même enfilé le pyjama que Molly lui avait offert pour son anniversaire, signe d'une soirée télé réussie. Sur le pantalon en molleton, des oursons jouaient à la marelle. Et qu'est-ce qu'il se sentait bien dans ses pantoufles en plus ! Toutes les conditions étaient alors réunies pour passer la soirée tranquille à vider la boite de mouchoirs en papiers, à pleurer devant la réadaptation magique de Titanic. De plus Miranda Comediona tenait le rôle principal et Harry en était fou. Tout semblait en de bonne voie si on omettait le carillon de la porte d'entrée qui retentit quelques minutes après le début du magico-film.
-Malfoy ? Qu'est-ce que tu fiches ici ?
-Hermione m'a foutu à la porte, expliqua Drago avec la tête basse.
-Et c'est pour ça que tu te pointes chez moi, à cette heure-ci, avec une valise à la main et en caleçon, qui plus est ? Demanda l'hôte avec un air suspect.
-C'est juste qu'il pleut et je n'ai nul…
-N'y songe même pas, coupa le Survivant en claquant la porte à la figure de son interlocuteur.
Drago eut tout juste le temps de reculer d'un pas pour sauver son nez d'un aplatissement certain avant que la porte ne lui claque à la figure. Malheureusement, il n'avait pas pensé qu'il se trouvait sous le proche d'une maison, en haut d'un escalier, plus précisément. Il dégringola donc la dizaine de marches pour retomber assis dans une flaque d'eau sur le trottoir sous le regard médusé des quelques rares passants. D'un pas furieux, Drago se redirigea vers la porte d'entrée et appuya pour la deuxième fois de la journée sur la sonnette de celui qu'il détestait par-dessus tout.
_/ Tu fais de la musique, Drago ? Elle t'amuse hein cette sonnette /_
- Il n'y a donc pas moyen d'avoir un peu de paix dans ce cerveau ?
_/ J'ai juste parlé de conscience, Drago, je n'ai pas dit que tu avais un cerveau. Ce serait trop beau /_
-Silence !
_/ Pourquoi ? Tu te concentres pour viser juste avant d'appuyer sur le bouton ? Attention à ne pas attraper de migraine / _
-J'essaie juste de t'oublier, misérable parasite !
_/ Oh, je suis émue. C'est la première fois qu'on me fait un tel compliment /
_
-Parce qu'il n'y a rien à complimenter !
_/ Evidemment, je suis une partie de toi ! Comment pourrais-je avoir quelque chose de bien /
_
-Je… je…
_/ Pas la peine d'insister, t'es dans le lac, Drago /
_
Avec fureur, Drago se remit à sonner à l'appartement toutes les dix secondes environ. Avec un tel vacarme qui mettrait ses nerfs à vif, le balafré ne résisterait pas dix minutes avant de venir lui ouvrir en le priant d'arrêter ce carillon. D'ailleurs, Drago avait vu juste. Harry essaya tant bien que mal de se boucher les oreilles avec un des coussins de son canapé, d'augmenter le son du magico téléviseur ou de se concentrer uniquement sur son pot de glace mais rien n'y fit. Il tint exactement trois minutes et huit secondes ou trente coups de sonnette et huit dixièmes pour être plus précis avant d'aller ouvrir la porte à son ennemi.
Harry affichait un air glacial lorsqu'il apparut dans l'embrasure de la porte. S'il avait eu une baguette à la place des rétines, le Survivant aurait avada kedavré Drago en moins de temps qu'il n'en faut pour le dire. Celui-ci lui retourna en échange un grand sourire sarcastique et pénétra dans la masure. Pour toute réponse, Harry éteignit avec un pincement au cœur son magico-téléviseur, lança une couverture à son ennemi et lui désigna le canapé. Il s'empara de son pot de crème glacée à la vanille et au nougat comme un enfant à qui on aurait volé son jouet, tourna les talons et s'enferma dans sa chambre.
A travers la porte vitrée, le jeune Malfoy vit son hôte s'accroupir sur son lit en s'appuyant contre le mur. Avec un air boudeur, celui-ci enfournait dans sa bouche des grandes cuillers de crème glacée comme si sa vie en dépendait. Drago avait toujours soupçonné une araignée d'avoir tissé sa toile dans le cerveau du Survivant. Aujourd'hui il en avait la confirmation.
Il fit rapidement un tour de la pièce pour repérer un peu les lieux. Le canapé sur lequel il devrait passer la nuit était fait de velours bordeaux avec des pieds en chêne. Le tissu qui le composait était par endroit si usé qu'on apercevait la toile grisâtre. Lorsque Drago s'asseyait dessus, les ressorts venaient irrémédiablement s'enfoncerdans chaque recoin de son anatomie, y compris dans les plus délicates parties. Il n'était pas certain de passer une bonne nuit mais au moins, Drago serait au sec.
Avec un regard dégoûté, Drago continua son inspection. Sur une étagère murale s'alignait une collection de griffons en porcelaine couverte d'une fine couche de poussière que seul un parfait Gryffondor oserait fièrement exposer chez lui. Journaux, magasines coquins et parchemins épars encombraient le parquet du salon. Des résidus d'un plateau télé traînaient dans un coin de la pièce et un tas de vieilles chaussettes était caché derrière le fameux canapé. En bref, Drago se trouvait dans le stéréotype même du parfait petit salon de célibataire.
_/ C'est charmant chez lui /
_
-C'est dégoûtant, tu veux dire ! Tu as vu cette collection de griffons en porcelaine !
_/ Oui, c'est justement de cela que je veux parler ! Ces statuettes ont été peintes à la main et sont d'une finess…/_
_-_Assez, coupa brusquement Drago, ne pouvant plus supporter un tel étalement de Gryffondorerie. Tu veux dire que tu aimes ces foutus rouge et or ?
_/ Bien sûr. Je reste persuadée que si j'avais dû être répartie, j'y serais allée. Tu sais, les griffons ne sont pas si différents des Serpentards ! Vous êtes tous deux têtus comme des mules et vous avez des coiffures épouvantables ! Il a eu un coup de vent ton ami /
_
-Il n'est pas mon ami !
_/ Mais il a quand même une coiffure épouvantable, ce Survivant /
_
-Pour une fois, nous sommes d'accord.
_/ Tu ferais mieux de ne pas la ramener ! C'est quoi ce truc gluant sur ta tête /
_
-Silence !
Vexé, Drago se passa mine de rien une main sur le crâne. De mémoire d'homme, il avait toujours eu cette coiffure. Peut-être était-il temps pour lui de se recycler ? Non, non, non et encore non ! Il ne se laisserait pas déstabiliser par une simple conscience. Cette voix n'était qu'une hallucination ! Mais n'était-elle pas une partie du plus profond de lui-même ?
Drago détestait se remettre en question. Pour s'ôter toutes ces questions de la tête, il se coucha sur le divan, se couvrit de la couverture et se força à penser autre chose. Malheureusement, les idées sombres, c'est comme un boomerang. Aussitôt jetées, aussitôt revenues. Le jeune Malfoy eut beau se tourner et se retourner sur le canapé, rien n'y fit. Pourquoi avait-il fallu qu'il vienne ici ? Pourquoi chez le Survivant et non chez cet idiot de Ron qui, certes, était très niais mais beaucoup plus supportable que ce Potter ? La moutarde montait peu à peu au nez de Drago. Merlin qu'il haïssait de se poser tant d'interrogations ! Sans s'en rendre compte, Drago sombra peu à peu dans le sommeil.
_/ Tu dors / _Demanda soudain sa conscience.
-Je dormais !
_/ Oh, d'accord mais pourquoi tu m'as répondu si tu dormais ? Tu es somnambule /
_
-Parce que je ne dormais plus ! Tu m'as réveillé !
_/ Mais alors tu aurais dû me répondre que non, tu ne dormais pas puisque tu étais réveillé /
_
-Mais je dormais avant que tu ne me réveilles ! Et puis, qu'est-ce que tu voulais ? Demanda le jeune garçon d'une voix pâteuse.
_/ Rien, juste savoir si tu dormais…/_
-Quoi ? Tu me réveilles en plein milieu de la nuit uniquement pour savoir si je dors ou pas ? Que crois-tu que les humains font à cette heure ?
_/ L'amour /
_
-Non, ils dorment !
_/ Oh, je le saurai pour la prochaine fois /
_
-Mais j'espère bien ! Et toi, conscience de pacotille, tu ne dors jamais ?
_/ Non, je médite mes prochains cassages… /
_
-Mais, je veux dire, tu fais partie de moi, tu es censée dormir quand je dors !
_/ A vrai dire, je suis une partie indépendante de ton cerveau située au dessus du bulbe rachidien et par cons…/_
-C'est bon, j'ai compris ! Maintenant, silence ! Je dors.
_/ Mais, si tu dors, pourquoi tu sais encore parler /
_
-C'est une expression ! Je vais dormir, si tu préfères.
_/ Donc tu ne dors pas encore. /
_
-Non, bien entendu, admit le jeune homme
_/ Alors on peut encore bavarder avant que tu ne t'endormes /
_
-Mais si tu me parles, je ne peux pas dormir !
_/ Alors c'est génial, on parlera toute la nuit si tu ne t'endors pas /
_
-Mais je veux dormir !
_/ On n'a pas tout ce qu'on veut dans la vie, Draginouchet /
_
-Silence, dit Drago dont la voix claqua tel un fouet.
_/ Mais je m'ennuie quand tu ne parles pas. /
_
-Je suis indispensable, je sais, fit fièrement le jeune Malfoy.
_/ Non, c'est juste que ta débilité me fait tripper /
_
-Tripper ?
_/ Mais ouais, mec, c'est le langage des djeun's /
_
-Euh… évite, à l'avenir, fit sceptiquement Drago Malfoy.
_/ Rabat-joie /
_
-Et fier de l'être !
_/ Hey, c'est MOI qui suis censé TE casser /
_
Au plus grand étonnement de son propriétaire, la conscience se tut aussitôt. Elle se fit toute petite dans un coin de la tête du jeune blond et se mit à bouder comme le font les gosses de trois ans. Certes, c'est un lieu commun de dire que la mentalité du Serpentard le plus célèbre d'Angleterre n'est pas très élevée mais de là à dire que sa conscience fasse du boudin parce qu'elle est vexée, il y avait un jet de dragon !
-Tu râles ? Demanda Drago avec un air penaud.
_/ Oui ! Je ne te parle plus /
_
-Plus du tout ?
_/ Du tout /
_
-Dans ce cas, pourquoi tu continues à me répondre ?
_/ Parce que tu m'as posé une question /
_
-Donc si je te pose plein de questions, tu me répondras et donc, tu ne feras plus la gueule ?
_/ Euh…/ _
-C'est à ton tour d'être dans le lac !
_/ Mais moi au moins, dans le lac, je sais y nager sans bouée jaune en forme de canard /
_
-Co… comment tu sais cela, toi ? C'était il y a longtemps, je sais très bien nager à présent…
_/ Menteur ! Même en voyage de noce tu n'as pas osé avouer à ta femme que si tu n'allais pas dans la mer ce n'était pas pour ne pas froisser ton brushing mais parce que tu avais peur de te noyer /
_
-C'est faux ! Mes chev…
_/ Laisse tomber, encore une fois, j'ai raison /
_
_-_Méheuuu !
A ce moment-là, ce fut Drago qui rouspéta comme un môme. Il y a parfois des dictons qui se vérifient très souvent, c'était au tour du célèbre « Qui se ressemble s'assemble » d'être prouvé ce jour-là. Personne ne s'aperçut non plus que l'adage « Les murs ont des oreilles » s'appliquait aussi très bien à la situation. En effet, dans l'interstice d'une porte entrouverte, on pouvait entrevoir le regard effaré d'un garçon nommé Harry Potter.
Le sang de Harry ne fit qu'un tour. Il avait vu des cinglés, des fous, des paranoïaques, des Mages Noirs perturbés et des directeurs séniles, mais jamais des psychotiques ! Alors comme ça Malfoyparlait à un ami invisible ? Le Survivant referma immédiatement la porte et alla se cacher sous ses couvertures. Drago était perturbé. Et s'il était venu ici pour le tuer ?
Convaincu d'abriter un psychopathe cannibale sous son toit, Harry ne dormit pas de la nuit. Il restaroulé en boule sous sa couverture des Bisounours en tremblant de tout son corps. Par malchance, il avait laissé sa si précieuse baguette magique sur le buffet juste à côté de l'endroit même où le jeune Malfoy conversait à lui-même. Harry était pris au piège avec son pire ennemi en pleine crise de folie. Le Survivant survivrait-il une fois de plus ?
**_TBC..._**
* * *
_Concours : En direct de voici en exclusivité le grand concours de Harry, son canapé, ma conscience et moi ! Le revieweur qui arrivera le plus proche de la réponse ou dont la réponse me fera le plus rire gagnera une dédicace en haut du prochain chapitre ! Tous à vos claviers. Question du jour :_
_« **Pourquoi les oursons sur le pyjama en molleton de Harry jouent-ils à la marelle ? Est-ce un code secret entre oursons carnivores ? Une danse de la fertilité dans le monde des oursons extraterrestres ? »**_
_J'attends vos réponses !_
3. Chapter 3
_Disclaimer : Tout à la merveilleuse **Jk Rowling**, rien à moi. Je ne gagne rien pour écrire._
_Remerciements : Un énorme merci à **Ano **pour sa relecture attentive, et Dieu sait si elle a du boulot ! S'il reste des fautes, c'est à elle qu'il faut s'en prendre Innocente_
_Résumé : Lorsque Drago se fait mettre à la porte par Hermione, le jeune homme n'a plus d'autre choix que d'aller s'adresser à son pire ennemi pour l'héberger quelques nuits, le temps qu'Hermione accepte de le reprendre. Ce que le jeune homme ignore c'est que la situation va s'éterniser et lorsque sa conscience s'en mêle, une chose est sûre, plus rien ne sera jamais comme avant. Voudra-t-il vraiment quitter ce canapé et son propriétaire ?_
_Avertissement : Ceci est un **slash** Drago/Harry donc, homophobes, s'absternir. Je met **PG-12** pour le moment, car il y a des risques de **lemon**.
_
* * *
Harry se réveilla ce matin là sans même se souvenir de s'être assoupi. Lorsque ses paupières s'ouvrirent à moitié pour s'habituer à la lumière vive du matin, Harry se trouvait toujours roulé en boule, crispé sous ses couvertures. Peu à peu, les souvenirs de la veille ressurgirent dans son esprit. Dans quel merdier s'était-il encore fourré ? De sa chambre, Harry entendait des bruits de vaisselle qui lui indiquaient que Drago Malfoy était certainement en train de manger. Harry n'avait qu'à attendre que ce dernier retourne dans sa chambre.
Mais soudain, Harry se redressa sur son lit, complètement réveillé. Est-ce qu'il venait réellement de penser que s'il voulait manger, il lui fallait attendre que l'accablant invité s'isole dans sa chambre ? Mais il n'a pas de chambre ! Malheureusement, il restait un problème… Harry avait faim et chez lui, le petit déjeuner, c'est sacré !
Drago mordait à pleines dents dans son cinquième toast à la marmelade. Il n'avait plus mangé depuis avant-hier soir, étant donné que Hermione l'avait mis à la porte le lendemain très tôt le matin sans aucune autre forme de procès. Cette nuit sur le divan de Harry l'avait littéralement affamé. Non pas que celui-ci ne soit pas confortable, bien au contraire car après tout, les apparences sont souvent trompeuses, mais roupiller comme une masse, ça creuse !
Avec délectation, Drago acheva le dernier toast du dernier paquet qu'il avait trouvé dans les placards de son hôte. Tant pis si celui-ci n'aurait plus rien à manger. Et puis Harry avait déjà certainement déjeuné, Drago n'avait donc aucune raison de s'en faire. Après tout, sa conversation avec lui-même l'avait épuisé, il n'était donc pas surprenant qu'il n'ait pas entendu Harry se réveiller, avec douceur, pour ne pas tirer du sommeil du juste son hôte.
Harry restait cramponné à sa couverture. Il n'osait pas sortir de sa chambre pour aller déjeuner, mais qu'est-ce qu'il avait faim et Drago ne semblait pas décidé à cesser de manger ni de libérer la cuisine. Il n'osait pas quitter sa chambre qui fait office de barrière de sécurité contre un malade mental mais… Qu'est-ce qu'il avait faim par Merlin – bon sang ! Et Drago qui ne semblait pas décidé à cesser de dévaliser ses placards, pas plus qu'à libérer sa cuisine ! Etait-il à ce point maudit ?
Ne pouvant plus résister à l'appel de son estomac, Harry plaqua son oreille contre la porte de sa chambre et essaya de déterminer si oui ou non, Drago s'était remis à parler tout seul. Ne distinguant que le crissement d'une biscotte qu'on exécute, Harry prit son courage à deux mains et sortit de sa chambre. Drago ne semblait pas être en pleine crise de paranoïa, peut-être lui accorderait-il un jour de répit…
Harry avança sur la pointe des pieds pour ne pas déranger Drago qui semblait absorbé dans la contemplation du toast qu'il avait dans les mains. L'expérience lui avait appris à ne pas réveiller le dragon qui dort. Harry se dirigea alors vers le placard pour s'emparer de son très cher paquet de toasts qu'il prendrait bien soin de manger jusqu'à la dernière miette. Mais, comble du malheur, le Survivant s'aperçut dès la porte entrouverte que les biscottes n'étaient plus là. Où, quand, comment ? Qui avait osé commettre ce terrible crime ? Oubliant totalement son ennemi, Harry poussa un cri de rage et claqua la porte du placard qui sortit de ses gonds pour venir s'écraser sur le pied de son assaillant.
- Aaaargh !
- Silence, Potter ! Laisse-moi émerger dans le calme au lieu de te gargariser !
- Mais ça fait mal, marmonna Harry entre ses dents, se tenant un pied dans la main, sautillant sur l'autre à travers la cuisine.
- Ah bon ? Je n'ai rien senti, moi…
- Très mar…. Commença-t-il avant de s'apercevoir que Drago croquait dans SES toasts. Hé, mais ce sont MES biscottes ! Qui t'a donné le droit de les manger ?
- Toi ! Tu m'a dit hier de faire comme chez moi, rétorqua Drago en se délectant.
- Je ne t'ai jamais dit cela !
- Oh, alors j'ai dû le rêver. Quoiqu'il en soit, je pense que tu vas devoir te passer de petit déjeuner, je suis en train d'achever le dernier toast du paquet !
- Quoi ? Allez, soit sympa, donne-moi le bout qui reste… supplia lamentablement le Survivant en grand état de manque.
- J'ai déjà mordu dedans, fit narquoisement Drago.
- C'n'est pas grave !
- Il n'en reste presque plus… Continua Drago en mordant encore une fois dans son toast
- Mais il en reste encore un peu, implora le brun avec des yeux de chien battus, suivant pathétiquement des yeux la bouche de Drago s'ouvrir avidement en approchant la tartine de lui, ses dents mordre férocement dedans, et les miettes se déposer sur ses lèvres traîtresses.
- Mais moi, je n'ai pas du tout envie de partager cette nourriture vénérablement délicieuse avec toi !
- Et moi ? Tu crois que j'avais envie de t'héberger ? Demanda Harry avec un air outré.
- Mais bien sûr, c'est toujours un honneur d'avoir un Malfoy sous son toit !
- Crétin sans cœur, cracha le jeune Potter entre ses dents.
- Balafré sans cerveau!
- Sans Domicile Fixe !
- Sans Petit Déjeuner, rétorqua Drago avec un air goguenard
- Oh !
A cet instant, Harry avait tout oublié de la psychose de Drago, du moment où il parlait tout seul, du risque qu'il représentait à ses yeux. Seul le fait que son pire ennemi mordait à présent dans son petit déjeuner importait. Mû par un accès de colère, Harry fonça directement vers Drago et lui sauta dessus pour lui retirer le morceau de toast des mains. Frappé de plein fouet par un Harry vert de rage, Drago bascula en arrière sur sa chaise.
Ils roulèrent tous les deux par terre en se bataillant pour obtenir le toast. Arriva ce qui devait arriver. Le bout de pain grillé glissa des doigts du jeune Malfoy pour venir s'écraser sur un amas de poussière. Et d'autres choses inqualifiables, indéfinissables, d'origine inconnue.
- C'est malin, on ne va plus savoir la manger maintenant, morigéna Drago en regardant d'un air dégoûté le résidu de biscotte.
- M'en fous, je la mange quand même, répondit Harry tel un drogué en manque avant de s'emparer de l'objet de tant de convoitise et le dévorer goulûment.
- Mais c'est totalement dégueulasse ! Et commence par te relever, t'es couché sur ma jambe !
- Mmh ch'est bon, articula-t-il en mastiquant bruyamment avant de se lécher les doigts un par un pour récupérer jusqu'à la moindre miette.
- On ne parle pas la bouche pleine, Potter ! On ne t'a pas appris ça chez tes moldus ?
- Nan, chez eux c'est rare quand j'avais à manger…
/ _Haaaaaa, fit la conscience de Drago en laissant échapper un long bâillement. Oh, mais c'est chaud mon petit Drago entre toi et le Survivant /_
- Oh, la ferme ! Tu aurais mieux fait rester endormie ! Ca m'aurait fait des vacances !
- Hey, je suis encore chez moi, je dors si je veux, s'énerva Harry aux paroles que Drago semblait lui adresser.
/ _Hein ? Il est con ou il le fait exprès, le balafré ? Il n'a pas capté que tu me parlais, à moi /_
- Il n'est pas au courant de ta présence, si tu vois ce que je veux dire….
/_Oui, sinon je parie qu'il ne serait pas en train de coucher avec toi en ce moment. Tu l'aurais fait fuir. /_
- Mais on ne couche pas ensemble, cria un peu trop brusquement Drago.
Harry regarda effaré Drago dire ces derniers mots. La crise de folie lui avait repris et il s'était remis à parler au mur. Mais ce n'était pas vraiment cela qui faisait peur à Harry. Si seulement Drago se contentait de vouloir le tuer, son calvaire prendrait vite fin. On ne ressent plus rien quand on est mort mais non, la situation était encore bien pire. Drago Malfoy avait des instincts de violeur en série. A l'entendre parler, il fantasmait d'ores et déjà sur sa prochaine victime : Harry.
Drago ne s'aperçut jamais que Harry avait quitté la pièce et la maison par la même occasion en prenant ses jambes à son cou dès qu'il avait compris que sa vie était encore en danger. Il était trop occupé à répliquer au mur enfin, à sa conscience et Merlin seul savait qu'elle avait le sens de la répartie. Pendant ce temps-là, Harry errait dans les rues de Londres.
Dans quel merdier s'était-il encore fourré ? Il y a bien longtemps déjà qu'il aurait mettre à la porte son ennemi. Pis, il n'aurait jamais dû accepter de l'héberger, ne fusse que pour quelques jours. Maintenant que c'était lui qui avait décampé de chez lui, il n'osait plus revenir et se retrouvait par la même occasion sans endroit où aller. Maintenant, c'était à son tour d'expérimenter le vagabondage ! Bonjour la bonne action effectuée !
C'est ainsi qu'il eut l'idée du siècle. Si Hermione reprenait Drago, celui-ci décamperait vite fait et Harry n'aurait pas à subir les pulsions démoniaques du Serpentard. Ce que Harry pouvait se trouver intelligent, par moments ! Mais uniquement par moments, il ne faut quand même pas tout exagérer dans cette histoire !
D'un pas décidé, Harry avança dans les rues londoniennes avec l'assurance de quelqu'un qui allait conclure l'affaire du siècle. A vrai dire, c'était à peu près ce qu'il allait faire : arnaquer Hermione et lui refiler la patate chaude. Il laissa transparaître un sourire sur ses lèvres en repensant à ce qu'il allait faire. Il finit même par éclater de rire. Un homme qui rigole seul sur un trottoir, ça a de quoi effrayer des gens. C'est pourquoi une vieille femme décida immédiatement de changer de trottoir. Harry lui lança un regard amusé et se sentit soudain super fier. Il était un rebelle, que voulez-vous…
Harry arriva soudain devant la porte à laquelle Drago avait été mis hier matin. Lui et Hermione habitaient dans un petit appartement dans le centre de Londres. Il avait fallu beaucoup de temps et d'énergie à Hermione pour convaincre son désormais ex-fiancé qu'habiter au milieu de moldus n'était pas la mort ! Cela l'avantageait surtout que l'appartement se trouve juste à quelques pas de son lieu de travail, le Ministère de la Magie où elle exerçait le difficile métier de Langue de Plomb. Les nombreuses menaces infructueuses, les vaines tentatives de supplications et les yeux doux que faisait Drago n'avaient pas connu le succès voulu. Hermione n'avait pas flanché aux innombrables tentatives effectuées par son fiancé. Il n'était pas nécessaire d'être une Miss Je-Sais-Tout pour comprendre que cela n'était pas une bonne idée de confier les secrets les plus importants du Ministère à quelqu'un qui parlait tout seul
Toujours est-il que Harry se trouvait à présent devant l'ancien nid d'amour de Drago et Hermione sans oser appuyer sur le carillon magique de la porte d'entrée. Oserait-il risquer la vie d'Hermione pour sauver la sienne ? La réponse lui sauta aussitôt aux yeux : OUI ! Harry ferait tout pour rester en vie. Il n'avait pas tué le Mage Noir de pacotille pour se faire violer et assassiner par un psychopathe en chaleur ! D'un geste décidé, Harry tira sur la chaîne du carillon et attendit que son amie lui ouvre la porte.
Quelques minutes plus tard, Harry était prêt à tourner les talons en ne recevant aucune réponse de la part de son amie lorsque Hermione apparut dans l'embrasure de la porte, une robe mise de travers sur ses épaules et les cheveux encore plus emmêlés qu'à son habitude. Apparemment, Harry l'avait dérangée en pleine sieste.
- Salut Hermione, désolée de te déranger. Tu dormais ? Demanda Harry avec un sourire franc.
- Oh, bonjour Harry, fit-elle avec un air un peu ennuyé. Non, je ne dormais pas.
- Oh, c'est moi ou je te dérange ? Tu ne sembles pas enchantée de me voir…
- Non, bien sûr que cela me fait plaisir de te voir mais euh, que fais-tu ici ? Demanda-t-elle en lançant un regard embarrassé par-dessus son épaule.
- Ecoute, Drago est chez moi. Il est effondré par votre rupture, tu vois et euuuh… tu ne voudrais pas le reprendre ? Je ne sais pas ce qui s'est passé entre vous ou quoi ou qu'est-ce mais il sembla vraiment désolé de ce qui s'est passé. Je sais que cela peut te sembler bizarre mais Malfoy semble t'aimer énormément, mentit Harry en insistant bien sur le dernier mot.
- Harry, ce n'est pas la peine de te forcer, tu sais. Si Malfoy t'énerve, tu le flanques à la porte avec ses affaires dans les bras et puis c'est tout. Moi je ne veux plus rien avoir à faire avec lui !
- Mais je suis certain qu'il regrette ! Tu sais, euuh… cette nuit je l'ai vu mettre ta photo sous son oreiller pour dormir…
- Je n'ai mis aucune photo de moi dans sa valise !
- Il devait l'avoir dans sa bourse, tenta un Harry désolé de s'enfoncer ainsi.
- Harry, tu es mon ami mais es-tu vraiment assez bête pour croire que je n'ai pas profité de la situation pour lui dérober ce que contenait sa bourse ?
- Hermione, s'écria Harry, outré.
- On s'enrichit comme on peut…
- Oh ! Mais dis-moi une seule bonne raison pour ne pas reprendre Drago !
- Eh bien… commença-t-elle avant de se retourner et voir un homme en caleçon avancer vers elle.
- Il y a un problème, Hermione chérie ? Demanda l'homme en passant ses bras autour de la taille de la jeune fille et l'embrasser dans le cou.
- Non Greg, Harry allait s'en aller, répondit-elle avec un regard navré pour le Survivant.
- Oh, euuh… oui… au revoir Mione, lâcha simplement Harry en repartant, rouge comme une brique.
Ce qu'il avait été con ! Hermione avait déjà remplacé Drago. Après une seule petite journée ! Harry avait rarement été aussi gêné qu'à l'instant. Il fonçait donc à présent tête baissée dans la rue pour s'éloigner le plus possible de l'appartement de son amie jusqu'à ce que… BANG ! A force de garder la tête tournée vers le sol, il n'avait pas vu le lampadaire qui se dressait sur son chemin et se l'était pris de plein fouet. Il valsa donc les quatre fers en l'air et atterrit sur les fesses, le poteau entre les jambes. C'est avec un mal de crâne effroyable qu'il se releva, se massa le crâne et entendit une voix lui dire :
• _Bingo, en plein dans les dents •_
-Hein ? Mais qui a parlé ? Demanda Harry en regardant le lampadaire avec un air suspect tout en essayant de se convaincre qu'un poteau, cela ne parlait pas.
• _Mais non, tête de nouille ! Je ne suis pas le poteau, je suis ta conscience, Harry •_
_**TBC…**_
4. Chapter 4
_Disclaimer : Tout à la merveilleuse **Jk Rowling**, rien à moi. Je ne gagne rien pour écrire, à part vos reviews, bien entendu._
_Remerciements : Merci à **Ano** pour sa relecture attentive (et rapide, il faut l'avouer). S'il y a des fautes, c'est à elle qu'il faut s'en prendre ! _
_Résumé : Lorsque Drago se fait mettre à la porte par Hermione, le jeune homme n'a plus d'autre choix que d'aller s'adresser à son pire ennemi pour l'héberger quelques nuits, le temps qu'Hermione accepte de le reprendre. Ce que le jeune homme ignore c'est que la situation va s'éterniser et lorsque sa conscience s'en mêle, une chose est sûre, plus rien ne sera jamais comme avant. Voudra-t-il vraiment quitter ce canapé et son propriétaire ?_
_Avertissement : Ceci est un **slash** Drago/Harry donc, homophobes, s'absternir. Je met **PG-12** /b pour le moment, car il y a des risques de **lemon**. Si cela arrivait, je préciserais avant le chapitre, bien entendu !_
* * *
Harry n'en pouvait plus. Il avait tout essayé : se tirer les cheveux, se taper la tête de toutes ses forces contre un abribus moldu, rien n'y faisait. De tous ses efforts, il n'avait récolté qu'une migraine effroyable et une seconde cicatrice sur le front, si on oubliait les poignées de cheveux qui lui manquaient à présent. C'est donc au bord de la crise de nerfs qu'il pénétra chez lui. Tel une rafale de vent, il renversa Drago sur son passage et s'écria :
- Comment fais-tu pour la supporter ?
- De qui tu parles, le balafré ?
- De Bertha !
- Bertha ?
- Oui…. Ta conscience, s'exclama Harry en tremblant de tout son corps.
- Ma conscience ? Ma conscience qui s'appelle Bertha ? Comment tu es au courant de cela, toi ? Demanda-t-il avec un air suspect.
- Oui, ce machin, cette voix au fond de ta tête ! La mienne est apparue ce soir et comme je t'ai déjà entendu parler tout seul… Enfin, comment tu la fais taire ?
- Oh, non, dis-moi que ce n'est pas vrai… Hé, la chose, fit-il en s'adressant à sa conscience, alors comme cela tu t'appelles Bertha ? Merlin, mais c'est un prénom ringard, pouffa-t-il avant de s'écrouler de rire.
_/ Ouais, ouais, c'est bon… Personne n'est parfait. Ce n'est pas ma faute. C'est la conscience de ta mère qui a choisi ce foutu prénom… /_
- Tu t'appelles « Bertha », cria Drago en se roulant par terre de rire, n'arrivant même plus à reprendre son souffle.
_/ Et toi « Drago », alors si j'étais toi, je me la fermerais /_
- Silence… Bertha, pouffa-t-il encore une fois en insistant bien sur le prénom.
- Bon, c'est bien joyeux tout ça, mais je fais comment pour la faire taire cette fichue conscience bavarde comme une pie ? Pesta Harry qui n'en pouvait plus.
- T'en fais pas, elle finira par se taire un jour ou l'autre…
- Et en attendant, je fais quoi ?
- Du tricot, rétorqua Drago avec un air cynique.
- Mais, enfin, je veux dire, ma conscience est bizarre, chuchota-t-il entre les dents, comme s'il ne voulait pas que la voix dans sa tête ne l'entende.
_ • Oh, merci pour le compliment, mon petit pouillon ! •
_
- Bizarre, comment, exactement ? Demanda Drago avec anxiété.
- Elle est….
- Crache le morceau !
- Elle est sado-masochiste, hurla-t-il au bord de l'hystérie.
- Oh ! Bertha, t'entends cela ! Il existe des consciences encore plus dérangées que toi, fit-il avant d'exploser à nouveau de rire.
_/ Attends de voir ce que je te réserve, petit vermisseau dégoulinant de bave de crapaud ! Tu as insulté mon prénom, tu vas le regretter… /_
- Gloups, déchanta Drago.
- Et tu ne connais pas encore le pire, marmonna le Survivant qui n'allait pas tarder à se jeter par la première fenêtre qu'il trouverait.
- Ne me dis pas qu'elle est aussi chiante que toi…
- Pis encore ! Elle rêve d'entrer à la Star Academy et est fan de Nicole Aliagos (NDA : no comment sur le jeu de mot), la nouvelle chanteuse en vogue. Elle chante ses chansons en boucle… J'en peux plus, Drago !
- Ne me dis pas que ta conscience chante aussi mal que ceux de la Star Academy, s'outragea Drago.
- Non, n'exagère pas ! Elle sait au moins tenir la note, elle. Si elle meuglait aussi mal qu'eux, il y a longtemps que je me serais suicidé !
- Tu m'as fait peur… Même pour Voldy ce serait une trop grande punition ! Ecouter les élèves de la Star Académie chanter… Merlin, rien que d'y penser, j'en ai des frissons !
_ • Hey ! Je chante superbement bien ! Hum Hum… ♪ Mon crapaud en boite de conserveuh, quand je t'observeuh, je me dis qu'il serait temps que tu crèveuh... •
_
- Pitié, Drago, achève-moi, supplia le Survivant en tombant à genoux devant son meilleur ennemi.
- C'est vrai ? Je peux ? Demanda celui-ci avec une voix émue.
- Plutôt crever !
- Bah, « crever », c'est le but du verbe « achever »…
- Alors plutôt embrasser Rusard sur la bouche quand Miss Teigne a avalé son dentier que de te laisser l'honneur de me tuer !
- T'es sérieux ? S'écria Drago, stupéfait que quelqu'un soit aussi déterminé que cela.
- Euh… non, quand même pas ! Enfin, tu comprends avec Miss Teigne, tenta de s'expliquer Harry.
- Parce qu'avec Rusard...
- Non !
_ • Hé si vous arrêtiez de vous chamailler et que vous vous concentriez sur le sujet principal de cette conversation… Alors, allez, plains-toi de combien je suis horrible, Harry ! Vas-y, jettes-en moi plein la tête •
_
- Ah… t'es vraiment sado-masochiste !
_ • Et fière de l'être ! Tu préfères quoi mon salaud ? Fouet ? Couteau ? Cuir ? Latex ? Oh, non, par pitié, pas de latex ! Allez, va pour le fouet en cuir… •
_
- Drago, il n'y a vraiment aucun moyen de la faire taire ?
- Si je le savais, Potter, il y aurait longtemps que j'aurais arrêté de subir les sarcasmes incessants de Bertha ! Baaaah, j'avais oublié… Elle s'appelle Bertha, s'exclama-t-il encore une fois en se remettant à rire.
- C'est bon, tu en reviendras ? La mienne s'appelle bien Bécassine, fit remarquer Harry, ne partageant apparemment le même humour que Drago.
- C'est ta cousine ? Demanda-t-il en repartant de plus belles dans son délire.
- Hein ?
- Laisse tomber, tu viens de casser mon délire, là, indiqua-t-il en reprenant aussitôt son sérieux.
_• Lui c'est certainement un adepte du kamasutra, je le sens…Viens me voir, mon mignon… je n'ai rien contre les blonds, bien au contraire… •
_
Harry vira soudainement à la teinte rouge brique en entendant sa conscience déblatérer ses sottises. Harry Potter était le héros du monde sorcier, il était quelqu'un de particulièrement pudique et réservé. Harry Potter était encore vierge et fier de l'être. Il n'avait pas à être perverti par cette voix intérieure. Comment un esprit aussi déséquilibré pouvait-il faire partie intégrale de son cerveau ? Il n'y avait plus aucun doute pour Harry. Cette conscience avait certainement été importée chez lui lorsque Voldemort lui avait légué involontairement une partie de ses pouvoirs !
-Vais-je vraiment devoir finir la fin de mes jours avec une voix cinglée qui me susurre des sottises entre les tempes ? Demanda Harry en espérant de tout son être que la réponse soit non.
- Bien sûr que non ! Quand le moment sera venu, elle repartira. Pour l'instant tu es condamné à passer des nuits blanches si ta conscience est insomniaque comme la mienne !
- Insomniaque ?
_• Ben oui, à force de faire grimper les gens au rideau, j'ai fini par ne plus beaucoup dormir ! C'est ça d'être une pro des boxers en feu… •
_
- Drago, y a-t-il encore quelque chose que je dois savoir ?
- Non, à part qu'il leur arrive de ronfler les rares fois où elles s'endorment…
_/ Je ne ronfle pas, petit lombric à sa maman ! Et puis je te râle dessus ! Bertha est un super joli prénom…C'est ma maman conscience qui l'a choisi… C'est super beau… Bouhou…/_
- Et elles sont très susceptibles…
_ • ♪ Envoyer valser ton boxer, sentir tes mains qui m'enserrent et te culbuter sur ma gazinière juste devant ta mère… •
_
- Elle recommence à chanter, se plaignit Harry.
- Alors va lui repiquer le fumier, proposa Drago avec un sourire sadique.
- Hein ?
- Chante encore plus faux que Bécassine !
- Mais je ne m'appelle pas Patxi, moi ! Je ne sais pas chanter aussi mal, s'outragea Harry qui ignorait alors totalement comment il pourrait se sortir de ce pétrin.
- Je ne sais pas, moi, imite Johnny Hallyday, proposa Drago qui en avait vraiment assez d'entendre parler sans arrêt des consciences alors qu'il aimerait enfin pouvoir passer sa nuit à dormir sur ce canapé si confortable.
- Non, pas à ce point ! Même le sadisme a ses limites ! Mais attends... comment tu connais ces chanteurs moldus ? Ne me dis pas que tu regardes ! Pas toi, pas un Malfoy ! Tu es un sang pur oui ou merde ? S'emporta le Survivant, déçu de voir ainsi s'éteindre la fierté des sangs purs.
-Moi ? Euh, non, bien sûr que non. Enfin, tu vois, avec Hermione…
-Hermione ne regarde pas ça !
-Mais tu vois, avec sa mère… Enfin, j'allais chez sa mère tous les vendredis pour regarder les Prime. Je… je suis accro, avoua-t-il avant de fondre en larmes par honte.
_ • ♪ A croc. J'aime les mecs avec des crocs qui me mordent jusqu'aux os… •
_
- Allumez, le feu, tenta de chanter Harry d'une voix incertaine pour appliquer la technique made in fouine.
_• ♪Allumez le feu aux fesses de notre chère comtesse qui viole les négresses… •
_
Drago explosa alors de rire. Par Merlin, jamais en une soirée il n'avait autant rigolé. A cet instant, il aurait même pu oublier toutes les vieilles rancœurs avec le balafré. Après tout, ils partageaient la même galère tous les deux et Harry savait à présent son secret le plus honteux, après le fait qu'il ne sache pas nager sans sa bouée en forme de canard, bien entendu. Mais voilà, on ne peut jamais prévoir ce que les consciences nous réservent et Drago n'était pas au bout de ses surprises.
_/ Drago, c'est bon, j'arrête de bouder. Il fait vraiment que je t'avoue quelque chose… Tu vois, les consciences se reconnaissent entre elles. Même si toi tu n'arrives pas à entendre la conscience de Harry, moi je peux très bien lui parler. Et euh, enfin… /_
-Ben, vas-y, Bertha, crache le morceau, ordonna Drago, ne voyant vraiment pas où sa conscience voulait en venir.
_• Harry ! J'ai envie de sauter Bertha ! •
_
_/ Drago, je suis amoureuse de Bécassine…/_
-QUOI ? Hurlèrent Harry et Drago en même temps.
-Non, non non et encore non, tout sauf cela, s'écria Harry.
-Yes euh, enfin… NON !
_/ Ha, tu as commencé par dire oui, petit lombric fétide /_
-Même pas vrai, se rattrapa Drago, rouge de honte.
_ • Drago est accro, mec ! Vas-y, attaque ! Roule-lui une pelle, même une tronçonneuse s'il faut, mon pouillon ! Il est chaud comme une baraque à frite ! •
_
- T'es malade ? Enfin, c'est Drago !
_• Justement. Un dragon, ça crache des flammes ! •
_
- Mais c'est un homme !
_• Et alors ? Ne me dis pas que tu ne t'es pas encore fait à l'idée que tu es gay, Potter ! •
_
- Quoi ? Euh, enfin… bafouilla le concerné dont la couleur du visage rejoignit bien vite celle de Drago.
_/ Pitié, Drago. Tu ne veux pas l'embrasser, juste une fois. Juste pour moi et Bécassine…/_
- Harry… ma conscience devint folle.
- Drago, la mienne me fait peur…
- Il faut qu'on trouve un moyen de les faire taire !
_ • ♪ Ha la Bertha, elle a tellement de poils en dessous des bras que le désir s'infiltre en moi… •
_
- Elle me met des mauvaises idées en tête, marmonna Harry.
- Il ne nous reste qu'une solution, Potter.
- Laquelle ? Demanda son interlocuteur, priant Merlin pour qu'il leur trouve une solution miracle.
- Que font les gens sensés lorsqu'ils veulent oublier ?
- Je dois avoir une bouteille de whisky Pur Feu dans le placard, dit Harry avec un sourire goguenard sur les lèvres.
- Tu es sûr que cela sera assez ?
- Non, j'en prendrai une deuxième. Par contre je ne suis pas sûr d'avoir les verres qui vont avec.
- Pas grave, dans la situation dans laquelle je suis, je boirai à la bouteille, déclara Drago, ressentant soudainement un besoin urgent de boire, un peu comme un drogué en pleine cure de désintoxication qui ressent violemment le manque.
- Ok, attrape, lança Harry en envoyant une bouteille de liquide ambré en direction de Drago. Tu penses que se saouler suffira pour nous faire oublier ces foutues consciences ?
- On ne va pas tarder à le savoir, répondit Drago en débouchant la bouteille poussiéreuse. A ta santé, Potter.
- A la tienne, Malfoy !
Puis, les deux compères burent de grandes gorgées de Whisky Pur Feu et ne lâchèrent leur bouteille que lorsque celle-ci fut vide afin d'en attraper une autre. Leur technique semblait marcher car les consciences se turent pendant quelques dizaines de minutes. Elles n'attendaient en faite que l'occasion idéale pour refaire surface et prendre le contrôle total des deux jeunes gens.
_**TBC...**_
* * *
_**Concours exclusif : **D'après-vous, pourquoi l'auteur est-elle aussi frustrée vis-à-vis des chanteurs français ? Parce qu'elle est belge ? Parce qu'elle est sourde et n'arrive pas à lire sur leurs lèvres ? Parce qu'elle est simplement une frustrée de la vie ? Parce que sa conscience n'arrête pas de lui chanter ces chansons ? A vos claviers et que votre imagination foisonne !_
_**
**_
5. Chapter 5
_Disclaimer : Tout à la merveilleuse **Jk Rowling**, rien à moi. Je ne gagne rien pour écrire, à part vos reviews, bien entendu._
_Remerciements : Merci à **Ano** pour sa relecture attentive (et rapide, il faut l'avouer). S'il y a des fautes, c'est à elle qu'il faut s'en prendre ! lol_
_Résumé : Lorsque Drago se fait mettre à la porte par Hermione, le jeune homme n'a plus d'autre choix que d'aller s'adresser à son pire ennemi pour l'héberger quelques nuits, le temps qu'Hermione accepte de le reprendre. Ce que le jeune homme ignore c'est que la situation va s'éterniser et lorsque sa conscience s'en mêle, une chose est sûre, plus rien ne sera jamais comme avant. Voudra-t-il vraiment quitter ce canapé et son propriétaire ?_
_Avertissement : Ceci est un **Slash** Drago/Harry donc, homophobes, s'absternir. Je met **PG-12** pour le moment, car il y a des risques de **lemon**. Si cela arrivait, je préciserais avant le chapitre, bien entendu !_
* * *
Quelque part sur cette merveilleuse planète qu'est la Terre, un canapé ronchonnait. Il n'avait pas survécu à trois vides greniers consécutifs pour finir aplati sous les assauts de deux petits sorciers prétentieux ! La poussière qu'il gardait jalousement à l'intérieur de ses coussins depuis des dizaines d'années virevoltait à présent parmi les atomes d'oxygène et les relents d'alcool. Quelle honte ! Le canapé contenait tout de même une des plus grande collection d'acariens d'Angleterre et celle-ci se trouvait à présent réduite à néant ! Décidément, être un canapé, ce n'est pas de tout repos, surtout quand deux sorciers complètement saouls décident de se servir de vos ressorts pour tenter d'attraper des Ronflak Cornus imaginaires.
Bang… bang… bang…
Tel était le fâcheux refrain qu'entendait le canapé depuis plus de dix minutes, heure à laquelle les deux mômes qui se prétendaient adultes avaient commencé à lui bousiller les coussinets. De la pure mousse de rembourrage se trouvait honteusement reléguée au simple rang de trampoline et la toile grisâtre du velours, jadis bordeaux, menaçait de craquer à chaque rebondissement. Mais, à la plus grande joie du canapé, arriva ce qui devait arriver.
Bang… bang… bang... Toc… AILLEUUUUUUH.
Les doigts de Drago se refermèrent dans le vide tandis qu'un Ronflak Cornu s'envolait encore plus haut en le narguant. Drago et Harry rigolaient comme des fous sur le canapé mais Drago perdit son sourire quelques secondes plus tard. Tenant à peine sur ses jambes, Drago Malfoy rebondit une fois de trop. En effet, il sauta de travers et retomba sur l'accoudoir en bois, ce dernier entre les jambes, bien entendu ! Harry, euphorisé par le Whisky pur feu se mit à rire comme un tordu tandis que sa Némésis devint aussi blanche qu'un linge. Pendant ce temps-là, leurs deux consciences s'en donnaient à cœur joie…
_/ Drago vient de se faire castrer /_
• _Dis pas de bêtises…Drago n'en a jamais eu •_
_/ Jamais eu de quoi /_
• _Ben des burnes !•_
_/ Hey ! Parle moins fort Bécassine ! Ils pourraient nous entendre /_
• _D'accord ma Bertha. Je te promets, dans moins d'un heure, tu seras à moi •_
_/ Mais ils sont lents quand même /_
• _Laisse-leur le temps…•_
_/ C'est vrai, c'est pas de leur faute si le gel qui agglutinent ensemble leurs cheveux a attaqué leurs neurones. /_
• _Tu crois que cela peut servir de lubrifiant le gel pour cheveux ? •_
_/ Chut ! J'essaie de suivre la conversation de Harry et Drago. /_
•_Mais ils font rien d'intéressant !•_
_/Parce que pour toi un Survivant ivre mort qui applique des glaçons sur les bijoux de famille de mon Draguinouchet, c'est pas intéressant /_
• _Je retire ce que j'ai dit. Il nous faudra moins d'une heure, ma Bertha ! Prépare ton fouet, ils aussi chauds que les chaudrons du vieux Rogue ! •_
Les joues empourprées par la honte et l'esprit embrumé par l'alcool, Harry tentait d'appliquer un sachet de glaçons sur l'entrejambe de son ennemi à qui, fort heureusement, le whisky avait servi d'anesthésiant. Peut-être même de trop. En effet, le jeune blond était à demi inconscient, vautré sur le divan et donc incapable de tenir lui-même les glaçons sur ses parties intimes. Il tentait de rester éveillé car l'alcool combiné à la « vue du sang » lui donnait la fâcheuse envie de tourner de l'œil.
- Malfoy, fais pas ta cho… ta chochotte, marmonna Harry, lui-même plus vraiment conscient de ce qu'il était en train de faire.
- Eu han iiien…
-Malfoy… Je comprend pas ce que... ce... ce que tu dis.
-Euh sais pu ce que z'ai dit. Hé pouquoi tu ris bêtement ?
- 'T-être que si dmain t'as les couilles qui… qui… qu'ont le doubbe de voyume, Mione elle voudra bien t'reprendre, le castré !
-Ta gueule, Potter. Si t'es pas con'ent, fais-moi une bisou mazique…
_Le bisou, le bisou_ scandèrent les deux consciences.
-Vos gueules, rétorquèrent les deux hommes.
-D'ago ?
-Voui Potter ?
-Qu'est-ce que c'est qu'on fait quand on a mal queque part ?
-Y t'reste du whisky ?
- J'vais le chercher. Bouge pas d'ici, j'arriffe, s'exclama le Survivant en refourguant les glaçons dans les mains de Drago et s'aventurant entre les bouteilles vides et les coussins qui jonchaient le sol.
Le canapé regardait d'un œil amusé la célébrité avancer parmi les détritus sur le sol. Certes, il avait eu un mal de chien quand ce petit con de Malfoy était venu s'écraser contre son accoudoir mais le jeu en valait la chandelle. Le voir plié, se cramponnant à son anatomie valait vraiment le coup ! Sur la tête de ses coussins, jamais personne n'avait réussi à faire une telle cascade sur le canapé ! Et le meuble n'était pas au bout de ses surprises. Il faillit faire une crise de ressort lorsqu'il vit le Survivant s'étaler de tout son long en revenant de la cuisine avec deux bouteilles d'Hydromel.
Harry avait réussi à trouver quatre bouteilles d'Hydromel ou plutôt, deux vraies bouteilles qu'il voyait chacune en double… Il avait même réussi l'exploit de refaire le parcours du combattant pour retourner auprès de Drago mais il n'avait pas vu qu'un objet s'était dressé sur son passage et c'est donc tout naturellement qu'il se cogna à la patte du divan. Mais Harry n'était pas dupe, il aurait juré avoir vu le pied du canapé avancer juste au moment où il passait. Une illusion due à l'alcool, certainement. Il se prit donc le bout de bois en plein dans les tibias et, avec le précoce équilibre dont un ivrogne était capable de faire preuve, il tomba à la renverse et atterrit dans les bras de Drago dont les testicules cessaient peu à peu d'être douloureuses.
• _Bertha, il leur a fallu dix minutes depuis la dernière fois pour se tomber dans les bras •_
_/ Attends de voir, ils pourraient très bien se relever /_
• _Comment veux-tu qu'il se redresse ? Mon Harry ne tient même plus sur ses pieds •_
_/ C'est vrai, TON Harry est une petite nature, il n'a pas la classe d'un Malfoy…/_
• _Il a peut-être pas leur classe mais au moins il a encore des couilles…•_
_/ Tais-toi et regarde. Cela commence vraiment à devenir intéressant, ma Bécassine /_
• ♪ _Ils ont autant d'ardeur que Miss Teigne en chaleur…•_
Le Harry réalise qu'il était couché de tout son long sur le corps de Drago, ce dernier avait déjà eu le temps de rougir de honte. Harry se dépêcha de se relever mais, dans son élan, il posa sa main sur la partie douloureuse de Drago qui hurla et lança tous les noms d'oiseau qu'il avait dans son répertoire. Sous le choc, Harry retira sa main et n'ayant plus aucun appui, il retomba lourdement sur le torse du jeune homme blond. Leurs visages n'étaient alors plus qu'à une dizaine de centimètres l'un de l'autre. Harry pouvais sentir le souffle chaud et alcoolisé de Drago sur sa joue et sans savoir très bien pourquoi, il ne bougea plus d'un pouce.
_/ Allez, plus que dix centimètres /_
• _Non, neuf maintenant •_
_/ Gardons espoir, peut-être qu'à ce rythme-là, dans cent ans on passera à huit centimètres/_
• ♪_Et dans 150 ans…il lui lèchera les dents…•_
_/ Plagieur /_
• _Et fier de l'être !•_
_/ Héééééé…/_
• _C'est bon, prends tes calmants •_
_/Non, c'est pas cela mais… On arrive à huit centimètres /_
• _Misère, quel suspense… •_
_/On aurait déjà eu le temps de nous marier, de fonder une famille et de divorcer si on n'avait pas besoin de leur consentement pour nous unir /_
•_Tu comptes divorcer ?•_
_/ Bah, c'est que…/_
•_T'es dingue ? Je ne comptais même pas aller jusqu'au mariage alors jusqu'au divorce• _
_/ Mais alors, pourquoi on se casse tellement les pieds à les mettre enfin ensemble /_
•_Pour tester mes nouvelles menottes en fourrure, vieille coquine…•_
_/ Allez, courage, plus que six centimètres avant de pouvoir enfin les tester, tes menottes…/_
Harry regardait les deux images de Drago en face de lui se rapprocher peu à peu. Il ferma donc un œil pour stabiliser sa vue et ferma ensuite le second parce qu'on embrasse jamais les yeux ouverts. En effet, il sentit les lèvres de Drago capturer les siennes pendant qu'une partie de son âme s'écriait « Houra ». Harry eut tout le loisir de goûter au parfum sucré de la bouche de Drago tandis que celui-ci lui mordillait tendrement la lèvre inférieure. Il réalisa qu'inconsciemment, il avait toujours rêvé de poser ses lèvres sur les siennes, de s'emparer de sa et de laisser ses mains se perdre dans la généreuse chevelure décoiffée qui l'excitait tant, pour ensuite les faire glisser le long de son dos musclé, jusqu'à sa splendide chute de reins. Mais pour le moment, il allait se contenter des cheveux car beurré ou pas, il connaissait les limites. Tandis que les deux ennemis continuaient à s'embrasser goulûment, leurs deux consciences s'en donnaient à cœur joie.
• _Et ben le voila le bisou magique !•_
_/Il leur en aura fallu du temps ! Il faudra dire à la vieille McGo de mettre des cours d'éducation sexuelle au programme de Poudlard…/_
• ♪ _Voir notre bonne vieille McGo faire grimper Rusard aux rideaux, il n'y a rien de plus rigolo…•_
_/ Oh non, ça c'est pire qu'un tue l'amour /_
• _Qui parle d'amour ? Nous on veut juste du sexe •_
_/ Je crois que pour le sexe, il va falloir que tu attendes encore un peu… Harry n'a pas l'air d'être un pro du déboutonnage de robe…/_
•_Tout le monde ne peut pas avoir mon talent…•_
_/Mais là il est vraiment pas doué ! On aurait peut-être pas dû les faire boire autant /_
• _Mais quel clampin, il est même pas capable de lui déboutonner la chemise ! Arrache les boutons, le Survivant ! •_
En effet, on ne peut pas être habile en tout. Savoir anéantir Voldemort ou retirer les habits de l'objet de ses désirs, il faut choisir ! Et Harry avait déjà fait son choix deux ans auparavant en collant un Avada Kedavra entre les yeux de son ennemi. C'est donc avec les doigts tremblants qu'il se débattait avec la robe de Drago. Il avait bien essayé de faire passer le vêtement par-dessus mais la tête de Drago était resté coincée et il avait fini au bord de l'apoplexie. C'était donc un moment crucial où toute l'histoire des deux ennemis allait se jouer. Leurs consciences finiraient-elles ensemble ?
Au moment même où Harry allait parvenir à déboutonner le col de la robe de Drago, l'esprit embrouillé, il dégringola du canapé et sa tête vint heurter la table basse. Dans son élan, il n'avait pas eu le temps de lâcher le col de Drago et le bouton s'arracha de lui-même. Drago se prit alors un fou rire mémorable. Un homme bourré rigole toujours pour un rien et Drago n'échappait pas à la règle. Heureusement d'ailleurs parce qu'en état de sobriété, voir le célèbre Survivant l'embrasser à pleine bouche l'aurait franchement énervé. Harry se releva donc tandis que Drago l'empoignait par le col pour reposer ses lèvres contre les siennes. En cet instant précis, Drago n'avait qu'une envie : Harry.
Le canapé regarda une robe noire valser à l'autre côté de la pièce, une fois délivrée de son satané bouton, suivie bientôt par une deuxième robe. Décidément, ces deux jeunes gens devaient être frustrés depuis bien longtemps pour en arriver à un tel point. Il faut dire qu'un canapé n'est pas vraiment l'endroit le plus confortable pour faire ça. Le lit allait encore faire la gueule au canapé pendant des lustres pour lui avoir piqué son rôle. Mais le canapé n'y était pour rien ! D'un œil distrait, le canapé vit des chaussettes traverser le salon tandis que l'une d'entre elle s'accrocha au lustre et le fit osciller. Bientôt, ce fut un enchevêtrement de corps qui atterrit sur le sol. Ces deux jeunes hommes étaient vraiment de chauds lapins pour finir ainsi à se peloter sur le sol.
_/ Bécassine, on les tiens /_
• _Sors ta combinaison en cuir, ma cochonne, j'arrive •_
_/ Yipaaaaah /_
• _Voyons voir ce que tu vaux au lit •_
_/ Ou plutôt, sur la carpette /_
• _Ça ne change rien. Avec moi dans les parages, cela ne peut qu'être l'extase •_
_/ Vantard /_
• _Juste réaliste •_
_/ Justement, regarde la réalité en face… Ils ont encore leur boxer, rien n'est encore joué /_
• _Mais si, j'ai confiance. Harry est mon propriétaire, il ne peut qu'être doué au lit •_
_/ Justement, rien ne me dit que t'es doué au lit /_
• ♪ _Allez viens voir bibi, il te montrera son zizi et tu verra que je suis le roi du lit… •_
_/ J'espère juste que tu baises mieux que tu ne chantes… /_
• ♪ _Toutes les minettes, je les ai prises sur la carpette…•_
_/ Bécassine… /_
• _Quoi encore ? •_
_/ Ils… ils… /_
• _Allez, crache le morceau, c'est l'excitation qui te fait bégayer ? •_
_/ Ils se sont endormis /_
**_TBC..._**
* * *
_**Question de l'auteur pour avoir votre avis: **_
_Voilà, j'ignore encore comment va se pousuivre la fic. J'aimerais savoir si vous préférez avoir un **lemon ou pas**? Un lime? Un gros citron? Corcé ou léger? A vous de me donner votre avis et si vous avez encore des suggestions, je suis ouverte à toute idée extérieure! A vos claviers!__**
**_
6. Chapter 6
_Disclaimer : Tout à la merveilleuse **Jk Rowling**, rien à moi. Je ne gagne rien pour écrire, à part vos reviews, bien entendu._
_Remerciements : Merci à **Ano** pour sa relecture attentive (et rapide, il faut l'avouer). S'il y a des fautes, c'est à elle qu'il faut s'en prendre ! lol_
_Résumé : Lorsque Drago se fait mettre à la porte par Hermione, le jeune homme n'a plus d'autre choix que d'aller s'adresser à son pire ennemi pour l'héberger quelques nuits, le temps qu'Hermione accepte de le reprendre. Ce que le jeune homme ignore c'est que la situation va s'éterniser et lorsque sa conscience s'en mêle, une chose est sûre, plus rien ne sera jamais comme avant. Voudra-t-il vraiment quitter ce canapé et son propriétaire ?_
_Avertissement : Ceci est un **slash** Drago/Harry donc, homophobes, s'absternir. Je met **PG-12** pour le moment, car il y a des risques de **lemon**. Si cela arrivait, je préciserais avant le chapitre, bien entendu !_
* * *
Hermione, vêtue d'une chemise de chambre rose bonbon, tournait en rond dans sa chambre pendant que Greg poussait des petits soupirs en dormant. Elle était si préoccupée qu'elle ne sourcilla même pas lorsque son amant marmonna le prénom d'Angéla dans son sommeil. Elle avait bien plus grave problème que de savoir si l'homme avec qui elle trompait son futur ex-mari la trompait elle-même avec une autre. En effet, ce matin, Hermione avait appris qu'elle était enceinte… mais pas de Greg… ni de Drago.
**Flash Back**
Luna s'était enfin décidée à inviter Drago et Hermione pour un souper entre amis, au plus grand désespoir de son époux. En effet, Ron n'avait jamais approuvé la relation entre Drago et Hermione. Ron avait bien essayé de convaincre Luna qu'inviter le jeune couple n'était pas nécessaire, qu'il acceptait très bien le fait que son amitié avec la belle brune soit volée en éclat mais Luna avait insisté et contacta le couple sans demander son avis au rouquin. De plus, il passait ce soir au magico-téléviseur le dernier match de la saison de Quidditch, que Ron allait louper, bien entendu ! Si les Canons de Chudley gagnaient le championnat sans que leur plus grand fan n'y assiste, Ron se jurait d'assassiner Drago et Hermione de ses propres mains ! Chez lui, le Quidditch, c'est sacré, nom d'une brioche à la crème !
Le souper s'était déroulé assez calmement. Les petites jumelles de Ron et Luna nouvellement nées n'avaient pas arrêté de brailler mais leur maman les qualifiait d'assez sages. Hermione était parvenue à se retenir de jeter son verre de vin au visage de Drago lorsque celui-ci fixait le bustier de la maman qui allaitait ses enfants et Ron avait même pu entrapercevoir la fin du match de Quidditch lorsque lui et Drago laissèrent les femmes entre elles au moment où celles-ci abordèrent un problème fondamental : Faut-il oui ou non mettre le mascara avant le fard à paupières ?
Bref, la soirée s'était passée à peu près normalement si on omettait le rôti trop cuit et l'une des deux jumelles qui avait vomi dans le décolleté de Hermione. Et c'est justement à cet instant que les choses se corsèrent. A peine Vanilla eut-elle vidé le contenu de son estomac sur la poitrine de sa marraine que, innocemment, Ron se proposa pour lui indiquer la salle de bain. Hermione accepta avec un air ravi tandis que Drago et Luna plongèrent dans une conversation passionnante sur le caractère antiseptique qu'ont les nains de jardin sur les plantes grimpantes.
Tous les deux dans la salle de bain, Hermione en soutien-gorge en train de frotter son chemisier et Ron, rouge de honte qui lorgnait sur la poitrine de son amie finirent bien entendu par se lécher les amygdales, plaqués contre les carrelages muraux. Après que la salle d'eau ait été insonorisée, Ron mit exactement trente secondes pour dégrafer le soutien-gorge d'Hermione, un nouveau record mondial ! Les baleines valsèrent et s'accrochèrent à un lampadaire, suivies bien vite par petites culottes et compagnie. Pendant ce temps, Drago et Luna en arrivaient au problème controversé du débat sur qui des Ronflaks Cornus ou des Septernions avait le plus grand pouvoir psychédélique, ne se doutant pas une seule seconde que Ron culbutait Hermione sur la table à langer en cet instant.
Quelques minutes plus tard, après que Ron ait poussé un râle animal et que Hermione ait simulé un début d'extase, leur accouplement prit fin. Une odeur de musc flottait dans l'air. Heureusement que cela n'a pas duré plus longtemps, se dit Hermione. Plus jamais elle ne s'y ferait reprendre ! Comment Luna pouvait-elle supporter les petits cris aigus que poussait Ron durant toute la durée de l'acte ? De plus, si Hermione n'avait pas eu le dos en bouillie à cause du rebord de la planche à langer, elle se serait certainement endormie ! Intérieurement, elle se fit la remarque de féliciter Drago la prochaine fois qu'il la ferait grimper au rideau. Après tout, on ne se rend compte de son bonheur qu'une fois qu'on la perdu !
Hermione et Ron s'empressèrent de se rhabiller. La jeune femme venait à peine de retrouver son soutien-gorge, accroché à une applique murale et de le renfiler lorsque la porte de la salle de bain s'ouvrit à volée. Luna apparut dans l'embrasure de la porte, les radis accrochés à ses oreilles se balançant encore. Heureusement, Hermione avait eu le temps de remettre sa robe et son sous-vêtement et Ron était totalement revêtu lorsque sa femme était entrée. Celle-ci, d'une voix suspicieuse, demanda :
-Que faites-vous ? Pourquoi prenez-vous tant de temps ?
-Oh, tu comprends, Luna… Mon chemisier est un tissus très fin. J'ai eu peur de le nettoyer magiquement et la méthode moldue avec de l'eau, du savon et de l'huile de coude prend plus de temps, se rattrapa Hermione en lui indiquant le chemisier qui flottait dans l'eau grisâtre du lavabo.
-Mais, pourquoi Ron n'est-il pas revenu tout de suite ?
-Tu sais chérie, Hermione avait mal aux bras à force de frotter. Je l'ai reléguée, tu comprends, se reprit Ron, aussi rouge que les petits cœurs imprimés sur son caleçon.
-Je comprends, oui. Et puis je suppose qu'après tout ce temps, vous aviez des choses à vous dire…
-Exactement ! Je vois que tu comprends vite, Luna, renchérit Hermione avec un sourire forcé.
-Bon, eh bien j'étais venue vous prévenir que le dessert est servi, ajouta-t-elle avant de fermer la porte et repartir.
-Tu paries combien que Luna nous a encore fait son vacherin ? Murmura Ron en faisant un clin d'œil à son amie.
-Je parie surtout que Drago ne tient pas dix minutes avant de faire sa blague stupide, répondit Hermione en pouffant de rire.
Une fois les deux amants rhabillés, ils pénétrèrent dans la cuisine, les joues en feu. Hermione avait mal boutonné son chemisier et Ron avait des traces de rouge à lèvre dans le cou mais ni Luna, ni Drago, tous deux en grande conversation, ne s'en aperçurent. Lorsque Luna arriva triomphalement quelques minutes pus tard et portant sa spécialité, le vacherin maison, Drago ne put s'empêcher de plaisanter « Et le vacherin, ça ne 'veau' rien ! ». Avec un mince sourire, Hermione lança un coup d'oeil à Ron et tous deux partirent dans un fou rire silencieux.
Pourquoi ne s'étaient-ils pas rendus compte plus tôt qu'ils auraient pu faire un merveilleux couple ?
**Fin du Flash Back**
Hermione avait pris sa décision. Ce gosse avait besoin d'un père et Ron avait déjà sa famille. Elle ne pouvait pas tout détruire. Il y avait bien Greg mais Hermione commençait sérieusement à se lasser de lui. Il prenait trop de place dans le lit et avait la fâcheuse manie de ronfler après avoir fait l'amour. Non, ce qu'il fallait à Hermione c'était récupérer Drago, si lui et Harry ne s'étaient pas encore entretués, bien entendu.
Certes, Drago marchait pieds nus d'hiver comme été, certes, il prenait trop de temps dans la salle de bain mais Hermione avait besoin de lui ! Elle ne s'était pas mariée pour rien ! Peut-être qu'après quelques jours de séparation, Drago aurait prit quelques bonnes résolutions et cesserait enfin de se gratter l'entrejambe lorsqu'ils sont à table… C'est beau de rêver mais Hermione avait bon espoir. Après tout, un enfant, ça change un homme !
C'est donc de bon matin que Hermione arriva devant chez Harry, bien décidée à reprendre l'homme de sa vie. Elle s'apprêta à sonner à la porte mais, en voyant la celle-ci entrouverte, elle se décida d'entrer directement. A peine eut-elle posé le pied à l'intérieur de la maison qu'elle crut être arrivée sur le lien d'une attaque d'hippogriffes en chaleur qui auraient tout piétiné. En effet, des robes traînaient ça et là et des bouteilles vides jonchaient le sol. Mais c'est ce que Hermione découvrit sur ce même sol qui la stupéfia le plus. En caleçon, Drago et Harry dormaient enlacés.
Un filet de bave s'échappait de la bouche de Harry et une désagréable odeur de vieille vinasse flottait dans l'air. Les doigts de Drago étaient encore glissés dans la chevelure du beau brun qui dormait sur sa poitrine dévêtue. Le souffle de Harry caressait la peau douce du Serpentard et lui donnait la chair de poule. Une main protectrice de Harry enserrait la taille de sa peluche grandeur nature. La situation ne laissait aucun doute possible. Hermione ravala un sanglot et sortir de la maison en courant, sans oublier de claquer la porte en partant pour faire comme les femmes attristées à la magico-télévision.
Le bruit de la porte martelant son chambranle réveilla un Drago à la bouche pâteuse. Lorsqu'il s'aperçut qu'il était dans les bras de son meilleur ennemi, Drago se dégagea à la vitesse de l'éclair et se précipita à la fenêtre pour voir qui les avait surpris dans cette position. Lorsqu'il vit Hermione disparaître dans la nuit, Drago ne put s'empêcher d'ouvrir la porte à volée et se précipiter à la poursuite de son ex-femme.
-Hermione, il faut que je t'explique, commença Drago en courant à petites foulées à côté de la jeune femme.
-Il n'y a rien à expliquer, Drago, répondit-elle, le visage baigné de larmes qui roulaient le long de ses pommettes pour terminer leur course dans le creux au creux de son cou.
-Pourquoi es-tu revenue ? Pourquoi n'as-tu pas tout bonnement frappé à la porte ? Pourquoi, Hermione ?
-Et toi, pourquoi t'ais-je vu à moitié nu dans les bras de Harry ? Pourquoi t'ais-je vu faire preuve de plus de tendresse dans ton sommeil envers ton ennemi qu'envers moi durant toute notre relation ? Hurla-t-elle en se retournant pour faire face à son ex mari.
- Je ne sais pas… Si seulement je savais, Hermione. On était bourrés… On n'a pas fait exprès, tenta-t-il d'expliquer.
- Peut-être qu'on était tout simplement pas fait pour être ensemble, dit Hermione sans laisser apparaître ses sentiment comme si elle annonçait qu'il pleuvrait demain.
-Peut-être… Je sais plus où j'en suis, Mione.
-Demande-toi simplement à qui tu penses au moment de t'endormir et tu verras où tu en es. Bonne chance Drago, je sais que tu trouveras quelqu'un de bien, conclut Hermione avant de tourner les talons et reprendre sa route.
-Je l'espère, Mione, je l'espère, répondit Drago mais seul le vent matinal ne l'entendit.
_/Oh, pauvre petit Draguinouchet… Il parle tout seul /_
-Oh, la ferme !
A cet instant arriva une vieille dame, celle-là même que Drago avait croisée la nuit où Hermione l'avait mis à la porte. La mamie le toisa, retint une expression choquée et rougit malgré elle en voyant le boxer du jeune homme. Il y avait des lustres qu'un beau jeune homme ne s'était présenté ainsi devant elle. Il y avait bien les films après minuit sur sa télévision mais ce n'était pas pareil…
-Monsieur ! C'est la deuxième fois que je vous croise et à chaque fois, vous me manquez de respect. On ne dit pas « la ferme » à une vieille dame telle que moi, s'emporta-t-elle.
-Oh, désolée, madame… Je…
-Oui, je sais, votre histoire de conscience ! Mais tout de même, vous devriez vous faire soigner. Non seulement vous parlez tout seul, mais en plus vous avez une passion pour l'exhibitionnisme ! A chaque fois que je vous ai vu, vous étiez en caleçon dans les rues ! Et après, ça sera quoi ?
-Mais, je vous tuerai à coups de couteaux, madame. Avec un peu de chance, je vous ferai cuire à la broche avant de vous déguster, fit-il en se pourléchant les babines.
-Ha, espèce de monstre, hurla-t-elle avant de s'enfuir en traînant son caddie derrière elle.
Décidément, mamie Michelle en aurait des choses à raconter à son club de Bridge ! Mais ses amies la croirait-elle quand elle leur raconterait qu'elle avait croisé une deuxième fois le jeune homme de ses rêves en boxer ? Mamie Michelle imaginait déjà la tête ébahie de ses amies et tout l'attention dirigée vers elle. Elle nota mentalement de passer plus souvent dans ce coin de Londres pour faire le plein de potins.
Drago pouffa de rire en voyant la grand-mère partir en courant aussi vite que ses vieilles jambes le lui permettaient. Il frissonna de froid lorsqu'une fine brise vint lui caresser sa peau nue et se dépêcha de rentrer dans la maison du Survivant, pressé de plonger dans la tiédeur de son lit. Mais voila, lorsqu'on vient de vexer Mamie Michelle et qu'on a une conscience qui a trop fréquenté un apprenti Star Académicien, on peut rarement espérer avoir l'esprit tranquille.
_/ Désolée, je sais que ceci est un luxe exclusivement réservé à Bécassine mais… ♪ C'est la Mamie Michelle qui a la chatte en feu, et crie par la fenêtre à qui le lui éteindra…/_
-Oh non, tu ne vas pas commencer !
_/C'est bon, j'arrête mais c'était plus fort que moi…/_
-Mais merde, contrôle tes ardeurs ! On a conclu un marché, pas de bizarreries dès le matin, gronda Drago en pénétrant à pas feutrés dans la maison du Survivant pour ne pas réveiller celui-ci qui ronflait bruyamment sur le sol.
_/ On n'a conclu aucun marché /_
-Mais quand même ! Aies un peu pitié d'un gars qui a une gueule de bois !
_/ Et une mauvaise haleine…/_
-Et une conscience ultra emmerdante !
_/ Sans oublier une coiffure déplorable / _
-J'aurais eu le temps de me coiffer si tu ne m'avais pas obligé à me saouler hier soir !
_/ Ou si tu ne t'étais pas fait décoiffer par un Survivant bourré d'hormones et de whisky /_
-Silence !
_/ Tiens, ça m'avait manqué cette expression /_
-Oh, galère, soupira Drago en se vautrant sur son lit.
Drago était tellement bien, allongé sur son lit. Il savourait le bien-être que procurait la texture moelleuse des draps sous lui. La douceur et cette odeur si typiquement potterienne qui imprégnait la couverture comme le restant de la maison le calmait agréablement. Il avait l'impression de remonter le temps pour revenir quelques heures en arrière, la tête pausée sur le torse de Harry, sentant le cœur de sa Némésis battre sous son oreille. Mais, en bon Malfoy, il chassa cette idée de la tête. Un Malfoy n'aime pas un homme, jamais ! C'est malgré tout avec le souvenir flou d'un Survivant capturant tendrement ses lèvres que Drago retomba endormi tandis que dans l'autre pièce, l'objet de son rêve émergeait lentement.
• _Bonjour Potter ! Alors, on a fait des folies de sa nuit ? •_
-Rameuh... nianh... baragouina Harry en papillonnant des paupières pour s'habituer à la lumière du jour.
• _Euh, il existe un dictionnaire pour traduire ce langage qui m'est inconnu ? •_
- Fiche-moi la paix, morigéna-t-il en se relevant du tapis sur lequel il avait passé la nuit.
• _Oh que non je ne vais pas te laisser…. ♪ J'irai où tu iras, car je fais partie de toi. Dada dirla dada…•_
- Tais-toi…. Tu ne fais que chanter des reprises !
• _Mais quelle honte ! Comment oses-tu m'accuser de plagiat ? Ce sont les autres auteurs qui se sont inspirés de mes textes ! •_
- N'importe quoi !
• _Et d'après toi, où Johnny Hallyday a-t-il été cherché son « Allumez le feu » ? Hein ? C'est moi qui ai écrit ses paroles ! •_
-Mais oui, je te crois… En attendant, dis-moi que cet effroyable rêve que j'ai fait cette nuit ne s'est pas réellement passé…
• _Cet effroyable rêve que tu as fait cette nuit ne s'est pas réellement passé •_
- Oh, tu me soulages !
• _Oui, c'est vrai ! Comment pourrais-tu être pourchassé par un Rusard en robe à fleur ? Rusard n'est pas capable de courir à cause de sa nouvelle jambe de bois ! •_
-Je ne parlais pas de ce cauchemar-là !
• _Oh, dans ce cas, à moins que tu ne veuilles m'entendre te mentir, alors oui, tu as bien failli t'envoyer en l'air avec Malfoy !•_
-Oh, galère !
• _Oui, c'est exactement ce qu'il a dit en te voyant baver sur son torse ce matin•_
-Merde, qu'est-ce qu'il m'a pris ?
• _Un désir lointainement refoulé, je suppose. •_
-Oh, la ferme !
• _A ce propos, il va vraiment falloir que je te donne des cours de déboutonnage de robes…•_
- Il va surtout falloir que j'aille lui parler…
• _Mauvaise, très mauvaise idée •_
-Je prends le risque, décréta Harry et en se dirigeant à grandes enjambées vers la chambre d'amis. Drago ! Réveille-toi, fainéant !
- Moui ? Demanda celui-ci en émergeant du sommeil léger dans lequel il était sombré il y a quelques minutes et anéantissant ainsi son rêvé peuplé de whisky et de lèvres en feu.
-Faut qu'on cause, aboya Harry avec aussi peu de délicatesse qu'un hippogriffe dans un magasin de fioles à poison.
-Chez les Malfoy, on ne « cause » pas, on parle !
- Oh, cesse de me titiller ! Tu sais, pour hier soir…
-Quoi, hier soir ? Qu'est-ce que j'ai à voir avec le fait que tu te saoules tout seul le soir ? Demanda Drago en faignant de ne pas savoir où Harry voulait en venir.
-Mais, enfin, tu dois… Tu dois te souvenir de hier…
-Oh que oui. Tu délirais mon pauvre petit Potter. Arrête de boire, ça vaut mieux, cracha Drago entre ses dents tel un serpent crache le venin.
-Mais, toi et moi…
-Je ne vois pas de quoi tu parles, le balafré !
• ♪ _Drago est le roi râteau… •_
-La ferme, s'emporta Harry.
Drago ignorait pourquoi il avait réagi ainsi. Il aurait voulu lui dire merci d'avoir réalisé un de ses plus beaux rêves, de lui avoir fait comprendre enfin qu'aucune fille ne lui apporterait une telle sensation. Mais non. Encore une fois, il avait fait l'idiot, et voir Harry quitter sa chambre aussi piteusement lui mis le moral à zéro. Pourquoi avait-il fallu qu'il gâche tout ? Pourquoi l'amour c'était tellement compliqué, surtout quand on n'a pas le courage de tout avouer ?
_**TBC... **_
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_**Concours exclusif :******Que pensez-vous qu'il va arriver dans le prochain chapitre? Pensez-vous qu'une armée de dinausaures en tongs va arriver pour assister au prochain baiser de Harry et Drago? Que des extraterrestres viendront annoncer que Drago est en réalité le roi des Martiens? Une armée d'animaux va les prendre en otage? Que Drago est en fait la réincarnation d'Hitler?_
_A vos claviers et que le plus marrant l'emporte!
_
7. Chapter 7
_Disclaimer : Tout à la merveilleuse **Jk Rowling**, rien à moi. Je ne gagne rien pour écrire, à part vos reviews, bien entendu._
_Remerciements : Merci à **Ano** pour sa relecture attentive (et rapide, il faut l'avouer). S'il y a des fautes, c'est à elle qu'il faut s'en prendre ! lol_
_Résumé : Lorsque Drago se fait mettre à la porte par Hermione, le jeune homme n'a plus d'autre choix que d'aller s'adresser à son pire ennemi pour l'héberger quelques nuits, le temps qu'Hermione accepte de le reprendre. Ce que le jeune homme ignore c'est que la situation va s'éterniser et lorsque sa conscience s'en mêle, une chose est sûre, plus rien ne sera jamais comme avant. Voudra-t-il vraiment quitter ce canapé et son propriétaire ?_
_Avertissement : Ceci est un S**lash** Drago/Harry donc, homophobes, s'absternir. Je met **PG-12** pour le moment, car il y a des risques de **Lemon**. Si cela arrivait, je préciserais avant le chapitre, bien entendu !_
* * *
Alors que Drago évoluait dans la froideur de cette fin d'après-midi, les lampadaires s'allumèrent soudainement, illuminant la misère des rues désertes de Londres. La nuit était presque tombée et pourtant, Drago continuait d'errer. Il ne voulait et ne pouvait pas rentrer maintenant. Son plan tomberait à l'eau. Il devait sauver son image. Il devait détruire les espoirs du Survivant. Il ignorait pourquoi mais il savait qu'il devait le faire. Il le devait.
_/ Je crois que t'ignores où tu vas…/_
-La ferme, Bertha !
_/ Oh, monte pas sur tes grands chevaux. Quoique, peut-être qu'un baudet te ramènerait dans la maison de Harry, bien au chaud. /_
-On ne retourne pas chez Harry, pas maintenant. Patiente encore un peu…
_/ Ou on peut aller simplement quelque part où on ne grelotterait pas de froid /_
-On n'a nulle part où aller, murmura Drago d'un air las.
_/ Le métro est encore ouvert pendant quelques heures /_
-Ais-je une tête à savoir comment prendre le métro ?
_/ Non, t'as plutôt l'air d'un gars qui est complètement paumé, incapable de faire quoi que ce soit ! _
-Je ne suis pas paumé !
_/ Mais t'es incapable de faire quoi que ce soit /_
-Comment veux-tu que je fasse quelque chose avec une conscience aussi perturbée ?
_/ Pourquoi tu ne fais pas simplement ce dont tu meurs d'envie /_
-Hein ? Mais tu sais bien que j'ai beau en crever d'envie mais je suis incapable de te faire taire !
_/ Je parlais juste d'aller voir Harry pour lui dire que tu regrettes /_
-Mais je lui ai fait croire qu'il avait tout imaginé ! Ce serait me trahir d'avouer que je regrette ce qui s'est passé entre nous !
_/ Mais tu ne regrettes pas cette nuit, Drago ! Dis lui juste que tu t'en veux d'avoir menti, que vous vous êtes vraiment embrassés. Dis lui juste que tu l'aim…/_
-Je ne lui dirai rien du tout, s'écria Drago en coupant ce que la voix intérieure était sur le point de dire.
_/ Alors reste dans ta merde ! J'espère juste que la température continuera à chuter pour que tu crèves de froid ! Et surtout, je prierai pour que personne ne songe à donner tes organes parce que le pauvre receveur se ferait arnaquer d'obtenir ton cœur de pierre ! Crétin /_
Choqué par les déclarations de sa conscience, Drago se tû et bifurqua dans une venelle perpendiculaire à la rue dans laquelle il était engagé. Il venait de se faire royalement rabattre le caquet. Mais même s'il n'osait pas se l'avouer, les paroles de Bertha l'avaient chamboulé. Intérieurement, la dénommée Bertha se félicita d'avoir fait preuve d'autant de tact. Depuis le temps qu'elle rêvait de lui dire ses quatre vérités !
Pendant ce temps, Harry tournait en rond dans son salon. Il était passé neuf heures et Drago n'était pas rentré depuis ce matin. Et s'il lui était arrivé quelque chose de grave ? Les yeux fixés sur son horloge, il commençait sérieusement à se faire du mouron. En plus de cela, des milliers de questions continuaient à lui triturer l'esprit, donnant à Bécassine une effroyable envie de faire aller ses cordes vocales. Tout son répertoire y était passé et le mal de crâne de Harry ne faisait qu'empirer.
• ♪_Oh grand malheur, je regarde défiler les heures et Draguinouchet n'est pas là pour calmer mes ardeurs…. •_
-Ta gueule
• ♪ _Quoi ma gu…•_
-Non, tu l'as déjà faite trois fois celle-là ! ♪ Bécassine a passé l'âge, Bécassine, faut tourner la page, se mit à chantonner Harry.
• _Méheuuuuh ! C'est moi qui chante, ici ! Et en plus tu plagies toi aussi ! •_
-Arrêtes de parler, s'il te plait.
• _Et si cela ne me plait pas ?•_
- Roh, t'es vraiment lourde à la fin !
Le silence se fit alors. Un silence pensant qui signifiaient beaucoup. Un silence qui en dit plus que des paroles. Un silence rancunier qui fit bientôt regretter à Harry d'avoir dit ces derniers mots. Bécassine ne râlait pas vraiment mais elle s'ennuyait et il fallait bien trouver quelque chose pour mettre de l'ambiance. Voir le Survivant se plier en quatre pour se faire pardonner la faisait mourir de rire. Il faut dire qu'il avait une manière bien à lui de prononcer des excuses.
-Enfin, tu vois, je voulais pas enfin, je voulais mais pas tant que ça. Tu vois, je ne pensais pas ce que… enfin, pas sur le coup quoi…
Silence. Bécassine ne prononça pas un mot et Harry vit rouge. Il voulait l'entendre maintenant, ne serait-ce qu'un mot, rien qu'un signe qui prouverait qu'elle était toujours là. Mais non, le silence régnait, encore et toujours. Si elles n'étaient pas déjà toutes mortes depuis la fin de l'été précédent, Harry aurait pu entendre une mouche voler. Mais il ne voulait pas écouter ces stupides petites bêtes. Il voulait que Bécassine lui réponde ! Et pour en rajouter une couche, la conscience continua de se taire lorsque Harry reprit son monologue.
-Pitié, parle… PARLE BORDEL DE MERDE !
Le silence continua de peser sur l'esprit de Harry. Il était à deux doigts de craquer. Mais Harry n'était pas le Survivant pour rien ! Il fit donc ce qu'on lui avait appris à faire : il ne se laissa pas démonter et prit le taureau par les cornes. Ce fut au tour de Harry de se taire, de se désintéresser de sa conscience. Elle cherchait de l'attention, très bien ! Il n'allait pas lui laisser ce plaisir…
Les dix minutes suivantes se passèrent dans le calme le plus total, chacun s'obstinant à ne pas faire le moindre bruit. C'était à celui qui craquerait le premier et tous deux étaient sur le point de céder. Pour ne pas y penser, Harry comptait les secondes sur sa pendule suisse. Mais au moment où Bécassine s'était décidée à tenter une médiation, le silence fut rompu d'une manière qui les fit sursauter. En effet, l'aiguille de l'horloge à coucou pointa sur neuf heures pile. Au dessus du cadran, un petit oiseau jaune en bois sortit alors de derrière deux portes en criant « Coucou ! Coucou ! »
-Haaaaaa, s'écrièrent Harry et bécassine d'une même voix.
• _J'en peux plus ! •_
-Moi non plus….
• _Oh qu'est-ce que c'est bon de t'entendre! •_
-Je ne pensais pas avoir à le dire un jour mais… qu'est-ce que j'aime ta voix !
•_Ca veut dire que je peux chanter autant que je veux ? •_
-Oublies ce que je viens de dire !
« Coucou »
• ♪ _Je n'oublie jamais rien, même pas la moiteur de ses seins...•_
-Pourquoi je ne me suis pas tû ?
• _Parce que tu causes toujours de trop ! •_
-Moi au moins je ne chante pas !
• _Peut-être que tu devrais !_
- Je n'ai pas besoin de faire la Star Académie pour être une star, moi ! Je suis célèbre de nature !
• _Vantard ! •_
- Casserole !
« Coucou »
- Il n'en a pas marre, l'oiseau de malheur ? Hurla alors Harry en prenant la première chose qui lui passait sous la main pour la lancer sur l'horloge qui sonnait neuf fois.
La pendule se détacha du mur où elle reposait depuis plus de trois ans pour atterrir lourdement sur le sol. Elle se brisa en mille morceaux et le petit oiseau de bois n'eut pas le temps de prononcer un dernier « coucou » avant finir écrasé sous la cadran de l'objet. Avec horreur, Harry s'aperçut que la chose qu'il avait lancée sur l'horloge était en fait un des griffons en porcelaine qui lui avait coûté une petite fortune, étant la pièce maîtresse de sa collection. Des débris de statuette se mêlèrent alors à ceux de bois sur le sol alors que Harry se maudissait intérieurement.
Après avoir nettoyé les dégâts et n'ayant plus d'horloge à fixer, Harry se décida à ne plus penser à Drago. Si le garçon s'était mis dans les emmerdes, il ne pouvait s'en prendre qu'à lui-même ! Harry avait toujours été indépendant et ce n'était pas aujourd'hui que cela allait changer. S'en faire pour un Malfoy, quelle drôle d'idée tout de même ! Les relents d'alcool de la soirée d'hier devaient encore faire des dégâts sur son cerveau…
Harry prit une bonne douche bien chaude pour se rafraîchir les idées puis s'enroula dans son peignoir moelleux. Dans le salon, il glissa ses pieds dans ses pantoufles si confortables et s'emmitoufla dans la couverture qui recouvrait le canapé. Un chocolat chaud couvert d'un nuage de crème fraîche dans une main, la magicomande dans l'autre, Harry savoura le moment où il appuya sur la touche « Play ». Sur l'écran de la magicotélévision, les premières images de Titanic revisité par les sorciers apparurent et les dernières pensées de Harry se portant sur Drago s'envolèrent aussitôt. En effet, il y avait bien plus important : Jack misait en ce moment pour obtenir une place sur le paquebot !
Pendant ce temps, Drago continuait de marcher là où ses pieds le portaient. D'un geste frigorifié, il porta ses mains à son visage et souffla dedans pour dégeler ses doigts bleuis par le froid. Il ramena sa cape sur ses épaules et renifla bruyamment. Pourquoi faisait-il si froid en hiver ? Et comme si cela ne suffisait pas, la météo mit son grain de sel sur cette histoire ou plutôt… ses flocons de neige. Un voile blanc couvrit bien vite les habits de Drago et ses cheveux dégoulinèrent lentement. D'habitude, regarder tomber la neige le fascinait mais là, cela l'énervait franchement… Surtout que pendant ce temps, Bertha, qui avait trop fréquenté Bécassine, s'était mise à fredonner « Vive le vent » sur l'air de « Mon beau sapin ».
Une petite heure plus tard, alors que l'iceberg fauchait un paquebot et que Harry fondait en larme devant son poste de magicotélévision, une résistance s'organisait dans la maison du Survivant. Sur la table de salon, une tasse reposait avec dans le fond, un résidu de poudre chocolatée de chez Zonko qui stagnait. Sur l'étagère en bois massif, la collection de statuettes de griffons en deuil se mit à bouger sans que Harry ne s'en rende compte. Une griffon doré en porcelaine fit lentement aller ses ailes puis s'envola pour se poser sur la table, juste à côté de la tasse délaissée. Au moment crucial où Jack sombrait dans les profondeurs de l'eau glaciale après un dernier baiser à Rose, alors que Harry entamait sa deuxième boite de mouchoir, le griffon miniature prit la parole, à la plus grande stupeur de Harry.
-Bonjour humain !
-Euh… vous êtes qui ? Demanda Harry en se réfugiant au fond du canapé.
-Cela ne se voit pas ? Je suis le représentant du syndicat des griffons de porcelaine chinoise, clama la statuette d'un air hautain.
-Euh, en français, ça donne quoi ?
- Je… suis… le… re-pré-sen-tant… du…
-Oui oui c'est bon, j'ai compris ! Mais qu'est-ce que vous foutez ici ? Vous ne voyez pas que Jack est mort ? S'énerva Harry en désignant les images sur l'écran.
-De toutes façon ils vont tous crever ! C'est Titanic, pas les Feux de L'Amour !
-Hein ? Mais, le Happy End alors ? Jack n'a pas fait d'Horcruxes ? Il ne revient pas fantôme ? Mais c'est quoi ce navet ? Demanda Harry avec amertume.
-Bah, c'est Titanic…
• _Ha, il est intelligent, celui-là !•_
-Ouais, merci, je m'en serais douté ! Bon, pourquoi vous intervenez à cinq minutes de la fin ? Interrogea Harry.
-On en avait marre de ce film. On s'est concerté, moi et les autres griffons et nous avons convenu que la meilleure solution pour faire valoir nos droits était de faire grève !
-Vos droits, quels droits ?
-Le droit d'être dépoussiéré tous les deux mois minimum et surtout mis en valeur ! On est en porcelaine chinois tout de même, se plaignit le griffon.
-Vous plaisantez ?
-Ais-je l'air d'avoir le sens de l'humour, humain ?
-Glurps…Euh, enfin, je veux dire… Pourquoi ? Vous… vous étiez si couverts de poussière ?
-J'ai ici la lise de vos erreur : L'année dernière, vous avez fait abstraction du nettoyage de printemps, de celui d'automne et surtout, de celui avant la visite d'inspection de Molly ! Ce qui nous donne un total de deux centimètres de poussière qui ternit notre plaqué or. C'est une honte pour des statuettes de notre espèce !
-C'est pas si grave, tenta de négocier Harry.
-Comment ? La poussière, passe encore. Mais cela fait des mois que nous endurons sans rien dire les films à l'eau de rose tous les soirs. Vient s'ajouter à cela les moqueries de cette conscience, Bertha…
• _Hé, ma Bertha, elle t'emmerde, le griffon ! Tu la laisses où elle est ! •_
-Ces derniers jours, nous avons eu à supporter vos ébats avec Mr Malfoy sur la moquette du salon qui elle aussi est à la limite de la rébellion. Jusque là nous n'avions rien dit mais c'était avant que l'un des nôtre périsse lamentablement de votre main pour une simple histoire de coucou… C'en est trop. A partir d'aujourd'hui, nous faisons grève !
-Grève ? Et qu'allez-vous faire ? Vous allez rester aussi immobiles que des statues ? Demanda Harry en explosant de rire.
• _Mais non, ils vont rester de marbre •_
-Oh, rigolez, mais rira bien qui rira le dernier, fit la statuette sur un ton de défi.
-Ce qui veut dire ? Demanda Harry avec un air plaisantin
-Ce qui veut dire que nous allons faire de votre vie un enfer !
Drago venait d'avoir une idée lumineuse, encore plus lumineuse que le lampadaire sous lequel il se tenait. Encore fallait-il qu'il trouve ce dont il avait besoin. Cela ne devrait pas être trop difficile ; des prostituées, on en trouve aux quatre coins de Londres ! Mais Drago avait beau avoir la réputation de tombeur, aborder une péripatéticienne relevait du combat intérieur pour lui !
En effet, Drago avait toujours eu la mauvaise habitude de rougir, une fois plongé dans une situation embarrassante, et ce n'était pas avec une conscience qui lui susurrait des choses peu catholiques à l'oreille qu'il allait régler ce problème. Une fois sa proie repérée, Drago avança d'un pas mal assuré vers la jeune femme en minijupe qui longeait le trottoir. Un sac à a main, la jeune femme semblait frigorifiée. En tentant de maîtriser les trémolos de sa voix, Drago demanda :
-Excusez-moi… Je voudrais savoir c'est combien…
-Pardon ? Demanda la jeune femme avec un air d'incompréhension.
-Oui, je veux, dire… C'est combien pour la nuit ? Fit Drago en devenant vraiment gêné.
-Oh ! Vous ne croyez tout de même pas que…. Espèce de pervers ! Non mais quelle honte, hurla la dame en s'enfuyant.
_/ Oh la gaffe!/_
-Merde, ce n'était pas une prostituée, s'exclama Drago en explosant de rire.
_/ Mais quel boulet, j'en reviens pas /_
-J'avoue que sur ce coup, j'ai merdé, pouffa Drago en se tenant à un banc public tellement il riait.
_/ Je crois que tu dois tout reprendre depuis le début ! Olala... quand je raconterai ça à Bécassine /_
-Tu ne raconteras rien du tout. On ne sait jamais, elle peut tout aller raconter à Harry !
_/ Justement, s'il savait tous les efforts que tu fais pour le rendre jaloux, il te sauterait au cou /_
-Mais je ne veux pas qu'il me saute au cou !
_/ Menteur /_
-Silence !
Harry se débattait tant qu'il pouvait. Il y a quelques minutes, un bataillon de griffons enragés l'avait assailli et il était à présent ligoté sur le tapis de son salon, menacé par une armada d'animaux miniatures qui brandissaient des cure-dents en guise d'arme. Même si ses adversaires n'étaient pas d'une grande force, leur supériorité numérique empêchait à Harry de se dégager. Bâillonné avec une vieille chaussette comme un cochon prêt à être cuit à la broche, Harry maudissait sa collection de statuettes jusqu'à la quatre-vingt neuvième génération.
C'est ce moment que choisit Drago pour arriver en compagnie d'une prostituée qu'il avait embauchée avec une demande bien particulière. Il fallait qu'elle passe la nuit avec lui sans rien de plus pour qu'au petit matin ils se fassent surprendre par un ami et faire croire qu'ils avaient couché ensemble. La fille n'était pas très étonnée, les hommes lui demandaient souvent cela… En effet, il y avait toujours des crétins pour vouloir faire les machos et faire croire qu'ils étaient des bombes sexuelles. Drago n'était qu'un idiot de plus.
Mais le plan de Drago ne marcha pas aussi bien qu'il ne l'aurait voulu. En effet, lorsqu'il arriva devant la maison où il logeait, il se rendit compte que la lampe était allumée dans le salon du Survivant. Harry était encore certainement scotché devant son écran de magicotélévision ! Drago dû donc modifier son plan et paya prostituée à l'avance. La mission de la femme serait plus courte que prévue.
Harry vit la porte s'ouvrir à volée. Il était prêt à remercier Merlin d'avoir enfin fait rentrer Drago à ce moment-là mais il déchanta très vite en voyant une femme qui léchait les amygdales du jeune blond. Les joues de celui-ci étaient couvertes de trace de rouge à lèvre rouge vif et il fermait les yeux à s'en fendre les paupières. Drago porta sa main sous la robe de sa conquête et fit remonter l'habit jusqu'à ce que Harry puisse apercevoir un string bleu clair.
• _Tu crois que la bonne femme va finir par l'étouffer à force de lui fourrer la langue dans la gorge ? •_
-Kof mourf ahin, marmonna Harry en s'étranglant avec la chaussette qui lui servait de bâillon
• _Quoi ? Tu espères bien ? Moi j'espère surtout qu'il va finir par ouvrir les yeux et nous délivrer des petits bonhommes… Les martiens, le retour ! Tadadaaaam...•_
- Ageur meuh…
• _Merde, le Cicatrisé est en train de s'étrangler avec sa chaussette ! Bertha, fait quelque chose ! •_
_/ Je veux bien, mais le mien aussi suffoque avec l'autre sangsue /_
• _Chuchote-lui de lui mordre la langue •_
_/ Mais c'est ce qu'il fait depuis trois minutes et elle en redemande /_
• _Qu'il lui écrase le pieds alors ! Harry est en apnée depuis des lustres. Il passe du vert au bleu !•_
_/ C'est l'invasion des Schtroumpf /_
• _La ferme, et fais quelque chose sinon tu verras ce qu'il te réserve, Gargamelle !•_
_/Oh, c'est bon, la sangsue a rompu le baiser /_
• _Comment t'as fait ?•_
_/ Drago lui a pincé les nichons /_
• _Ouch, c'est sadique ça •_
_/ Avoue que tu rêves que je te fasse pareil /_
• _On ne peut vraiment rien te cacher •_
Pendant ce temps, Drago venait de s'apercevoir que Harry était ligoté à terre, pris en otage par sa collection de griffons en porcelaine et qu'il était en train de s'étouffer. En temps normal, il aurait explosé de rire mais une fois qu'il eut lui-même retrouvé son souffle et mis la prostituée à la porte, il se précipita détacher Harry et lui retirer son bâillon. Une fois la chaussette retirée, Drago put constater que Harry était inconscient. Il fit donc la dernière chose qu'il lui restait à faire : du bouche-à-bouche ! Harry s'éveilla alors en sursaut, s'étonna de voir Drago poser ses tendres lèvres sur les siennes et sauta sur Drago pour l'embrasser goulûment.
**_TBC..._**
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_**Vainceur précédent: ** Je voudrais féliciter **Raspoutine** du site TWWO pour avoir gagné le concours précédent avec, en prime, le record de la plus longue review qu'on m'ait jamais laissé. Exceptionnellement, pour ces deux victoires, il gagne un super prix : sa proposition de surnom pour Bécassine a été retenue ! Ce sera désormais 'Sine pour les intimes !_
_**Concours exclusif de ce chapitre : **Quelle solution Harry et drago trouveront-ils pour vaincre les griffons miniatures ? Ils leur feront écouter la Star Ac' et, à bout de nerfs, ils se suicideront ? Ils mangeront des haricots et pèteront un coup pour les asphyxier ? _
_A vos claviers et que le plus marrant l'emporte !_
8. Chapter 8
_Disclaimer : Tout à la merveilleuse **Jk Rowling**, rien à moi. Je ne gagne rien pour écrire, à part vos reviews, bien entendu._
_Remerciements : Merci à **Ano** pour sa relecture attentive (et rapide, il faut l'avouer). S'il y a des fautes, c'est à elle qu'il faut s'en prendre ! lol_
_Résumé : Lorsque Drago se fait mettre à la porte par Hermione, le jeune homme n'a plus d'autre choix que d'aller s'adresser à son pire ennemi pour l'héberger quelques nuits, le temps qu'Hermione accepte de le reprendre. Ce que le jeune homme ignore c'est que la situation va s'éterniser et lorsque sa conscience s'en mêle, une chose est sûre, plus rien ne sera jamais comme avant. Voudra-t-il vraiment quitter ce canapé et son propriétaire ?_
_Avertissement : Ceci est un **Slash** Drago/Harry donc, homophobes, s'absternir. Je met **PG-12** pour le moment, car il y a des risques de **Lemon**. Si cela arrivait, je préciserais avant le chapitre, bien entendu !_
* * *
Couchés à même le sol, Drago et Harry s'embrassaient avidement, comme s'ils étaient frustrés depuis des décennies. Leurs langues, parfaitement synchronisées dans le balai de leur baiser, et leurs mains aventurières parcourant l'échine de l'autre, dans une zone contenue entre le dos et les jambes, excitaient les deux hommes. Drago rompit soudain le baiser et plongea sa tête dans la nuque de sa Némésis.
-Drago, je…
-Chut, marmonna Drago avant de capturer les lèvres sucrées du Survivant et laisser la fièvre l'envahir.
-Mais Drago… Les griffons sont en train de nous ligoter, susurra Harry en sentant une miniature de porcelaine enrouler une ficelle autour de ses chevilles.
-Pas grave, de toute façon je ne compte pas me séparer de toi avant longtemps, répondit-il en un soupir avant de renverser Harry et de se coucher sur lui.
Harry n'insista pas plus, profitant pleinement du corps de Drago contre le sien. Le jeune blond commença à déboutonner le pyjama en molleton que revêtait Harry avec une lenteur calculée, ponctuant sa descente de baisers sur le torse de celui-ci. Harry, chatouilleux à souhait, se cambra lorsque les lèvres de Drago entrèrent en contact avec son nombril et se frappa mentalement lorsqu'il vit que son geste avait fait cesser la progression de son amant.
Drago refocalisa ensuite son attention sur le visage de Harry et lui mordilla l'oreille. Harry refoula une expression de douleur pour ne pas vexer Drago et lui fit un sourire timide avant de lui donner un énième baiser. Mais cet instant fut bien vite troublé par un évènement inattendu. En effet, alors que Drago était étendu de tout son long sur le corps frémissant de Harry, celui-ci sentit une étrange boule se former entre les jambes de Drago et appuyer contre son ventre. Alors que Harry devenait de plus en plus rouge, la fameuse boule dont Harry devinait aisément la provenance se mit à… remuer.
-Merde, Harry…
-Quoi ? Demanda le principal concerné en tentant de se retenir de rougir.
-Il y a… Il y a un griffon qui tente de s'infiltrer dans mon boxer !
Harry explosa alors de rire tellement cette réponse l'avait surpris. La boule qu'il sentait appuyer sur son abdomen se mit à bouger de plus en plus et Drago se débattit comme une furie, faisant redoubler les rires de sa Némésis. Mais les griffons miniatures avaient bien prévenu Harry, rira bien qui rira le dernier… Ce fut au tour de Harry de subir l'attaque des statuettes et de la façon la plus démoniaque qu'il soit. Munies d'une plume de paon dont Harry se servait pour écrire au courrier des fans de Sorcière Hebdo, les miniatures se mirent à chatouiller la plante des pieds de Harry dont les chevilles attachées l'empêchaient de se débattre.
-Ha ha ha ha, s'esclaffa Harry.
-C'est pas drôle, Harry!
-Je ne ris pas de toi mais... mais… ça chatouille !
-Oh, Harry, retire-moi cette chose de mon boxer !
_/ Hé, 'Sine, tu penses à ce que je pense quand il dit qu'il veut lui enlever une « chose » de son boxer /_
• _Mais il est fou ? De quelle chose il parle ? Cela peut prêter à confusion ! On dirait qu'il veut volontairement se faire castrer ! •_
_/ Il me semblait que c'était déjà fait /_
• _Mais non, il n'en avait jamais eu, de burnes ! Alors il reste quoi à enlever ? •_
_/T'as pas compris, c'est juste une technique pour que Harry lui mette une main dans le slip, petit vicieux, va /_
• _Ce n'est pas pour rien que t'es sa conscience ! •_
-Tu ne peux pas le faire toi-même ? Demanda Harry en continuant de pleurer de rire en sentant le contact de la plume sur la plante de ses pieds.
-Mais j'ai les mains coincées par les ficelles des nains de jardin poilus et il continue à se frotter contre… tu vois quoi !
-Enfin, Drago… C'est délicat comme situation…
-Et mon biiip, il n'est pas délicat, tu crois ? Je sais pas si t'es au courant mais la fourrure des griffons, c'est hyper urticant, se plaignit Drago en retenant une expression agacée.
-Mais je ne peux pas… Ils me chatouillent les pieds, pouffa Harry en continuant de se tortiller.
-Harry, cela devient urgent… Il commence à me mordre !
• _Hé mais ça c'est super intéressant. En plus d'être gay, Drago est zoophile et « porcelainophile » ! Bientôt il va finir acteur porno ! •_
_/ Chuut, je savoure… Ce n'est pas tous les jours que Drago a quelque chose dans son boxer qui lui mord les couilles /_
• _Mais c'est dégueulasse •_
_/ Ouais mais depuis le temps que je suis en manque de sexe, je me contente de ce que j'ai /_
• _C'est quand même atroce •_
_/Raison de plus pour nous dépêcher de rassembler Harry et Drago /_
A l'entente des dernières paroles de son amant, Harry explosa de rire, imaginant la posture dans laquelle se trouvait en cet instant le griffon miniature. Dans son élan, Harry qui se débattait des ficelles qui le retenaient prisonnier pour tenter d'échapper à la plume dévastatrice fit un mouvement brusque. Son genou vint heurter l'entrejambe de Drago qui cria sous le coup. Le jeune blond se redressa violemment et fit sauter les cordes qui les liaient ensemble. Lorsque les ficelles cédèrent, l'une d'entre elles alla claquer contre la jambe de Harry et lui laissa une grande balafre.
Drago se pencha et plaqua les mains sur son entrejambe pour en atténuer la douleur. Il se gratta discrètement pour soulager l'urticaire que lui avaient donné les poils de la statuette puis remarqua que le coup que lui avait assené Harry avait, par la même occasion, décapité le griffon en porcelaine. Un de moins, pensa Drago. Un sourire sadique s'étira alors sur son visage tandis que Harry, délivré de la terrible plume, reprenait son sérieux. Drago avait eu une idée géniale et surtout… très jouissive. On ne s'attaque pas aux bijoux de la famille Malfoy sans en subir les connaissances, paroles de Sang Pur !
• _Ton Drago affiche une expression qui ne me plait pas beaucoup…•_
_/ Ca c'est quand il vient d'avoir une idée tordue /_
• _Quelle pensées obscènes lui as-tu encore mises en tête ? •_
_/ Pour une fois c'est pas de ma faute ! Je lui ai juste dit de culbuter Harry sur la table du salon voila une demi-heure /_
• _Soit il est très lent à la détente, soit notre ami Drago commence à réfléchir par lui-même. •_
_/ Si c'est la seconde solution, tu sais ce que cela veut dire… /_
• _Que notre travail est bientôt terminé, je sais…•_
-Harry ? Demanda Drago avec un air triomphal.
-Oui ? Pourquoi tu souris ?
-Quelle est la personne que tu détestes le plus au monde ?
-C'est une question piège ? Voila quelques jours, j'aurais répondu toi mais vu que tu étais à deux doigts de me baiser sur la moquette il y a deux minutes… euh… Pourquoi tu demandes cela ?
-J'ai bien envie de faire un concours de lancer de griffons et il me faut une cible, répondit Drago en rigolant.
-Une cible ? J'ai ma petite idée… Il y a bien mon cousin, Dudley.
-Lui ? Mais, d'après les descriptions que m'en a fait Hermione, on pourrait même lancer les griffons trois kilomètres de travers, on finirait quand même par le toucher, tellement il est énorme ! Ce n'est même plus du jeu, rouspéta Drago tel un enfant à qui on aurait volé une bille.
-Juste ! Il y a bien ce bébé en bas de la rue. Hier, il m'a vomi dessus lorsque je l'ai pris dans les bras !
-Harry ! Pas un enfant !
_/ Oui, zoophile, passe encore mais pas un pédophile /_
• _Remarque comme le mot « zoophile » rime étrangement avec « débile » •_
_/ Dommage, sado-maso n'a pas cette consonance /_
• _Ca peut toujours marcher avec « gros lolos » •_
_/ N'oublies pas qu'ils sont homos /_
• _Ouais, homo ! C'est parfait pour les vers d'une chanson ! ♪ La jeunesse actuelle est composée de pervers sexuels. Quand les jeunes de nos jours ne sont pas débiles ou zoophiles, leurs consciences sont sado-maso et homo…•_
_/ Le rythme est encore à revoir /_
• _Tant pis, je le met quand même sous copyright, au cas où Elton John voudrait s'en inspirer •_
_/ Pourquoi ? Il capte pas le français /_
• _Mais il est quand même homo, ça lui conviendrait bien. Peut-être que je pourrais empocher le pactole avec cette chanson •_
_/ S'il est homo, présente-le plutôt à Drago, c'est plus rentable /_
• _Mais non, il est marié •_
_/ Et alors, Eva l'était aussi /_
• _Arrête de fantasmer et écoute-les !•_
-Il y a Miss Teigne qui ferait une super cible, proposa Harry avec l'espoir de pouvoir enfin se venger des heures de colle.
-On ne va pas aller à Poudlard, quand même
-Mais non, depuis que Rusard est à la retraite, lui et sa chatte en chaleur habitent à deux pâtés de maison d'ici…
- Miss Teigne, en chaleur ? Tu veux dire que cette chose a d'autres envies que de cafter auprès de son maître ?
- Ouais, elle s'est déjà fait engrosser par tous les matous du quartier ! Et même par quelques chiens à ce qu'il parait…
-Et Rusard ? Demanda Drago.
-Oh, lui, juste par Mamie Michelle la semaine dernière, ajouta Harry comme si c'était la chose la plus naturelle du monde.
-Mais non, tu ne veux pas le prendre pour cible ?
-Hey, elles nous ont peut-être pris en otage, mais j'ai encore un minimum de respect pour ces statuettes ! Même Voldemort n'aurait pas mérité de finir écrasé sur ce concierge malodorant, s'emporta Harry en pensant aux auréoles de transpiration que le vieillard avait toujours en dessous de ses bras.
-Rien que d'y penser, j'en ai la nausée !
-M'enfin, ce n'est pas pire que l'état des cheveux de ton parrain…
-Harry !
-C'est bon, je plaisante ! En attendant, on n'a aucun prétendant au poste de cible !
-Ce devrait pourtant être un honneur, bande d'immondes petits humains, vociféra alors un des griffons de porcelaine qui escaladait le pantalon de pyjama de Harry.
-On ne t'a pas sonné, le microbe ! Et puis qu'est-ce que tu fous ? Tu comptes atteindre l'Everest en grimpant à mon pantalon ? S'énerva Harry en empoignant la miniature par une des ailes.
-Non, je viens te crever un œil, vermine, rétorqua le griffon en se débattant vainement pour s'extraire de l'étreinte de son assaillant.
-Mais il est bête ?
-Non, Harry, je crois que, par définition, c'est une bête…
-Arrête avec ton humour débile, Drago. Ce que je veux dire, c'est que ce minus essaie d'escalader mon pantalon en le lacérant avec ses griffes alors qu'il a des ailes, l'andouille !
-Ah, ouais, c'est vrai que c'est pas con, étonnant pour un humain, s'étonna l'alpiniste.
-Et l'humain, il sait même faire autre chose ! Drago, deux galions que je touche le panneau d'en face !
-Quoi ? Mais non, mais je ne vous permet pas, s'affola la statuette en sentant venir sa très prochaine mort.
Harry mit donc ses menaces à exécution. Il ouvrit une fenêtre du salon, tournoya sur lui-même et propulsa le griffon aussi fort que ses bras le lui permettaient. La statuette vint heurter ledit panneau en plein centre et vola en éclat sans avoir eu le temps de pousser un dernier hurlement. Dans le salon, Drago jura et tendit deux galions à un Harry tout sourire. Dans un coin de la pièce, la totalité de la collection de griffons s'était rassemblée et priait pour leur défunt.
-Harry, quitte ou double que j'en casse au moins sept si je saute dans le tas, murmura Drago en indiquant le rassemblement de porcelaine chinoise.
-Pari tenu !
Avec un air assuré, Drago prit de l'élan et courut jusque dans le coin où les griffons s'étaient réunis. Malheureusement pour Drago, les statuettes l'avaient vu venir et s'enfuirent alors qu'il n'avait pas encore décollé. Le jeune blond prit peur en les voyant s'en aller, se déconcentra et s'emmêla les pieds dans les lacets de ses chaussures. Ils trébucha donc et fonça tête première dans le mur. A son grand malheur, ce fut sa tête qui morfla et il s'écroula, inconscient.
Harry explosa de rire en voyant Drago s'effondrer tel une fragile tour en carte de bataille explosive. Des larmes de rire roulèrent le long de ses joues et il dut se tenir le ventre pour ne pas tomber. Mais Harry perdit bien vite son sourire en voyant que sa Némésis ne se relevait pas et qu'un mince filait de sang se répandait sur la moquette. Si Harry n'intervenait pas rapidement, le tapis resterait taché à vie !
Harry se précipita et s'agenouilla aux côtés de Drago. Il s'empara d'un essuie qui traînait sur la table basse, le mit sur la blessure au front de Drago pour stopper le parcours du sang. Il s'assura que Drago respirait encore et le souleva doucement dans ses bras pour l'allonger sur le divan. La partie des griffons qui n'avait pas péri sous la chute du corps de Drago, armée de cure-dents, tenta une dernière attaque mais Harry les rembarra d'un coup de pied. En sentant les mains de Harry qui glissaient dans ses cheveux lui transmettre sa chaleur, Drago reprit connaissance. Il papillonna des paupières durant quelques secondes et fit un sourire timide au visage penché au dessus de lui.
- Bonjour beau blond !
-B'jour 'Ry, grogna-t-il.
-Tu me dois quatre galions !
-C'est pas du jeu…
-Bien sûr que si ! Mais, tu peux toujours te faire payer en nature, ajouta Harry avec un sourire en coin.
-Ca sera avec plaisir, mais laisse-moi le temps de recouvrer mes esprits. J'ai un mal de crâne horrible, se plaignit Drago en se redressant.
-Un bisou magique, Mr Malfoy ?
-Avec plaisir, Mr Potter. Au fait, tu as un griffon qui t'enfonce un cure-dent dans l'oreille…
-Encore ? Tout à l'heure, c'était dans le c…
-Hum !
-Dans la cravate, bien sûr !
_/ Vous en avez pas marre de blablater ? Nous on veut du sexe /_
• _Ouais, à poil, les couillons ! •_
-Vous, on ne vous a pas sonnés, pesta Harry à sa conscience.
-Ouais, on doit d'abord s'assurer que plus aucun griffon ne s'infiltrera dans nos boxers, ajouta Drago.
• _J'ai une merveilleuse idée pour faire fuir vos petites bébêtes •_
-Je crains le pire…
• ♪ _We want we want du sexe, du sexe. Everybody want to fuck you, fuck you...•_
-Pitiiiié...
• ♪ _Faire valser le boxer en arrière pour nous montrer de quoi elle a l'air...•_
-C'est horrible, se lamenta Harry en se tenant la tête tandis que Drago rigolait sous cape.
-N'empêche que ça marche ! Regarde, les statuettes se suicident pour avoir à éviter ça !
En effet, alors que Bécassine chantait à pleine voix, les griffons escaladaient les meubles pour s'en jeter du haut. Des bruits de porcelaine cassée emplissaient la salle et couvraient les plaintes de Harry. Cela s'appelait « chanter à tue-griffon » et non à tue-tête ! Lorsque Bécassine eut fini de passer en revue son répertoire, Harry s'était arraché la moitié de ses cheveux et Drago était mort de rire, ayant lui le luxe de ne pas entendre les paroles de Bécassine.
_/ Voila, maintenant, vous n'avez plus d'excuses ! On veut le sexe /_
• _Exactement ! Comme les jambes mal rasées de la vieille McGo… à poil ! •_
-Euh, Drago… Tu sais, on n'est pas obligés de les écouter. Enfin, si tu ne veux pas, on peut…
-Moi euh… Enfin, si tu n'es pas prêt, on peut…
•_Non, vous ne pouvez rien du tout ! A poil, on a dit ! Vous avez assez attendu comme cela ! •_
_/ Oui, notre patience a des limites… /_
Mais Harry, imperturbable et rouge de honte, continua de marmonner :
-C'est pour toi que je dis ça
-Je crois qu'on est sur la même longueur d'on…
Drago n'eut pas le temps de finir sa phrase. En effet, Harry s'était décidé à prendre les devants et n'avait pas attendu que Drago ait cessé de parler pour le plaquer sur le divan et l'embrasser à pleine bouche. D'une main maladroite, Harry déboutonna le jeans de Drago et celui-ci le fit glisser à ses pieds. Le jean noir de Drago vint atterrir sur la moquette, unique témoin de leurs ébats. Le pantalon de pyjama en molleton de Harry subit bien vite le même sort et c'est tous deux en boxer qu'ils continuèrent l'exploration du corps de l'autre.
Une valse de tendresse s'en suivit alors. Les mains s'entrecroisaient, touchaient et caressaient tout ce qui osait se dresser sur le passage. Des frissons parcouraient leur corps, trahissant l'excitation qui les gagnait. Peau nue sur peau nue, ce contact diablement électrisant les plongeait dans un bien-être absolu et les lèvres semblaient vouloir se combiner à force de s'embrasser. Quelques fois, une main aventureuse osait se frayer un chemin dans le boxer de l'autre et quelques mots d'amour flottaient dans l'air. Mais cet instant de plénitude fut bien vite troublé par la sonnerie retentissante de la porte d'entrée.
-Laisse Drago…
-Je ne comptais pas y aller, fit Drago avant de repartir à la conquête des lèvres de Harry.
Le carillon de la porte d'entrée retentit une seconde fois alors que Harry s'était mis dans la tête d'embrasser chaque parcelle du corps de Drago avec toute la tendresse dont il était capable. Puis, pour la troisième fois de suite, le tintement de la sonnerie se répercuta dans la pièce, bientôt suivi d'un quatrième, jusqu'à ce que Drago daigne enfin se séparer de Harry et aille voir qui osait les interrompre dans un pareil moment.
-Qui c'est Drago ?
-C'est… c'est des mamies qui reluquent mon cul !
**_TBC..._**
* * *
_Gagnant du concours précédent: Les participations du chapitre dernier n'étant pas très très originales, j'ai décidé d'élir Flyingdream07 pour ses trois reviews et sa participation au concours! Bravo à elle et merci pour ses reviews qui m'ont motivée à poster aujourd'hui :D
_
_Concours de ce chapitre: Un concours un peu différent ce chapitre. **Sera élu gagnant le revieweur postant la revie la plus originale. **Cela peut aller de vos hypothèses concernant la suite de cette fic à une discussion entre consciences timbrées... A vous d'inover et que le plus marrant l'emporte!
_
9. Chapter 9
_Disclaimer : Tout à la merveilleuse **Jk Rowling**, rien à moi. Je ne gagne rien pour écrire, à part vos reviews, bien entendu._
_Remerciements : Merci à **Ano** pour sa relecture attentive (et rapide, il faut l'avouer). S'il y a des fautes, c'est à elle qu'il faut s'en prendre ! lol_
_Résumé : Lorsque Drago se fait mettre à la porte par Hermione, le jeune homme n'a plus d'autre choix que d'aller s'adresser à son pire ennemi pour l'héberger quelques nuits, le temps qu'Hermione accepte de le reprendre. Ce que le jeune homme ignore c'est que la situation va s'éterniser et lorsque sa conscience s'en mêle, une chose est sûre, plus rien ne sera jamais comme avant. Voudra-t-il vraiment quitter ce canapé et son propriétaire ?_
_Avertissement : Ceci est un **Slash** Drago/Harry donc, homophobes, s'absternir. Ce chapitre est un **Lemon**, donc classé **M**. Homophobes et mineurs, veuillez passer votre chemin..._
* * *
Ce soir, Mamie Michelle s'était rendue à son club de Bridge, comme chaque semaine depuis que son mari était mort. En effet, Mamie Michelle avait fait grimper celui-ci aux rideaux lors de la nuit torride de leur anniversaire de mariage. Le malheureux mari, qui n'avait plus la robustesse de ses vingt ans, avait lâché prise et s'était fracassé le crâne par terre. Depuis, Mamie Michelle faisait tous les clubs et les bals dansants de la région à la recherche d'un remplaçant. Elle avait bien profité d'Argus la semaine dernière mais le concierge à la retraite lui avait proposé de lui montrer sa chatte et Mamie Michelle, qui ne l'avait pas pris au sens propre, avait fui en courant.
Arrivée au club de Bridge, Mamie Michelle avait raconté à ses amies ses aventures avec le jeune blondinet au boxer moulant. Toutes les vieilles dames avaient salivé à la description du boxer en question, s'étaient tournées pour jeter un coup d'œil à leur mari qui, même avec des loupes sur le nez, n'arrivaient pas à aligner deux lettres sur leur plateau de Scrabble et s'étaient dit qu'elles n'hésiteraient pas à divorcer si le jeune homme de leur fantasme acceptaient d'elles. Après tout, mêmes vieilles, elles avaient encore des atouts… suffisait juste de bien chercher !
D'un commun accord, les vieilles dames avaient décidé d'aller rendre visite au jeune homme blond pour tenter leur chance. Leurs maris ne s'en rendraient jamais compte avec une vue pareille ! Mais, par soucis de précaution, elles leur avaient pris les loupes qui leur servaient de lunettes et avaient réglé leur appareil auditif sur zéro. C'est donc avec espoir qu'elles sonnèrent à toutes les portes des maisons de la rue où Mamie Michelle avait rencontré le bel homme. S'il existait, les mamies allaient le trouver, foi de vieilles dames à moustache !
A la dernière maison de la rue, après avoir démoli la sonnette de toutes les demeures, les mamies avaient pratiquement perdu tout espoir de trouver le beau jeune homme. Par déception, Mamie Gertrude s'excita sur la sonnette dont le bouton finit par rester enfoncé. Mais, quelques secondes plus tard, après que la dernière sonnerie ait retentit, les mamies virent avec soulagement l'esquisse d'un jeune homme se dessiner derrière la porte vitrée. Une fois cette porte ouverte, il ne fit plus aucun doute qu'elles avaient trouvé l'objet de leurs désirs. En effet, un blondinet en boxer, cela ne courait pas les rues ! Quoique... Drago ne courait pas lorsqu'il a rencontré Mamie Michelle, il marchait !
-Harry, c'est des mamies qui me reluquent le cul, s'étonna le jeune homme.
-Mr Malfoy, je présume ? Demanda alors soudain la sonnette de leur porte d'entrée dont le bouton était toujours enfoncé.
-Hein ? Oh, voilà que la sonnette se met aussi à parler, morigéna Drago.
-Je ne suis pas une simple sonnette, je suis la présidente du syndicat des…
-Oui, oui, je connais la formule ! Mais voyez-vous, les lecteurs de cette histoire commencent à en avoir marre des rébellions en tous genres. Alors, madame la sonnette, vous la fermez et vous me laissez continuez cette histoire !
-Mais ces dames m'ont maltraitée !
-Et elles ont eu bien raison. Allez, taisez-vous, maintenant. L'auteur n'a pas choisi de vous inclure dans le scénario, ne soyez pas mauvais joueur, laissez-nous continuer, s'énerva Drago devant l'œil médusé des vieilles dames.
-Il parle à sa conscience, précisa Mamie Michelle comme si cela était la chose la plus normale du monde.
-Non, à la sonnette, répondit Drago sur le ton de la conversation.
Cette affirmation qui aurait dû faire très sérieusement douter de la santé mentale de Drago les conforta au contraire dans leur opinion. Ce jeune homme était parfait ! Très soucieux des objets qui l'entourent, très beau et surtout… exhibitionniste ! C'est avec des yeux de morue mal lunée que les vieilles dames se mirent à baver devant le corps à la peau laiteuse de Drago. A cet instant, un autre jeune homme, tout aussi beau et en boxer lui aussi apparut alors derrière le blondinet.
-Drago, que ces dames désirent-elles ?
-Que vous enleviez ce boxer, répondit rêveusement Mamie Gertrude sans vraiment se rendre compte de ce qu'elle disait.
-Pardon ?
-Euh, enfin… rien, mon petit. Je disais « Que vous nous payiez un verre ».
-Oh, euh,… bien sûr, entrez, fit Drago avant de murmurer à l'oreille de Harry : Elles ne manquent pas de culot ! Se faire inviter chez nous comme cela ! Alzheimer, tu peux en être sûr…
-Drago, tu oublies que ce n'est pas chez nous, c'est chez _moi_ ! Faites comme chez vous mesdames, marmonna Harry en regardant sceptiquement ses hôtes.
-Oh, non, nous ne voulons pas vous déranger, s'excusa une des vieilles dames.
-Mais, dans ce cas, pourquoi avoir sonné à notre porte ? Interrogea Drago
-Moi je voulais bien un petit scotch…
-Gisèle !
-Excusez-nous messieurs, nous avions simplement perdu euuh… Enfin, nous pensions que nous trouverions chez vous euuh…
-Oui ? Qu'avez-vous perdu ?
-Euh, mon chat, s'exclama Mamie Michelle.
• ♪ _C'est la Mamie Michelle qui a perdu son chat…•_
-La ferme ! s'écria Harry
-Encore la sonnette ? Demanda aimablement une des femmes.
-Non, ma conscience !
-Tu es certaine qu'ils ne sont pas dangereux ? Marmonna soudain la moins vieille des femmes.
-Peu importe, tant qu'ils sont à moitié nus !
-Désolé de vous interrompre mais nous n'avons pas vu de chat dans le coin, s'excusa Harry, pressé de renvoyer les mamies et reprendre où il en était arrivé avec Drago.
-De chat ? Quel chat ? Demanda Mamie Michelle avant de comprendre. Ah…. Oui…. Le chat ! Enfin, je voulais dire… _Richard_, mon mari !
-Nous avons encore moins vu votre mari.
-On m'a appelé s'étonna alors une des vieilles dames qui était restée muette jusqu'à présent.
-Mais non, Ma-rie ! On par-lait de mon MA-RI, pas de toi, articula Mamie Gisèle dans l'oreille de son amie. Rè-gle ton a-ppa-reil au-di-tif !
-Oui, c'est bon, je ne suis pas sourde, Gisèle !
• ♪ _Oh Marie, si t'entendais… •_
_/ Les petites vieilles de nos jours… /_
• _Ce n'est plus ce que c'était ! •_
_/ De moins en moins séniles /_
• _Mais perverses ! •_
_/ Tiens, je n'y avais pas pensé. Je retire ce que j'ai dit, j'aime les mamies /_
• _Et nos mamies aiment Drago et Harry •_
_/ Qui eux s'aiment en retour /_
• _C'est pire que les Feux de l'Amour ! •_
_/ T'as sorti le pop corn pour assister à la série du Dimanche/_
• _Si seulement c'était celle du câble après minuit •_
_/ T'en fais pas, avec des mamies en chaleur, ça va vite tourner en partouze ! Regarde, Mamie Michelle commence déjà à sortir les fesses et déboutonner son chemisier /_
• _Pitié, faites qu'elle ait fait un lifting des nichons •_
_/ Et un ravalement de façade ne serait pas non plus de refus /_
• _Non mais tu t'es vue ? •_
_/ Tais-toi et regarde /_
D'un œil inquiet, Drago et Harry regardèrent les mamies s'approcher d'eux. L'une d'elle remit une couche débordante de rouge à lèvres sur sa bouche plissée par le temps. Une seconde redescendit son châle sur ses épaules pour mettre sa poitrine en valeur tandis qu'une dernière enleva le premier bouton de son chemiser à dentelle. Toutes les vieilles femmes pénétrèrent dans le salon de chez Harry et l'une d'elle s'exclama :
-Oh, que c'est joli chez vous !
• _C'est vrai que comparé à son vieux chignon… •_
- On dit que pour connaître un homme, il suffit de voir son intérieur ! Le dicton semble être exact, vous aussi êtes très jolis, jeune hommes, fit Mamie Michelle en tentant une approche.
- Mais nous sommes casés, indiqua Harry avec un air gêné.
-Mais ce n'est pas grave, vos compagnes, sans doutes très charmantes, ne seront jamais au courant….
- Mais mon compagnon, si, rectifia Harry derechef en insistant bien sur le mot « compagnon ».
-Compagnon ?
-Oui, compagnon, insista Drago avant de plaquer Harry contre le mur et lui rouler un patin bien baveux.
Les mamies semblèrent un instant scandalisées. La plupart d'entre elles portèrent d'effroi une main à leur bouche pour étouffer un cri de surprise. Les jeunes de nos jours ont des coutumes bien bizarres ! Jamais elles n'auraient osé une telle chose dans leur jeune temps ! Vraiment plus aucune éducation, ces jeunes ! Mamie se dit qu'il lui semblait bien que les deux jeunes hommes fantasmatiques étaient trop bien que pour être parfaits. Mais, à leur plus grande stupéfaction, Mamie Gisèle s'écria alors :
-Ce n'est pas grave, on peut faire cela à trois si vous voulez !
-Drago, il te reste des griffons ? Je nous ai trouvé une nouvelle cible, marmonna Harry avec un air sadique.
-Dehors, ordonna Drago qui avait perdu tout son sourire.
-Mais, qu'allons-nous devenir sans vous ? S'écria Mamie Gisèle.
-Faites cela entre femmes, je suis sûr que cela doit être très excitant !
-On n'a pas pensé à cette idée, les filles…
-Et je suis certain que vos maris seront ravis de vous regarder faire ! Maintenant, dehors, conclut Drago en indiquant la porte.
Harry, légèrement agacé par l'insistance des hôtes les pressa de sortir et les remballa quelque peu violemment lorsqu'elles refusèrent de partir. Harry songeait sérieusement à leur hurler dessus lorsque Drago prit les choses en main. Il se mit à crier « Regardez, il y a Tom Cruise en bikini à pois rouges dans la rue » et les vieilles dames hystériques ne mirent pas deux secondes pour aller réclamer leur autographe sur le trottoir. Lorsqu'elles comprirent le stratagème de Drago et que jamais Tom Cruise n'était passé par là, il était déjà trop tard. En effet, Drago, dans l'embrasure de la porte, abaissa on boxer, leur montra ses fesses et leur claqua la porte au nez.
• _C'est la pleine Lune aujourd'hui ? •_
_/ Faut croire ! N'empêche qu'il est blanc comme… comme un cul /_
• _Mais pas mal foutu, faut se l'avouer •_
_/ On a eu pire comme cas /_
• _Si tu prononce le mot Hagrid, je te tue •_
_/ Madame Maxime /_
• _Ha, pitiiié. Otes-moi ce souvenir de la tête ! Ils resteront pour toujours mes pires clients ! •_
_/ Lui au moins il n'avait pas les fesses blanches comme une tartine de Kiri /_
• _Mais c'est parce qu'elles étaient couvertes de poils ! •_
_/ Change de sujet, par pitié /_
• _Ok, si tu insistes ! Remarque tout de même que notre cher Survivant remporte la palme de la tête la plus médusée de tous nos clients, chère Bertha •_
En effet, Harry vit avec stupéfaction Drago abaisser son boxer devant la mine estomaquée des vieilles dames. Il n'eut pas le temps de se rincer l'œil bien longtemps car à peine eut-il compris ce qui se passait que Drago avait déjà recouvert son intimité et claqué la porte. Le jeune homme blond lança alors un regard hilare à son amant et ils éclatèrent tous les deux de rire.
-Drago !
-Désolé 'Ry, mais c'était trop tentant, pouffa Drago.
-Désolé ? Tu es désolé ? Et moi, tu crois que je ne le suis pas ? S'écria soudainement Harry
-T'énerves pas Harry….
- Il suffit que quelques vieilles bonnes femmes viennent frapper à la porte pour que tu leur montres ton cul alors que pendant une demi-heure, j'ai attendu en vain le simple fait que tu retires ce boxer ? C'est avec elles ou moi que tu es censé sortir ? Psalmodia Harry.
-Désolé, j'ignorais que tu étais à ce point obsédé, Potter, riposta Drago en renfilant son jeans.
-Potter, c'est plus Harry ? Tu sais quoi, Malfoy ? Je pense qu'on a fait une énorme boulette. On n'est pas fait pour être ensemble, on n'arrivera jamais à s'entendre !
-Exactement !
-Hein ? Mais non, merde, Drago. Tu étais censé te jeter à mes genoux pour essayer de sauver notre couple ! C'est ce que font les gens normaux lorsqu'ils ont des querelles. L'un essaie de se faire mousser et l'autre lui dit ce qu'il espère entendre, expliqua Harry, exaspéré par le manque de tact de son ex-futur-ex-amant.
-Donc tu n'étais pas sérieux ?
-Quoi ? Alors tu penses que je suis quelqu'un de pas sérieux ? Très bien, j'ai compris, c'est fini !
-Ah, c'est encore un test ? Euh, très bien alors euh… Si, bien entendu que je sais que tu es très sérieux, tenta Drago en appliquant les conseils de son amant sur un air peu convainquant.
-Pas mal, pour un début, mais c'est toujours mieux quand on pense vraiment ce que l'on dit, ronchonna Harry.
-Alors il suffit juste que je te demande de laisser une chance à notre histoire ? Je peux te supplier à genoux si tu veux mais cela ne rendrait plus mes paroles crédibles. Alors, tu veux bien ?
-Tu retireras très vite ton boxer ? Demanda piteusement Harry.
-Plus vite que mon ombre
-Prouve-le, dit Harry en un murmure avant d'embrasser Drago à pleine bouche.
Drago ne se fit pas prier. Il enleva son boxer aussi rapidement que son excitation le lui permettait et l'envoya valser sur le haut de la commode à côté du divan. Harry le plaqua passionnément contre le mur en le couvrant de baisers humides. Drago écarta lentement les cuisses pour laisser s'approcher son amant le plus près possible de lui et finit par nouer ses jambes autour de la taille de Harry. Avec une étincelle vicieuse dans le regard, il glissa deux orteils dans le sous vêtement qui cachait encore la virilité du Survivant et abaissa à l'aide de ses pieds l'encombrant boxer.
Totalement nus et frémissants d'envie, Harry et Drago se couvrirent de bons gros baisers bien baveux, comme s'ils voulaient que l'autre soit entièrement recouvert de salive**(1)**. Harry détourna un instant son regard de l'objet de ses désirs pour penser à l'endroit où ils seraient le mieux. Il prit Drago dans ses bras comme s'il était la chose la plus fragile au monde et le porta jusque dans sa chambre. Le canapé n'était pas très confortable et Drago méritait mieux que cela. Une fois étendus sur les couvertures moelleuses du lit de Harry, plus rien ne semblait pouvoir retenir leur amour.
Drago s'attela ensuite à picorer le torse de Harry de brefs baisers en descendant petit à petit** (2)**. Des frissons parcoururent le corps de Harry lorsque son amant mordilla tendrement l'un de ses mamelons tendu par le plaisir. Il glissa ensuite ses doigts dans les cheveux fins de Drago et les ébouriffa en exerçant une pression pour le forcer à continuer. Lorsque Drago, qui avait déjà parcouru la moitié du torse, glissa sa le bout de sa langue dans le nombril de Harry, celui-ci pria mentalement pour que cet instant dure éternellement. Dans l'esprit des deux jeunes gens, leurs consciences s'en donnaient à cœur joie.
Drago continua son interminable descente, parsemant de baisers chaque particule de peau. Il n'avait qu'une envie, prendre possession du corps de Harry. Mais il savait très bien que plus ils attendraient, plus leur plaisir serait grand. Lorsque les lèvres du jeune homme blond effleurèrent le membre gonflé de Harry, celui-ci se cambra par réflexe et poussa un petit gémissement. Drago entrouvrit ses lèvres et laissa pénétrer le sexe de son amant dans sa bouche. Il exerça ensuite un lent mouvement de va-et-vient qui fit fondre de plaisir le jeune homme étendu sur le lit. Celui-ci ferma les yeux pour profiter pleinement de cet instant et se mordit la lèvre pour étouffer une plainte de plaisir.
Lorsque Drago sentit que le moment était venu, il cessa de lécher langoureusement le membre de Harry sous les soupirs de frustration de celui-ci, qu'il interrompit en frôlant de ses lèvres sa bouche. Leurs langues s'entremêlaient dans une valse incessante. Harry mordilla la lèvre inférieure de son amant et plongea ses yeux dans les prunelles de ceux de Drago. Leurs lèvres étaient si fermement unies qu'elles semblaient ne faire plus qu'une, et leurs mains glissèrent dans celles de l'autre pour les tenir fermement.
-Maintenant, Drago, marmonna Harry entre deux tendres baisers.
-Tu es sûr ? Demanda Drago en un soupir.
-Maintenant !
Drago s'exécuta et, après que Harry se soit retourné, il pénétra à l'intérieur de son corps. Lentement d'abord, avec une infinie précaution pour ne pas le blesser puis il accentua la pression une fois que la tension du corps de Harry et la cambrure de son dos se dissipèrent quelques peu. Le Survivant, qui avait retenu une plainte de douleur à l'intrusion dans son intimité, se fit bien vite à cette sensation nouvelle et intima à Drago de continuer. Ce dernier ne se fit pas prier et accéléra son va-et-vient.
Leurs mains enlacées, leurs corps parfaitement synchronisés dans la valse de leur amour et la sueur collant leurs cheveux sur le front, Drago et Harry étaient transportés dans un autre monde. L'entièreté de leur corps était tendue par le plaisir et la sensation de joie mêlée de douleur que ressentait Harry était tout bonnement merveilleuse. Drago tentait de s'enfoncer le plus profondément possible à l'intérieur de Harry comme s'il ne voulait ne faire plus qu'un avec son amant. Harry, la respiration haletante, souleva un bras pour caresser amoureusement la peau humide de sa Némésis. La main de Harry parcourut la longueur du corps de Drago qui frissonnait et pénétrait avidement l'intimité de l'auteur des caresses.
Drago et Harry semblaient parfaitement emboîtés l'un dans l'autre, comme s'ils avaient été conçus pour cette harmonie divine. Au bout d'un certain temps, à bout de souffle et n'en tenant plus, les deux hommes se libérèrent dans un râle commun. Leurs respirations se firent plus régulières mais la sensation de béatitude qu'ils ressentaient ne s'en alla pas pour autant. Le bonheur total les accompagna tandis que leur adrénaline retombait. Enlacés l'un contre l'autre avec une expression de quiétude sur le visage, les deux amants s'endormirent, bercés par la respiration de l'autre.
• _Bertha, je crois que notre mission s'arrête là •_
_/ Dommage, je les aimait bien, moi, ces clients /_
• _Tu le sais bien, c'est marqué dans le contrat. Une fois qu'ils ont fait l'amour, on doit laisser les clients construire seuls leur histoire ! •_
_/ Oui, je sais… Mais on a connu pire alors j'en profite. Quels sont nos prochains clients /_
• _Attends deux secondes ! Je dois regarder sur la liste que Cupidon nous a envoyée. Ah, voilà, j'y suis : Brad Pitt et Angelina Jolie à Hollywood •_
_/ Mais non, ça, c'était la mission d'avant /_
• _Ah, oui, je me suis trompée de ligne. Nos heureux élus son donc… Argus Rusard et Severus Rogue à Londres •_
_/ Ah non, pas encore des homos /_
• _On n'a pas le choix ! On leur fait quel scénario ? Moi chanteuse et toi nunuche ? •_
_/ Je peux pas faire la camioneuse pour une fois/_
• _Comme tu veux, ma Bertha ! •_
_/ Allez, adieu Drago et Harry. On en arriverait même à vous regretter /_
**_FIN_**
• _Bertha ! Elle était nulle ta phrase de conclusion, on la refait ! •_
_/ Oh, 'Sine, on est vraiment obligés de suivre ce qui est marqué dans le règlement /_
•_ Si tu tiens à ton boulot d'âme soeur, oui ! •_
_/ Très bien… ♪ Les âmes sœurs s'envolent vers d'autres amoureux… /_
_**FIN
**_
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_**1)** et **(2)** Merci à Ano, ma super relectrice pour ces expressions douteuses. Mwahaha même si je sais qu'elle les avait mises pour rire, j'ai pas résisté à l'envie de les laisser!_
_ **Gagnant du concours précédent: **Sont élues gagnantes à égalité Alianorah et Raspoutine pour leur participation sur le site TWWO. Bravo à elles!
_
_**Concours de cette semaine: **D'après vous, quel couple ferait une cible idéale pour nos deux consciences? A vos claviers, et que le couple le plus délirant l'emporte!__
_
10. Chapter 10: Epilogue
_ Disclaimer : Tout à la merveilleuse **Jk Rowling** , rien à moi. Je ne gagne rien pour écrire, à part vos reviews, bien entendu. _
_Remerciements : Merci à b **Ano** pour sa relecture attentive (et rapide, il faut l'avouer). S'il y a des fautes, c'est à elle qu'il faut s'en prendre ! _
_ Résumé : Lorsque Drago se fait mettre à la porte par Hermione, le jeune homme n'a plus d'autre choix que d'aller s'adresser à son pire ennemi pour l'héberger quelques nuits, le temps qu'Hermione accepte de le reprendre. Ce que le jeune homme ignore c'est que la situation va s'éterniser et lorsque sa conscience s'en mêle, une chose est sûre, plus rien ne sera jamais comme avant. Voudra-t-il vraiment quitter ce canapé et son propriétaire ? _
_ Avertissement : Ceci est un **Slash** Drago/Harry donc, homophobes, s'absternir. Je met **PG-12** pour risques de **Lemon** ._
_Gagnant du concours précédent: Bravo à **quatre8ss **pour avoir remporté le concours de couples débiles (et impossible à imaginer, il faut l'avouer) Bref, bien le bravo à toi!
_
* * *
_/ Non, non non et non ! La pièce truquée de Bécassine aurait pu atterrir sur face, pour une fois ! Pourquoi suis-je tombée sur Rusard ? Mais non, me voilà dans un appartement miteux empestant l'urine, en train de fixer un vieillard qui danse avec sa chatte. Hey, je parle de Miss Teigne, bande de pervers ! Bref, je pensais avoir tout enduré avec Hagrid et Mme Maxime, et bien non ! Me voilà sensée caser Rusard avec Snape. C'est trop injuste /_
Argus Rusard claudiquait au milieu du salon, sur l'air d'une chanson de bal musette, tout en tenant fermement son matou, matou qui soit disant passant était au bord de l'apoplexie. Lorsque arriva la fin de la chanson, il salua son public imaginaire et relâcha Miss Teigne qui tituba quelques instants avant de détaler, au cas où la chanson recommencerait.
_/ Bonjour, je suis ta conscience, vieux rabougri ! Une conscience survient le plus souvent après un évènement très perturbant, la mort de Brandon lors de l'épisode précédent des Feux de l'Amour, en l'occurrence. Une fois ma mission réussie, je repartirai de cette maison puante. En attendent, grouille-toi de tomber amoureux pour qu'on en finisse rapidement. Merci, au revoir / _
- Hein ? Qui a parlé ? C'est toi ma mignonnette ? Demanda Rusard à son chat qui te planquait sous l'horloge Louis XIV qui prenait la poussière dans son salon.
_/ Ah non, non, non et non ! Je ne répéterai pas ! Cette mission doit être vite expédiée et Cupidon n'a jamais mentionné dans son contrat que nous devions entretenir de bons rapports avec nos clients ! En plus il a une haleine de mammouth lépreux et éviter de le faire parler est pour moi une question de survie. L'apnée est très mauvaise pour les consciences ! Il doit certainement se brosser les dents tous les jours avec la nourriture de son chat ou avec du jus de camembert pour obtenir un résultat pareil ! Bah, au moins il a la magico-télévision. Avec un peu de chance, il regarde la Star Ac' et je vais pouvoir mettre mon répertoire à jour. J'espère juste que Bécassine déguste elle aussi avec son client. Il n'y a pas de raison que ce soit toujours les même qui trinquent /_
**oOo**
Le professeur Snape, alias Snapie pour les intimes, remuait lentement le contenu d'un chaudron qui bouillait à gros bouillons. Les effluves de la potion, aussi malodorantes que les aisselles de son préparateur, s'envolaient en spirales multicolores et venaient se condenser sur le bonnet de douche qui recouvrait la chevelure du pauvre Snapie. Las d'être sans cesse insulté de graisseux, le professeur de potions avait trouvé la solution miracle pour épargner à ses cheveux l'épreuve du surplus de sébum en enfilant un magnifique couvre-chef à fleurs rouges lorsqu'il était à l'abri des regards de ses élèves.
Snapie cessa de remuer le chaudron, se dirigea vers une armoire couverte de toiles d'araignées, celle-là même où il avait maintes fois rêvé d'y enfermer ses élèves les plus nuls et scruta le contenu de celle-ci. Une multitude de bocaux remplis de substances inconnues s'alignaient et discutaient dans une joyeuse cacophonie. Le sujet le plus à la mode chez les bocaux étaient actuellement de savoir lequel du bonnet fleuri ou du rayé saillait le mieux à Snapie. Ne voulant nullement que le principal concerné prenne ainsi la grosse tête en se sachant si populaire, les fioles de verre se turent lorsque le grand nez de ce dernier pointa devant eux pour y trouver un ingrédient.
Snapie demanda d'un air hautain que le bocal qui contenait de la bave de crapaud diluée à 40 se manifeste. Mais les récipients étaient anciens et la sénilité les avait fait oublier la nature de leur contenu. C'est donc un Rogue passablement énervé qui entreprit de goûter chacune des substances présentes dans l'armoire. Une fois que ses papilles reconnurent le goût âcre et la texture gluante de la bave, Snapie s'empara de la fiole, ferma l'armoire et les potins purent reprendre de plus belles à l'intérieur de celle-ci.
• ♪ _Ma bave de crapaud préférée, viens mes braves cheveux graisser…•_
- Nom d'une morue à petite poitrine, qui a chanté ?
• _Bah, moi ! •_
-Qui êtes-vous ?
-C'est à moi que vous vous adressez, le grand pif ? Demanda lentement le bocal que Rogue avait sorti de l'armoire.
-Non, j'ai entendu une voix de femme qui chantait affreusement faux…
• _Je ne chante pas faux, ce sont tes oreilles qui entendent mal ! •_
-C'est peut-être l'urine de porc, proposa la fiole.
-L'urine de porc ? Questionna Snapie.
-Oui, le bocal que vous avec goûté juste avant moi. L'urine de porc, quoi ! Il joue aux travestis en ce moment, ça expliquerait la voix de femme…
Snapie sentit soudain son estomac se révulser. Quand des relents de ragoût d'agneau de ce midi remontèrent dans son œsophage, Snapie courut de long en large dans la salle de classe à la recherche d'une bassine quelconque avec laquelle il pourrait limiter les dégâts. Le seul récipient qui lui passa sous la main fut son chaudron encore bouillonnant dans lequel il vomit copieusement.
La réaction chimique entre la potion et les relents de repas se produisit immédiatement et une vague de magie souffla à la figure de Snapie. Quand celui-ci, chamboulé, reprit ses esprit, s'éloigna du chaudron concomitant et aperçut son reflet dans la vitrine d'une armoire, il ne put que se rendre compte que ses cheveux, cils et sourcils avaient pris une horrible teinte turquoise, comme toutes les autres zones poilues de son anatomie, comme le confirma un coup d'œil rapide dans son slip kangourou. Pis encore, une crête de coq rouge sang lui déformait le crâne et son nez déjà proéminent d'avance, s'était métamorphosé en bec de toucan des îles !
• _Bien joué, t'es vachement plus sexy comme ça, Roguinouchet. Par contre, le slip kangourou couvert de taches de freinage est encore à revoir… •_
- Ah, malédiction, je deviens fou, s'écria Snapie en cachant son bec de toucan dans ses mains.
• _A vrai dire, tu as toujours été un peu con…•_
-Zeeeeeeen, Severus. Tout ceci est un mauvais cauchemar comme tu en fais des tonnes, marmonna-t-il. Mais, Severus. C'est impossible, tu n'as jamais fait qu'un seul cauchemar dans toute ta vie : celui où Drago, ton neveu préféré, couchait avec cet ignoble Potter, continua le professeur, toujours pour lui-même.
• _Tu confonds cauchemar et réalité, mon pauvre Snapie •_
- Hey, l'auteur a dit « Snapie, pour les intimes » On n'est pas encore intimes, à ce que je sache ! Et c'est quoi cette histoire de réalité ?
• _Pour faire simple, Drago couche avec Harry. Je peux te faire un dessin si tu insistes mais je ne suis pas certaine que ton esprit puérile survive à une image aussi… nudiste •_
-Je nage réellement en plein délire…
• _Tu sais nager, toi ? •_
- Imbécile !
• _Bon, si tu ne me crois vraiment pas, regarde le journal de ce matin !•_
- Un peu mon neveu que je vais aller vérifier
• _Et cette expression ringarde, laisse-la tomber. •_
- Est-ce que je me permet des sarcasmes, moi ?
• _Non, mais je suis tellement parfaite que tu ne trouves rien à me redire, bien entendu !_
-La ferme !
D'un pas décidé, Bec-de-toucan alla chercher la Gazette du Sorcier qu'il n'avait pas pris la peine de lire ce matin tellement il était pressé d'en finir avec cette potion qui intensifiait ses performances sexuelles et resta figé devant la Une en première page du journal. Il ferma les yeux et les rouvrit pour s'assurer qu'il n'avait pas mal vu. Son cauchemar était bien la réalité.
_Le couple qui crée l'émeute._
_Dans la nuit de vendredi à samedi, Harry Potter dit « Le Survivant » et Drago Malfoy, sorcier au plus beau derrière élu par les lecteurs de notre quotidien, ont créé scandale dans les rues de Londres en clamant haut et fort leur homosexualité. Des Aurors ont été dépêchés sur place pour contenir une horde de grand-mères et de fanatiques venus hurler leur mécontentement. Une zone anti-transplanage a du être établie pour limiter l'afflux de protestataires. _
_D'autres part, au même moment, tous les griffons miniatures du pays se sont insurgés contre le massacre des leurs survenu dans la maison du scandale et sont venus prêtés mains fortes aux mamies. La sonnette de la maison du couple a, de plus, entamé une grève, bientôt imitée par la totalité des sonnettes de la rue qui ne cessent pas à présent de sonner toutes les trois secondes. Les Aurors ont bien vite été dépassés lorsque les grand-mères leur ont lancé leurs gaines et les griffons miniatures au visage._
_La situation est rentrée dans l'ordre aux premières lueurs du jour lorsque Drago Malfoy et Harry Potter furent évacués après avoir annoncé leurs fiançailles. Le bilan des altercations reste provisoire mais nous savons que deux grand-mères sont décédées des suites de leur crise cardiaque et le nombre de griffons anéantis n'a pas encore pu être comptabilisé. Les deux amants à l'origine du conflit se sont, eux, refusés à tout commentaire. _
Snapie se força à respirer lentement pour reprendre son calme. Tout ceci ne pouvait pas être vrai. Il nageait en plein cauchemar ou alors il s'agissait d'une blague de très mauvais goût. Et puis, Potter avait toujours été sujet aux rumeurs les plus folles. L'année dernière, on l'avait soupçonné d'être une fille et s'il y avait bien une chose dont Snapie était certain, c'est que Potter serait un fille le jour où Rusard serait amoureux de lui !
• _Mais justement !•_
-Quoi ? Potter est une fille ?
• _Non, mais Rusard a un faible pour toi. Il trouve ton bonnet à fleur très sexy •_
-Menteur !
• ♪ _Ouh le menteur il est amoureux !•_
-Silence !
• _Tiens, j'ai déjà entendu cela quelque part…•_
-Allez-vous enfin vous décider à me dire qui vous êtes ?
• _Je suis ta conscience, Snapinouchet ! •_
-Degné ? Impossible !
• _Qui suis-je alors ? Mère Térésa ? •_
-Qui ?
• _Laisse tomber ! Si je te dis que je suis ta conscience, c'est que je suis ta conscience, bougre d'imbécile !•_
- Et moi je t'ai dit que c'était impossible ! Ma maman m'a toujours dit que je n'étais qu'un inconscient, avoua honteusement Snapie.
• _Et d'imbécile, elle ne t'en a jamais traité, non ? Bon, place au blabla habituel… Les consciences se manifestent après un choc important, le ratage de la potion augmentant les activités sexuelles, en l'occurrence. Je ne disparaîtrai qu'une fois ma mission terminée. Compris ? • _
-De quelle nature est cette mission ?
• _Tu veux vraiment savoir la vérité ?•_
-C'est si horrible que cela ?
•_J'ai le droit de te mentir ?•_
Snapie se contenta d'hausser les épaules.
• _Qui ne dit mot, consent. Dan ce cas, bien sûr que non cette mission n'est pas du tout horrible, je vais même être trèèès joyeux de m'en acquitter au plus vite. Elle ne me dégoûtera en aucun point ! •_
-Tu mens vraiment très très mal, répondit Snapie.
• _Merci, c'est gentil !•_
-Et ton, sens de l'humour est vraiment lamentable…
• _Moi au moins j'en ai un !•_
-Silence !
• _La routine, quoi…•_
Le professeur de potions, fulminant, courut chercher un livre sur les remèdes de potions ratées afin de reprendre son apparence naturelle. Il lui fallut une dizaine de minutes, quelques pattes de sauterelles et un bonne dose d'essence de Murlap pour ressembler enfin à quelque chose d'humain. Après avoir repris son visage normal et son calme, par la même occasion, Snapie enfila sa cape de voyage et se rendit chez son neveu pour mettre les choses au clair.
En effet, il avait eu beau se pincer jusqu'à être tellement couvert de bleu qu'un élève l'aurait pris pour un Schtroumpf en le croisant, s'être mis des claques pour se réveiller mais rien n'y avait fait. Le cauchemar de Snapie continuait. Il avait donc accepté que la réalité, certes, dépassait l'entendement, mais était surtout… la réalité ! Snapie se félicita mentalement pour cette découverte qui allait révolutionner le monde des philosophes anglais. Il était certain que s'il publiait cela, il remporterait le prix Goncourt haut la main mais se ravisa aussitôt. La célébrité lui faisait peur, voila tout.
Quoiqu'il en soit, Snapie, fulminant, évita les débris de griffons cassés qui jonchaient le trottoir et alla sonner à la porte de la maison de Harry où, il le savait, il pourrait trouver Drago. Mais, d'un air courroucé, la sonnette lui rétorqua alors : « En grève, signalez votre arrivée vous-même » Snapie s'indigna. Les carillons de nos jours !
D'un geste vif et décidé, le professeur de potion le plus détesté de toute l'histoire du monde s'empara de la poignée de porte et ouvrit à volée celle-ci. La sonnette allait bien voir s'il n'était pas capable de 'signaler son arrivée lui-même'. Mais le ricanement que poussa la gréviste au moment où Snapie pénétra dans la maison ne lui dit rien qui vaille et il avait bien raison de se méfier.
En effet, à peine le grincement du chambranle eut-il retentit que des bruits surexcités arrivèrent aux oreilles de Snapie. L'image de Harry et Drago en train de se relever, rouges de honte, en tentant de cacher au mieux leur nudité qui s'imposa à leur visiteur fit tomber celui-ci des nues, sans mauvais jeu de mot. Snapie bafouilla quelques mots ressemblant vaguement à 'Jecroisqueejevaisattendredehors' avant de sortir aussi vite que ses jambes le lui permettaient. Les joues empourprées de honte, le professeur Snape se baffa mentalement une fois que la porte fut close, pendant que Drago et Harry se dépêchaient de se revêtir à la hâte.
Quelques minutes plus tard, après avoir enfilé une tenue décente, Drago vint accueillir son parrain qui gelait sur place. Snapie entra donc en se confondant en excuses puis reprit son masque d'indifférence habituel lorsqu'il vit le célèbre Potter se diriger vers lui avec un plateau rempli de verres d'hydromel à la main.
- Puis-je vous servir un verre euuh… parrain ?
-Potter, ce n'est pas parce que vous couchez avec mon filleul que vous pouvez vous permettre de telles familiarités ! Ce sera Professeur pour vous !
-D'accord, parrain. Alors, un verre ?
-Potter, crétin congénital, vous savez très bien que je suis allergique à l'hydromel ! Vous voulez ma mort ou quoi ? Hurla Snapie en renversant le plateau que portait Harry sur la veste de celui-ci.
-Euh, on peut dire ça comme ça, répondit Harry en nettoyant sa veste d'un récurvite.
-Hors de ma vue !
-Alors, Sevie, commença Drago. Que nous vaut l'honneur de ta visite ?
-Drago, tu sais exactement ce qui m'amène !
-Si c'est à propos du string que tu m'as emprunté, ne t'en fais pas, tu peux le garder.
-Drago, bougre d'imbécile, fils de crétin à petite cervelle, qu'est-ce qu'il t'a pris de coucher avec LUI ?
-Hey, LUI, il a un prénom ! Je m'appelle Harry au cas où vous l'auriez oub…
-Toi, la ferme, rétorqua aussitôt Severus Rogue.
-Je couche encore avec qui je veux, répondit Drago. Ce n'est pas parce que tu t'es fait rembarrer par McGo que ma vie sexuelle doit être aussi plate que la tienne !
-Hein ? Comment tu as su pour McGo ?
-Mais je n'en savais rien, Sevie. C'était juste une expression, se lamenta Drago devant la débilité de celui qui s'avérait être son parrain.
• _Oh la gaffe ! •_
-Ta gueule la petite voix, se plaignit le professeur de potion en s'adressant à lui-même.
-Oh, Harry, tu as entendu ? S'étonna Drago.
-Par Merlin, les consciences sont de retour ! Il me semblait bien que mes nuits étaient redevenues calmes !
• _Mes berceuses te manquent, avoue !•_
-Mais ouiiiii. C'est notre Bécassine nationale, s'exclama Harry.
•_La seule l'unique. N'empêche que vous étiez géniaux comme clients. Qu'est-ce qu'on s'est marrées, la Bertha et moi en vous emmerdant. Mais qui aime bien, châtie bien et fallait qu'on vous case ensemble, c'était notre job…• _
-Mais c'est vrai ça. Alors, ça veut dire que…
-Parrain va tomber amoureux, s'écria Harry en explosant de rire en imaginant l'homme au bras d'une femme. Je plains l'heureuse élue !
-Je voterais plutôt pour UN heureux élu…
-Ca, Drago, c'est un bon plan. Il ne pourrait plus rien nous dire !
-Hey, intervint Snapie. J'entends ce que vous dites !
-C'est pas vrai ? Je ne m'en serais pas douté, parrain !
-Arrêtez votre ironie, Potter et dites-moi comment vous avez fait pour en arriver à coucher ensemble.
-Hey, c'est intime, petit vicieux, dit Harry d'une voix coquine.
-Potter, vous êtes encore plus con que ce que je ne me serais imaginé.
-Tu veux vraiment un dessin, Sevie ? Demanda Drago. Si tu es sûr de ne pas finir traumatisé, je t'en fais un, si sa te chante !
-Si ça me… chante ? Demanda Snapie avant de s'écrier : Merde, c'est l'heure de la Star Ac' !
Sans que Harry et Drago y aient compris quelque chose, Snapie détala à toutes jambes comme s'il avait un scout à pétard lui pinçant les fesses. Il allait manquer le débriefing de la Star Academy. Cette idée intégra peu à peu l'esprit de Snapie. Cette chose horrible ne s'était encore jamais produite en six ans d'émission. Inspirer, expirer. Snapie devait se calmer. S'il arrivait à sortir de la zone anti-transplanage crée pour contenir l'afflux de mamies hier, et s'il courait très vite de Pré-au-lard à Poudlard, Snapie arriverait peut-être à voir au moins le générique de fin d'émission. C'était déjà cela !
Alors qu'il courait vers la fin du dôme anti-transplanage aussi vite que ses jambes arquées le lui permettaient, Snapie aperçut l'ombre d'un miracle se profiler à travers les fenêtres d'un immeuble non loin de là. Le sang de Snapie ne fit qu'un tour. Il s'empressa de sonner à la porte de la maison en question et tomba nez à nez avec son collègue de toujours, Argus Rusard.
-Severus, pourquoi venir troubler l'heure la plus importante de la semaine ?
-Pitié, c'est une question de vie ou de mort. Laissez-moi regarder avec vous !
-Si cela peut faire votre bonheur, entrez donc mais essuyez vos chaussures. Ce n'est pas marqué 'concierge' au milieu du front, hein…
_/ Sine, je n'en reviens pas. Cette mission n'est pas si compliquée pour finir /_
• _On est doué ou on ne l'est pas ! •_
_/ Tu crois que cela mettra du temps avant qu'ils ne couchent ensemble /_
• _Je ne les imaginait pas avoir un point en commun et pourtant, regarde-les scotchés à l'écran de magico-télévision, comme des gosses. Alors ça ne m'étonnerais pas qu'ils soient accouplés en moins de temps qu'il n'en faut pour le dire •_
_/ Snapie va être ravi de devoir prendre Miss Teigne comme demoiselle d'honneur /_
• _Ce ne sera pas pire que d'imaginer Rusard en robe de mariée •_
_/ Tu crois qu'on pourra chanter à la messe de mariage /_
• _Drago m'a déjà formellement interdit d'intervenir au leur ! Euh, au fait, Bertha, c'et la fin de l'histoire…•_
_/ Déjà ? Mais il n'y aura plus un petit chapitre après /_
• _Non, notre mission est finie !•_
_/ Notre mission /_
• _Oui, celle de rendre les lecteurs amoureux de cette histoire ! •_
_/ Oh, dans ce cas…♪ Les âmes sœurs s'envolent vers d'autres amoureux /_
**_FIN_**
* * *
End file.
| fanfiction |
Piwnice is a village in the administrative district of Gmina Łysomice, within Toruń County, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, in north-central Poland. It lies approximately west of Łysomice and north-west of Toruń.
The village has a population of 300. It is the site of Piwnice radio observatory.
References
Piwnice | wikipedia |
epidemiological studies have shown that air pollution poses the greatest human health risks to the young and elderly and those with chronic cardiovascular disease , asthma , or influenza [ 16 ] .
air pollution is most prevalent in largely populated urban areas such as cities with high - density traffic that consequently poses a higher risk of adverse health effects .
mobile sources such as motor vehicles are the main contributor to urban air pollution , emitting gases , particulates , and/or mixtures of these into the atmosphere .
motor vehicles such as diesel powered passenger vehicles are gaining popularity over the traditional petrol engines as diesel engines have higher fuel efficiency due to the more complete combustion characteristics of the diesel engine .
this combustion process is due to the fuel - oxidiser mixing at higher temperatures than these that would occur with a petrol engine .
in addition , diesel engines have less co2 ( carbon dioxide ) and co ( carbon monoxide ) emission although other pollutants such as no ( nitric oxide ) and no2 ( nitrogen dioxide ) emissions are higher due to the higher temperature resulting in more bonding between nitrogen ( n ) and oxygen ( o2 ) atoms .
diesel engines produce up to 100 times more particulate matter ( pm ) compared to petrol engines .
pm is measured and grouped by its aerodynamic diameter , and air pollution studies mainly concentrate on pm of 10 m ( pm10 ) but diesel engines produce much smaller particles mainly with aerodynamic diameters of 2.5 m ( pm2.5 ) or even ultrafine particles at the nanoscale level ( < 100 nm - pm0.1 ) .
these pms penetrate deeper into inner regions of the human respiratory system such as the pulmonary region where they may translocate further into the cardiovascular system and exert a wide range of toxicological effects .
toxicology studies have traditionally depended on animal - based ( in vivo ) experiments , which pose a number of concerns including cross - species correlation , ethical considerations , and economic constraints . in recent years , in vitro toxicology methods have gained popularity and have been implemented in regulations and risk assessments [ 10 , 11 ] .
in addition , in vitro toxicology allows the usage of human cells for toxicity testing which eliminates the need for cross - species correlation and provides a method to understand toxicity mechanisms of different chemicals , although some issues on in vitro - in vivo correlation still remain . besides the multicellular nature and complex structure of the distal lung , the pulmonary epithelium
is composed of two distinct cell types of alveolar type i and alveolar type ii serving diverse essential functions in the alveolar region . in this study ,
human pulmonary type ii epithelial cells ( a549 ) were used as a model for the human pulmonary system since the main target organ for diesel exhaust especially particulates is the pulmonary epithelium and macrophages .
to date , a number of in vitro based studies have investigated the toxicity of diesel exhaust [ 1517 ] .
however , most of these test methods were based on assessing pure individual components rather than the complex mixture of diesel exhaust .
an optimal in vitro exposure system for studying the cellular response following exposure to airborne pollutants needs to meet several criteria including a very close contact between target cells and test atmosphere .
recently , a number of published studies have used biphasic cell culture technique in which human cells are directly exposed to airborne pollutants on the apical side while receiving required nutrients to maintain viability at the basal side [ 1820 ] .
the aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of diesel exhaust using a dynamic direct exposure method developed by our research group [ 19 , 21 , 22 ] which exposes cells directly to airborne pollutants at the air - liquid interface as would occur in the human respiratory system .
studies were performed in a laboratory controlled environment and a field study environment to further verify the potential application of the dynamic direct exposure method for toxicity testing of diesel exhaust emissions in vitro and to study the toxicity of complex atmospheres generated by the combustion of diesel fuel .
ccl-185 ) were cultured in sterile , vented 75 cm cell culture flasks with dulbecco 's modified eagle medium : ham 's f12 nutrient mixture ( dmem / f12 ; gibco , usa ) supplemented with 5% ( v / v ) newborn calf serum ( ncs ; gibco , usa ) and 1% ( v / v ) antibiotic solution containing : 10,000 units of penicillin , 10,000 g of streptomycin , and 29.2 mg of l - glutamine / ml ( gibco , usa ) .
snapwell inserts are a modified transwell culture insert with a 12 mm diameter which provides a growth surface area of 1.12 cm ( clear polyester snapwell insert , corning ) supported by a detachable ring placed in a six - well culture plate . to seed cells ,
supplemented media was added to the bottom and top parts of the membrane wells ( bottom : 2 ml , top : 0.5 ml ) and plates incubated for 1 hr at 37c to improve cell attachment .
confluent a549 cell layers were removed using an enzyme method ( 0.5% trypsin - edta ; gibco , usa ) , centrifuged for five mins , and resuspended in supplemented culture media .
afterwards , the supplemented media on the top part were replaced with supplemented media containing 30 10 cells ( except background control wells ) and plates incubated for 24 hrs to allow cell attachment to the membrane .
the medium was then removed from the top part and the membrane was washed with hank 's balanced salt solution ( hbss ; gibco , usa ) and then transferred into the modified dynamic exposure chambers ( harvard apparatus , inc .
the bottom part of the chamber was filled with serum - free media supplemented with antibiotics ( 1% v / v ) and maintained at 37c using preheated blocks .
the membrane was positioned at the air / liquid interface which allows cells to be exposed to air pollutants while simultaneously allowing lung cells to receive nutrients from the basolateral side .
optimal airflow was determined by comparing cell viability of cells grown on the porous membranes .
cell viabilities were determined using the mts assay with comparisons made between control ( 0 ml / min ) and various airflow rates ( up to 100 ml / min ) .
comparisons were performed using one - way anova with bonferroni 's comparison test with p < 0.05 considered as statistically significant . the diesel fuel used for this study
was purchased from a commercial fuel station ( vortex premium diesel ; caltex ) , which complied with australian standard 3570 - 1998 listed in table 1 . for the laboratory - based study , a volvo 230 hp truck engine , running on idle mode with no load , was employed .
the engine was switched on and set on idle setting for 15 mins for warming up before the exposure of target cells to diesel exhaust . following the stabilisation period ,
the exhaust was delivered to the dynamic direct exposure chambers using negative pressure pumps ( skc inc .
, usa ) calibrated at very low flow rates ( 37.5 ml / min ) , and cells were exposed to diesel exhaust for 15 , 30 , and 60 minutes . for the field study ,
a diesel engine powered passenger car ( volkswagen passat ; model 2006 ) was used .
similarly , before exposure of target cells to diesel exhaust , the engine was switched on and set on idle setting for 15 mins for warming up , and cells were then exposed to diesel exhaust for 15 , 30 , and 60 minutes . during the exposure time
, exhaust emissions were continuously monitored using mx6 ibrid gas monitors ( industrial scientific , usa ) capable of measuring co , co2 , no , no2 , o2 , and cl gases ( figure 1 ) .
exhaust particulate matter was collected on quartz filters ( 37 mm diameter , mounted on a three - piece cassette ; skc , usa ) at 2.5 l per min flow .
the filters were analysed using thermal optical organic carbon / elemental carbon using the principles of the niosh 5040 method to determine the exhaust 's carbon content . to investigate further any nonacute or delayed toxic effects caused by diesel exhaust and/or cell viability recovery , toxic effects of diesel exhaust in human alveolar epithelial cells were investigated after 0 and 24 hrs after incubation . to assess the cytotoxicity of diesel exhaust , a range of in vitro bioassays including mts ( [ 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2h - tetrazolium ] ) , nru ( neutral red uptake ) , and atp ( adenosine triphosphate ) assays were utilised measuring various biological endpoints , following 0 h and 24 hrs after exposure incubation .
the promega celltiter 96 aqueous non - radioactive cell proliferation assay was used to measure the toxicity of exhaust by determining the number of viable cells in culture .
this assay has been successfully used for the toxicity testing of air borne contaminants [ 25 , 26 ] .
the mts assay works on the basis of the viable cells ' ability to convert soluble tetrazolium salt into a formazan product .
the mts reagent was mixed with an electron coupling agent pms ( phenazine methosulfate ; sigma , usa ) to allow faster bioreduction and faster production of the formazan product .
following postexposure incubation of either 0 hrs or 24 hrs , serum - free media was replaced with fresh media supplemented with serum in both the bottom ( 2 ml ) and top parts ( 0.4 ml ) of the membrane .
the mts reagent was then added to the top part of the membrane ( 0.1 ml ) , and the membranes
following the incubation period , aliquots of 100 l were transferred to a 96-well plate with 3 - 4 replicates and the absorbance levels were recorded at 492 nm using a multiplate reader ( multiskan ascent , thermo laboratories , finland ) against controls .
the nru assay measures the ability of viable cells to incorporate and bind neutral red ( a supravital and weakly cationic dye ) which penetrates all membranes and accumulates intracellularly in lysosomes . before usage
, the nru solution was centrifuged at 1500 g and the supernatant was filter sterilised ( 0.22 m ) .
following the postexposure incubation period , the media from the bottom part of the membrane were replaced with fresh media ( 2 ml ) , nru solution was added to the top part ( 0.5 ml ) , and the plate was incubated for 3 hrs at 37c . following incubation ,
media was removed from the bottom and top parts of the membrane and fixative solution was added ( 0.5 ml ) to the top part of the membrane for no more than 30 secs .
top and bottom parts of membrane were then immediately washed with hbss , and afterwards , the solubilisation solution was added ( 0.5 ml ) and the plate was shaken for 10 mins using an orbital mixer ( ratek instruments , australia ) .
aliquots of 100 l were transferred into the 96-well plate in 3 - 4 replicates and the absorbance was recorded at 540 nm with a microtiter plate reader ( multiskan ascent , thermo laboratories , finland ) against controls .
the cellular atp content was measured using the celltiter - glo luminescent cell viability assay .
celltiter - glo reagent induces cell lysis and generation of luminescence which is proportional to the amount of cellular atp that cells contain , and the luminescence is then read using a luminometer .
following the postexposure incubation period , media from the top part of the membrane were replaced with fresh media ( 0.25 ml ) and an equal volume of celltiter - glo was added .
the plate was then left at room temperature for 10 mins and then shaken using an orbital mixer ( ratek instruments , australia ) .
aliquots of 100 l were transferred into a 96-well opaque walled microtiter plate with 3 - 4 replicates and luminescence was recorded using a luminometer ( berthold detection systems , germany ) .
appropriate controls were prepared including an ic100 control ( 0% cell viability ; media only ) , used for background and incubated at 37c during the exposure time and an ic0 control ( 100% cell viability ; cells only ) , used for reference and incubated at 37c during the exposure time .
the ic0 control was a supplementary verification that air control 's cell viability has not been affected .
in addition , an air control was also used to consider any reduction of cell viability induced by the dynamic airflow and as a reference for percentage of cell viability calculations of exposed cells .
briefly , cells in air control were exposed to clean synthetic air ( filtered with 0.2 m porous membrane ) , and the airflow was set at the same rate with the exhaust exposed cells . similar to the exposed cells , control cells were grown on membranes and exposed to only purified air during the exposure time .
results of the experiments were expressed as mean standard deviation ( m sd ) .
the percentage of cell viability was calculated by assuming the absorbance of ic0 as 100% cell viability and the background absorbance at ic100 ( media only ) .
one - way anova with bonferroni multiple comparisons was used to compare and determine the significance of the difference between the average cell viability of control cells and exposed cells .
various air flow rates were tested to determine the optimal air flow rate to deliver the maximum contaminants yet not affecting cell viabilities .
cell viability was determined using the mts assay and comparison between control ( 0 ml / min ) and other flow rates was performed using one - way anova with bonferroni 's comparison test as shown in figure 2 .
it was determined that sampling flow less and including 50 ml / min did not produce any statistically significant reduction in cell viability .
cell viabilities were expressed as a percentage of control as m sd , and each data point represented an average of 3 different repetitions at each exposure period .
three different in vitro assays ( atp , mts , and nru ) were performed , comparison of results was made with anova and bonferroni 's comparison , and differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05 .
figure 3 showed a statistically significant reduction in cell viability ( determined with the atp assay ) following exposure to diesel exhaust at 37.5 ml / min flow between 15 and 60 mins exposure .
figure 4 showed no statistically significant reduction in cell viabilities following the longer postexposure incubation which suggested that longer postexposure caused no further statistically significant reduction in cell viability .
cell viabilities were expressed as a percentage of control as m sd , and each data point represented an average of 3 different repetitions at each exposure period .
three different in vitro assays ( atp , mts , and nru ) were performed , comparison of results was also performed with anova and bonferroni 's statistical tests .
figure 5 showed a statistically significant reduction in cell viability ( determined with the atp assay ) following exposure to diesel exhaust at 37.5 ml / min flow at 60 mins exposure .
figure 6 showed no statistically significant reduction in cell viabilities following longer postexposure incubation which suggested that the longer postexposure caused no further statistically significant reduction in cell viability similar to the laboratory - based experiment .
the level of gaseous emissions from diesel engines was also monitored and recorded to determine the concentration of gases during the exposure periods .
gases monitored included co , co2 , no , no2 , cl2 , and o2 .
gas readings were measured twice and the average results were plotted in figure 7 for the laboratory - based study and figure 8 for the field - based study . the organic and elemental carbon content analysis for the laboratory - based engine and field - based engine exhausts
the cytotoxicity of diesel exhaust was investigated using the dynamic direct exposure method in which human lung cells were grown on a porous air / liquid membrane allowing simultaneous exposure of cells to exhaust whilst receiving nutrients .
a laboratory - based diesel engine and field - based diesel powered car were used to generate diesel exhaust which was delivered to human target cells through a dynamic exposure chamber employing a horizontal diffusion system .
cytotoxicity of the diesel exhaust was investigated in a549 human pulmonary type ii like epithelial cells using the mts , nru , and atp in vitro cytotoxicity assays .
a higher elemental carbon content indicates a higher amount of particulates within the exhaust whereas the organic carbon content indicates the amount of molecules with carbon in its chain .
the results in table 2 showed the expected increase in total carbon corresponding with the longer exposure period , and the laboratory - based experiment showed higher elemental carbon component content at the longer sampling period .
this change of ratio became evident following the 3060 mins sampling period , which suggests that the laboratory engine at idle setting reached equilibrium state only following 3060 mins . with the field engine ,
the ratio had no significant change suggesting that the diesel particulate filter effectively reduced emission of elemental carbons consisting of pms .
the results of both laboratory and field studies suggest that the exposure of a549 lung cells to diesel exhausts for a period of 60 mins caused cellular injury ( figures 3 and 5 ) .
however , cells exposed to control air remain viable for up to 1 hr , which supports the research by aufderheide et al .
( 2007 ) where cells were exposed to clean air at low flow rates up to 2 hrs without any significant cell viability reduction [ 26 , 32 , 33 ] . in other studies , a549 cells grown on membranes were exposed to diesel , petrol exhausts [ 34 , 35 ] , and smoke from polymer combustion .
cheng et al . investigated production of il-8 with the exposure period up to 6 hrs , and tsukue et al .
investigated cell viability and gene expression after one hour exposure period , while lestari et al .
recently , spectroscopy and atomic force microscopes were used complementary to elisa to observe additional biophysical effects on cells .
for both field- and laboratory - based studies the nru assay result detected most reduction in cell viability then followed by atp and mts assays .
however , the mts assay showed more consistent results shown by its lower sd , while the nru assay had the largest sd especially with 0 hr postexposure incubation .
this high sd could be caused by the formation of crystals as observed in a study by husoy et al .
( 1993 ) although in this study steps were taken to minimise the crystal formation by incubating the nr medium overnight , centrifuging and filtering it using a 0.22 m pore filter as performed by borenfreund and puerner ( 1985 ) .
following exposure to diesel exhaust , the cells were either immediately used for in vitro assays or incubated for a further 24 hrs to determine any delayed cytotoxic effects .
it is suggested that cell functions such as cell - division capability and delayed - onset toxicity may only be obvious following further incubation . in comparison to results in figures 4 and 6
, there is no further statistically significant reduction in cell viability hence indicating lack of recovery .
however , both 0 and 24 hrs postexposure incubations can be considered depending on the kind of response observed ( immediate versus delayed ) , in which longer postexposure incubation reflects a more diverse range of responses from cells following exposure to diesel exhaust .
in addition , both the nru and mts assays showed similar decreases in cell viability following 24 hrs postexposure incubation which demonstrated the correlation of results between the two assays in determining basal cytotoxicity of pollutants [ 40 , 41 ] .
this study investigated time - dependent toxicity of diesel exhaust by setting the diesel engine at idle setting and exposing human lung target cells to the exhaust for a range of exposure periods including 15 , 30 , and 60 mins .
however , as can be seen in figures 7 and 8 , no emission decreased while no2 increased which is caused by an increase in the temperature of the combustion environments ( monitored by its coolant temperature ) , while co emission is increased .
this trend of increasing no2 ratio is usually seen in diesel engines equipped with diesel particulate filters and running at higher loads [ 42 , 43 ] .
since this study uses idle settings , the engine temperature may have affected the ratio change .
these various gaseous trends make it difficult to maintain a constant generation of exhaust ; hence , a dose - dependent toxicity study may have more reproducible exhaust in which the amount of pollutant will be increased by increasing load or rpm of the engine .
future works will concentrate on assessing the toxicity of diesel exhaust on various cells to determine toxicity on specific organs .
one possible organ of interest is the liver , since the ultrafine particulates may translocate from alveoli into the brain and ultimately into the bloodstream to the liver [ 9 , 45 ] where the health risks are not well - known .
in addition , specific components of diesel exhaust such as pm need to be investigated further as these nanosized particles have major human health impacts especially on the respiratory system [ 4648 ] .
in addition , multiple assays could be used in studies to provide more data to elucidate the toxicity mechanisms of diesel exhaust .
other human target cells can be used to represent another organ of toxicological significance such as the liver via the hepg2 cell line or a specific primary culture could be used to assess a greater range of toxic responses and may reduce the necessity of in vivo systems and other laborious systems with specific cells [ 5052 ] .
it is preferable that the same culture media are used as different culture media might affect in vitro cytotoxicity assays results such as in il-6 secretion . in conclusion , the obtained results suggested that the dynamic direct exposure method , in parallel with real - time air monitoring techniques , has the potential to be implemented for both laboratory- and field - based toxicity studies of diesel exhaust in vitro .
the main advantage of this method is its closer approximation to real - life situations in which cells continuously receive nutrients whilst being exposed to air pollutants . | pubmed |
How do you subtract colors and divide them by irrational numbers? (Gluons) [closed]
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There is a gluon that is
$$\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} (red \cdot\overline{red} + blue\cdot\overline{blue} - 2\cdot green \cdot\overline{green})$$
This confuses me because I do not understand how adding and subtracting and dividing these colors would work. I know that in matrix form it is
$$ A = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \begin{pmatrix}
1 & 0 & 0 \\
0 & 1 & 0 \\
0 & 0 & -2
\end{pmatrix}$$
This still confuses me, please help me.
This is the 8th Gell-Mann matrix.
What you are writing as *red* is actually a quantum mechanical state, which is a vector in a Hilbert space. What you are writing as a dot is something called a tensor product; it produces a vector in another Hilbert space. You can add and subtract the vectors in Hilbert spaces, and you can multiply them by scalars like $2$ or $1/\sqrt 3$, just like in any vector space.
| stackexchange/physics |
hypertension is one of the main public health challenges around the world that leads to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disabilities .
the number of people with hypertension is on the rise and predicted to increase to 1.5 billion by 2025 .
hypertension is mainly treated using a variety of synthetic drugs , including angiotensin - converting - enzyme inhibitors , angiotensin ii receptor blockers , calcium channel blockers , and beta adrenergic receptor antagonists .
however , there has been an upsurge of interest in using herbal drugs to control blood pressure in hypertensive patients .
various hawthorn species ( crataegus spp . ) have been shown to decrease blood pressure in rats with l - name - induced hypertension , normotensive rats , relaxed precontracted rat aorta , mesenteric artery , porcine coronary artery , and human internal mammary artery rings .
the blood pressure lowering or vasorelaxant effects of hawthorn species have been attributed to enhanced nitric oxide ( no ) release , decreased oxidative stress , and proinflammatory cytokines .
one of the hawthorn species , crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia ( zaalzaalak in persian ) grows natively in fars province , southern iran , in an area extending from noorabad to dashtarzhan and khanzenyan districts .
as far as literature is concerned , the antihypertensive activity of such species has not been studied using animal models .
hence , the present study was designed to examine the possible antihypertensive effects of hydroalcoholic extract of crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia fruit in a rat model of two - kidney , one - clip renovascular hypertension .
we also aimed at investigating whether endothelium - derived no and antioxidative stress were involved in such effects .
crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia fruit was collected from the mountains around noorabad ( fars province , iran ) in september 2013 . the exact genus and species of the plant
were characterized by a specialist at the department of pharmacognosy , school of pharmacy , shiraz university of medical sciences , shiraz , iran .
seeds were removed from the fruit and the pulp was dried at room temperature for two weeks and then ground into powder .
hydroalcoholic ( 70% ethanol and 30% distilled water v / v ) extract of the powder was prepared using the percolation method .
male sprague - dawley rats weighing 200 - 250 g were obtained from animal breeding center , shiraz university of medical science , shiraz , iran .
they were kept under standard conditions ( 12:12 light - dark cycle , temperature 20 - 22 c , and humidity 25%-35% ) with rat chow and water ad libitum .
animals were cared for according to the university guidelines for laboratory animal care and use .
the animals were anesthetized with 60 mg / kg ketamine ( pan pharama , trittau , schleswig - holstein , germany ) and 8 mg / kg xylazine ( alfasan , woerden , the netherlands ) . as described by nekooeian et al .
, these were administered to sham - operation or placement of plexiglass clips on the left renal artery . after shaving the left flank area ,
incisions were made in the skin and abdominal walls to expose the left kidney . left renal arteries were gently dissected away from the left renal veins and surrounding tissues .
then , plexiglass clips ( internal diameter of 0.20 - 0.22 mm ) were placed on the arteries as close to aortas as possible .
penicillin antibiotic in powder form ( jaber ebne hayyan pharmaceutical company , tehran , iran ) was then applied to the incision sites .
finally , the abdominal walls and skins were closed using absorbable ( catgut ) and non - absorbable ( silk ) suture materials , respectively .
sham - operated rats were subjected to the same procedure , but no clip was placed on the left renal arteries .
the animals were then recovered from anesthesia and kept under standard conditions . a day after the operations
the sham group ( sham - v ) was assigned to receive distilled water ( 0.5 ml / day ) as vehicle , the left renal artery - clipped group ( rac - v ) was assigned to receive the vehicle , and the remaining four left renal artery - clipped groups were assigned to receive hydroalcoholic extract of crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia fruit at 5 mg / kg / day ( rac - e5 ) , 10 mg / kg / day ( rac - e10 ) , 20 mg / kg / day ( rac - e20 ) , or 30 mg / kg / day ( rac - e30 ) .
the vehicle and the extract were administered daily by oral gavage for the following 4 weeks . on days 7 , 14 , 21 , and 28 ,
systolic blood pressure ( sbp ) and heart rate ( hr ) were measured using non - invasive tail - cuff method ( chart 5.0 software , powerlab 4/30 , ad instruments inc .
. three consecutive sbp measurements , which had a difference of less than 5 mmhg , were considered as valid .
the mean of the three such measurements was noted as the sbp value for every instance .
the hr for every instance was the average of the hrs derived from the three sbp measurements , which were used for the calculation of sbp . on day 28 , after sbp and hr measurements , animals were anesthetized using 60 mg / kg thiopental sodium ( biochem gmbh , vienna , austria ) .
then , the chest cavities of animals were opened , thoracic aortas were cut , and blood samples were collected from the blood pools of the animals chest cavity .
the blood samples were allowed to clot for 30 minutes , centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 20 minutes , and their sera were separated and stored at -80 c until analysis of the measured superoxide dismutase ( sod ) and glutathione reductase ( gr ) .
thoracic aortas were cleaned by removing the surrounding connective tissues , sliced into 3 - 4 mm length rings , and were mounted on hooks connected to force transducers , scheduler organ bath apparatus ( hugo sachs electronik - harvard apparatus gmgh , march hugstetten , germany ) .
the organ baths were filled with 20 ml physiological solution containing the following composition ( mmol / l ) : nacl 118 , kcl 4.7 , kh2po4 1.2 , cacl2 2.5 , mgso4 1.2 , nahco3 25 , and d - glucose 11.1 .
the solution was bubbled constantly with o2 ( 95% ) and co2 ( 5% ) at a ph of 7.4 and a temperature of 37c .
tensions were recorded with a four - channel polygraph ( model 705/1 , hugo sachs electronik , germany ) .
the tissues were allowed to stabilize for 60 minutes . then , full concentration - responses to phenylephrine ( phe ) ( sigma - aldrich chemical co. , steinheim , germany ) were performed .
after two washes and 30-minute equilibration , each ring was contracted with phe using concentrations that caused a contraction similar to that of 50% of the maximal contraction in the sham - v group .
dose - relaxation responses to acetylcholine ( ach ) or sodium nitroprusside ( snp ) ( sigma - aldrich chemical co. , steinheim , germany ) were performed at the plateau of contractile response to phe .
serum levels of sod and gr were determined using biorexfars chemical kits ( shiraz , iran ) .
the method to measure sod was based on using xanthine and xanthine oxidase to generate superoxide radicals that react with 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3 ( 4-nitrophenol)-5-phenyl tetrazolium chloride to form a red formazan dye .
superoxide dismutase activity was measured by the degree of inhibition of this reaction . the assay to measure serum gr
was based on oxidation of the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate ( nadph ) to nadp catalyzed by a limiting concentration of glutathione reductase .
one gr unit is defined as the amount of enzyme catalyzing the reduction of one micromole of oxidized glutathione .
therefore , the reduction of oxidized glutathione was determined indirectly by measuring the consumption of nadph .
the ec50 ( the concentration that causes 50% of maximal response ) of phe , and ic50 ( the concentration that causes 50% of maximal inhibition ) of ach and snp were calculated using curve expert software ( version 1.34 ) .
the data , presented as meansem , were analyzed using one - way analysis of variance ( anova ) followed by duncan s multiple range tests for pairwise comparisons .
statistical analysis was performed using sigma stat statistical software ( version 3.0 ) and illustrations were prepared using sigma plot software ( version 8.0 ) .
crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia fruit was collected from the mountains around noorabad ( fars province , iran ) in september 2013 . the exact genus and species of the plant
were characterized by a specialist at the department of pharmacognosy , school of pharmacy , shiraz university of medical sciences , shiraz , iran .
seeds were removed from the fruit and the pulp was dried at room temperature for two weeks and then ground into powder .
hydroalcoholic ( 70% ethanol and 30% distilled water v / v ) extract of the powder was prepared using the percolation method .
male sprague - dawley rats weighing 200 - 250 g were obtained from animal breeding center , shiraz university of medical science , shiraz , iran .
they were kept under standard conditions ( 12:12 light - dark cycle , temperature 20 - 22 c , and humidity 25%-35% ) with rat chow and water ad libitum .
animals were cared for according to the university guidelines for laboratory animal care and use .
the animals were anesthetized with 60 mg / kg ketamine ( pan pharama , trittau , schleswig - holstein , germany ) and 8 mg / kg xylazine ( alfasan , woerden , the netherlands ) . as described by nekooeian et al .
, these were administered to sham - operation or placement of plexiglass clips on the left renal artery . after shaving the left flank area ,
incisions were made in the skin and abdominal walls to expose the left kidney . left renal arteries were gently dissected away from the left renal veins and surrounding tissues .
then , plexiglass clips ( internal diameter of 0.20 - 0.22 mm ) were placed on the arteries as close to aortas as possible .
penicillin antibiotic in powder form ( jaber ebne hayyan pharmaceutical company , tehran , iran ) was then applied to the incision sites .
finally , the abdominal walls and skins were closed using absorbable ( catgut ) and non - absorbable ( silk ) suture materials , respectively .
sham - operated rats were subjected to the same procedure , but no clip was placed on the left renal arteries .
the animals were then recovered from anesthesia and kept under standard conditions . a day after the operations
the sham group ( sham - v ) was assigned to receive distilled water ( 0.5 ml / day ) as vehicle , the left renal artery - clipped group ( rac - v ) was assigned to receive the vehicle , and the remaining four left renal artery - clipped groups were assigned to receive hydroalcoholic extract of crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia fruit at 5 mg / kg / day ( rac - e5 ) , 10 mg / kg / day ( rac - e10 ) , 20 mg / kg / day ( rac - e20 ) , or 30 mg / kg / day ( rac - e30 ) .
the vehicle and the extract were administered daily by oral gavage for the following 4 weeks . on days 7 , 14 , 21 , and 28 ,
systolic blood pressure ( sbp ) and heart rate ( hr ) were measured using non - invasive tail - cuff method ( chart 5.0 software , powerlab 4/30 , ad instruments inc . , ma , australia ) .
three consecutive sbp measurements , which had a difference of less than 5 mmhg , were considered as valid .
the mean of the three such measurements was noted as the sbp value for every instance .
the hr for every instance was the average of the hrs derived from the three sbp measurements , which were used for the calculation of sbp . on day 28 , after sbp and hr measurements , animals were anesthetized using 60 mg / kg thiopental sodium ( biochem gmbh , vienna , austria ) .
then , the chest cavities of animals were opened , thoracic aortas were cut , and blood samples were collected from the blood pools of the animals chest cavity .
the blood samples were allowed to clot for 30 minutes , centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 20 minutes , and their sera were separated and stored at -80 c until analysis of the measured superoxide dismutase ( sod ) and glutathione reductase ( gr ) .
thoracic aortas were cleaned by removing the surrounding connective tissues , sliced into 3 - 4 mm length rings , and were mounted on hooks connected to force transducers , scheduler organ bath apparatus ( hugo sachs electronik - harvard apparatus gmgh , march hugstetten , germany ) .
the organ baths were filled with 20 ml physiological solution containing the following composition ( mmol / l ) : nacl 118 , kcl 4.7 , kh2po4 1.2 , cacl2 2.5 , mgso4 1.2 , nahco3 25 , and d - glucose 11.1 .
the solution was bubbled constantly with o2 ( 95% ) and co2 ( 5% ) at a ph of 7.4 and a temperature of 37c .
tensions were recorded with a four - channel polygraph ( model 705/1 , hugo sachs electronik , germany ) .
the tissues were allowed to stabilize for 60 minutes . then , full concentration - responses to phenylephrine ( phe ) ( sigma - aldrich chemical co. , steinheim , germany ) were performed .
after two washes and 30-minute equilibration , each ring was contracted with phe using concentrations that caused a contraction similar to that of 50% of the maximal contraction in the sham - v group .
dose - relaxation responses to acetylcholine ( ach ) or sodium nitroprusside ( snp ) ( sigma - aldrich chemical co. , steinheim , germany ) were performed at the plateau of contractile response to phe .
serum levels of sod and gr were determined using biorexfars chemical kits ( shiraz , iran ) .
the method to measure sod was based on using xanthine and xanthine oxidase to generate superoxide radicals that react with 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3 ( 4-nitrophenol)-5-phenyl tetrazolium chloride to form a red formazan dye .
superoxide dismutase activity was measured by the degree of inhibition of this reaction . the assay to measure serum gr
was based on oxidation of the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate ( nadph ) to nadp catalyzed by a limiting concentration of glutathione reductase .
one gr unit is defined as the amount of enzyme catalyzing the reduction of one micromole of oxidized glutathione .
therefore , the reduction of oxidized glutathione was determined indirectly by measuring the consumption of nadph .
the ec50 ( the concentration that causes 50% of maximal response ) of phe , and ic50 ( the concentration that causes 50% of maximal inhibition ) of ach and snp were calculated using curve expert software ( version 1.34 ) .
the data , presented as meansem , were analyzed using one - way analysis of variance ( anova ) followed by duncan s multiple range tests for pairwise comparisons .
statistical analysis was performed using sigma stat statistical software ( version 3.0 ) and illustrations were prepared using sigma plot software ( version 8.0 ) .
the data obtained after one week of treatment showed that the sbp of rac - v group was significantly ( p=0.02 ) higher than that of the sham - v group ( table 1 ) .
moreover , there was no significant difference between the sbp of rac - v group and those of the groups receiving crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia extract at 5 mg / kg / day ( rac - e5 ) , 10 mg / kg / day ( rac - e10 ) , 20 mg / kg / day ( rac - e20 ) , or 30 mg / kg / day ( rac - e30 ) ( table 1 ) . at week 2 , the sbp of rac - v group was significantly ( p=0.02 ) higher than that of the sham - v group .
there was no significant difference between the sbp of rac - e5 and rac - v groups , but the sbps of other extract - receiving groups ( rac - e10 , rac - e20 , and rac - e30 ) were significantly ( p=0.03 ) lower than that of the rac - v group ( table 1 ) . at weeks 3
, the sbp of rac - v group was significantly ( p=0.02 ) higher than that of the sham - v group .
there was no significant difference between the sbp of rac - e5 and rac - v groups .
moreover , the sbps of other extract - receiving groups ( rac - e10 , rac - e20 , and rac - e30 ) were significantly ( p=0.01 ) lower than that of the rac - v group . at weeks 4 , the sbp of rac - v group was significantly ( p=0.02 ) higher than that of the sham - v group .
however , the sbps of other extract - receiving groups ( rac - e10 , rac - e20 , and rac - e30 ) were significantly ( p=0.01 ) lower than that of the rac - v group ( table 1 ) .
weekly values of systolic blood pressure following treatment with vehicle or crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia extract .
data obtained from all groups during weeks 1 to 4 the values ( n=6 - 8 ) are presented as meansem .
sham - v : sham - operated group receiving vehicle ( distilled water ; 0.5 ml / day ) , rac - v : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the vehicle , rac - e5 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving 5 mg / kg / day crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia extract , rac - e10 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the extract at 10 mg / kg / day , rac - e20 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the extract at 20 mg / kg / day extract , rac - e30 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the extract at 30 mg / kg / day . significant difference ( p=0.002 ) from sham - v group ; significant ( p=0.03 ) difference from rac - v group ; significant ( p=0.01 ) difference from rac - v group there was no significant difference between the hrs of the sham - v , rac - v , rac - e5 , rac - e10 , rac - e20 , and rac - e30 groups at week 1 , 2 , 3 , or 4 of the treatment ( table 2 ) .
weekly values of heart rate following treatment with vehicle or crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia extract .
data obtained from all groups during weeks 1 to 4 the values ( n=6 - 8 ) are presented as meansem .
sham - v : sham - operated group receiving vehicle ( distilled water ; 0.5 ml / day ) , rac - v : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the vehicle , rac - e5 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving 5 mg / kg / day crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia extract , rac - e10 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the extract at 10 mg / kg / day , rac - e20 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the extract at 20 mg / kg / day , rac - e30 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the extract at 30 mg / kg / day the emax of contraction response to phe in aortic rings from the rac - v group was significantly ( p=0.01 ) higher than that of the sham - v group ( table 3 , figure 1a ) .
the emax of other extract - receiving groups ( rac - e5 , rac - e10 , rac - e20 , and rac - e30 ) were significantly ( p=0.01 ) lower than that of the rac - v group ( table 3 , figure 1a ) .
the pharmacological parameters of phenylephrine and acetylcholine dose - response curves of all experimental groups after 4 weeks of treatment with vehicle or crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia extract the values ( n=6 - 8 ) are presented as meansem .
sham - v : sham - operated group receiving vehicle ( distilled water ; 0.5 ml / day ) , rac - v : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the vehicle , rac - e5 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving 5 mg / kg / day crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia extract , rac - e10 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the extract at 10 mg / kg / day , rac - e20 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the extract at 20 mg / kg / day , rac - e30 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the extract at 30 mg / kg / day .
* , * * significant ( * p=0.01 , * * p=0.001 ) difference from sham - v group ; , significant ( p=0.01 , p=0.045 ) difference from rac - v group concentration - response curves ( phenylepherine ( a ) , acetylcholine ( b ) , and sodium nitroprusside ( c ) ) in aortic rings from all groups after 4 weeks of treatment with vehicle or crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia extract .
sham - v : sham - operated group receiving 0.5 ml / day distilled water as vehicle , rac - v : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the vehicle , rac - e/ : the extracts at 5 ( rac - e5 ) , 10 ( rac - e10 ) , 20 ( rac - e20 ) , and 30 ( rac - e30 )
significant ( p=0.002 ) difference from sham - v group ; * significant ( p=0.01 ) difference from sham - v group ; significant ( p=0.01 ) difference from rac - v group .
the ec50 of contraction response to phe in aortic rings from the rac - v group was significantly ( p=0.001 ) lower than that of the sham - v group ( table 3 ) .
the ec50 of rac - e5 was significantly ( p=0.01 ) higher than that of the sham - v group .
in addition , the ec50 of other extract - receiving groups ( rac - e10 , rac - e20 , and rac - e30 ) were significantly ( p=0.001 ) higher than that of the rac - v group ( table 3 ) .
the emax of relaxation response to ach in aortic rings from the rac - v group was significantly ( p=0.01 ) lower than that of the sham - v group ( table 3 , figure 1b ) .
the emax of the extract - receiving groups ( rac - e5 , rac - e10 , rac - e20 , and rac - e30 ) were significantly ( p=0.01 ) higher than that of the rac - v group ( table 3 , figure 1b ) .
the ic50 of relaxation response to ach in aortic rings from the rac - v group was significantly ( p=0.001 ) higher than that of the sham - v group ( table 3 ) .
the ic50 of relaxation response to ach in aortic rings from the rac - e5 group was significantly ( p=0.01 ) lower than that of the sham - v group .
in addition , the emax of other extract - receiving groups ( rac - e10 , rac - e20 , and rac - e30 ) were significantly ( p=0.001 ) lower than that of the rac - v group ( table 3 ) .
there was no significant difference between the emax of relaxation response to snp of aortic rings from the sham - v , rac - v , rac - e5 , rac - e10 , rac - e20 , and rac - e30 groups ( figure 1c ) .
serum concentration sod of the rac - v group was significantly lower ( p=0.006 ) than that of the sham - v group ( table 4 ) .
there was no significant difference between serum sod of the rac - e5 and rac - v groups .
serum sod of the rav - e10 group was significantly ( p=0.04 ) higher than that of the rac - v groups .
moreover , the serum levels of sod levels of other extract - treated groups ( rac - e20 and rac - e30 ) were significantly ( p=0.015 ) higher than that of the rac - v group ( table 4 ) .
the values of serum biomarkers of oxidative stress following treatment with vehicle or crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia extract .
data obtained from all groups in week 4 the values ( n=6 - 8 ) are presented as meansem .
sod : superoxide dismutase , gr : glutathione reductase , sham - v : sham - operated group receiving vehicle ( distilled water ; 0.5 ml / day ) , rac - v : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the vehicle , rac - e5 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving 5 mg / kg / day crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia extract , rac - e10 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the extract at 10 mg / kg / day , rac - e20 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the extract at 20 mg / kg / day , rac - e30 : left renal artery - clipped group receiving the extract at 30 mg / kg / day .
significant ( p=0.006 ) difference from sham - v group ; significant ( p=0.04 , p=0.015 ) difference from rac - v group serum concentration gr of the rac - v group was significantly lower ( p=0.006 ) than that of the sham - v group ( table 4 ) .
serum gr of the rac - e5 group was significantly ( p=0.04 ) higher than that of the rac - v groups .
moreover , serum levels of gr for the other extract - treated groups ( rac - e10 , rac - e20 , and rac- e30 ) were significantly ( p=0.015 ) higher than that of the rac - v group .
the findings of the present study show that the placement of solid plexiglass clips on the left renal arteries results in renovascular hypertension associated with attenuated release of no and increased oxidative stress .
moreover , the findings show that the administration of hydroalcoholic extract of crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia attenuates the development of hypertension .
the findings also show that the antihypertensive effects of the extract might be attributed to the enhancement of no release and the attenuation of oxidative stress . in agreement with our past investigations using plexiglass clips , and those of kaur et al .
, the present study shows that the placement of clips on the left renal arteries results in renovascular hypertension .
moreover , our findings show that the present model of renovascular hypertension is associated with increased contraction response to phe .
the increased responsiveness to phe may be related to decreased endothelium - derived relaxing factors such as no or increased contracting factors such as endoperoxides , thromboxane a2 and endothelin .
the present model of renovascular hypertension was also associated with decreased and unchanged vasorelaxation response to ach and snp , respectively .
acetylcholine vasorelaxant action is mediated by muscarinic m3 receptors activation , which leads to the release of no from endothelial cells .
vasorelaxation response to ach in isolated aortic rings has been taken as an indication of the status of no release and vascular endothelium - dependent relaxation , whereas that of snp has been used as an evidence of the status of endothelium - independent relaxation .
these findings are in agreement with our report and kaur et al . that the renovascular model of hypertension and other models of hypertension such as spontaneous hypertensive rats were associated with a decreased release of no .
nitric oxide is believed to modulate blood pressure in vivo by activating soluble guanylate cyclase and thereby increasing intracellular cgmp , which leads to the decrease of intracellular calcium and sensitivity of contractile proteins , and subsequent relaxation of vascular smooth muscle .
therefore , the attenuated release of no in the present model may partly contribute to the development of hypertension .
the findings also show that the present model of renovascular hypertension is associated with decreased antioxidants such as sod and gr , indicating that the model is associated with increased levels of oxidative stress .
the increased level of oxidative stress may partly justify the increase of blood pressure in the present model , as it has been previously shown that two - kidney , one - clip renovascular hypertension and other models of hypertension were associated with increased levels of oxidative stress .
two - kidney , one - clip renovascular hypertension is the result of increased activities of rennin - angiotensin system and subsequent increase in serum levels of angiotensin ii , which has been shown to increase indices of oxidative stress .
the present study shows that at doses examined , the hydroalcoholic extract of crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia attenuates the development of hypertension .
the crataegus species examined in the present study is native to fars province , southern iran . as far as literature is concerned , to the best of our knowledge
our finding is in agreement with those of previous studies that demonstrated other species of crataegus decreased the blood pressure in rats with l - name - induced - hypertension and normotensive rats .
moreover ; our findings are similar to those studies showing that other various crataegus extracts relaxed precontracted rat aorta , mesenteric artery , porcine coronary artery , and human internal mammary artery .
our findings show that hydroalcoholic extract of crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia improves the endothelium - dependent relaxation response to ach .
this finding is in agreement with previous reports demonstrating that other crataegus species , including crataegus tanacetifolia ,
crataegus aronia syn .
azarolus ,
crataegus microphyhlla , and a special extract prepared from crataegus oxyacantha or crataegus monogyna , enhanced endothelium - dependent relaxation by ach .
the improved endothelium - dependent relaxation response to ach has been taken as a functional evidence of enhanced no release .
moreover , donors of no and stimulants of no release were associated with decreased blood pressure or vasorelaxation .
therefore , it is reasonable to suggest that the enhancement of no release may partly explain the antihypertensive effects of crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia extract .
improvement of no release has been reported to explain the antihypertensive effects of other herbs , including allium eriophyllum and ginkgo biloba as well as synthetic drugs such as inorganic nitrates .
the present study shows that the administration of crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia extract to renovascular hypertensive rats reduces the level of oxidative stress characterized by increased levels of sod and gr .
similar antioxidant effects have been reported for other species of crataegus , including crataegus microphylla and a special extract prepared from crataegus oxyacantha or crataegus monogyna .
it has been suggested that by increasing intracellular calcium in vascular smooth muscle , decreasing bioavailability of no and prostacyclin , and increasing central sympathetic outflow , oxidative stress contributes to the pathophysiology of hypertension .
our findings show that the extract increased endothelium - derived no , as indicated by increased endothelium - dependent relaxation to ach .
therefore , it is reasonable to conclude that the antihypertensive effects of the extract may be partly attributed to the reduction of oxidative stress , which can result in increased bioavailability of no .
the findings of the present study should be interpreted in the light of at least two limitations .
first , improved endothelium - dependent relaxation response to ach was taken as a functional evidence of enhanced no release .
although this method is valid , however , the measurement of serum levels of no metabolites ( no3/no2 ) could give a more direct measurement of serum no .
moreover , although the used doses of crataegus extract did not cause any mortality , prior toxicology test could provide a range of doses over which the study could be performed .
the findings of the present study have shown that the placement of plexiglass clips on the left renal arteries led to renovascular hypertension associated with increased sensitivity to phe , impaired release of no , and increased oxidative stress .
it has also shown that increased release of no and attenuation of oxidative stress may partly explain the antihypertensive effects of crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia hydroalcoholic extract .
our findings may be used as a rationale for further preclinical as well as clinical studies using various extracts and fractions of crataegus azarolus subspecies aronia fruit . | pubmed |
hot massive stars have a great impact on the surrounding interstellar medium ( _ ism _ ) and play a crucial role in the chemical evolution of galaxies .
their strong ultraviolet radiation is responsible for the ionization of nearby @xmath1 regions where their stellar winds blow vast bubbles .
their supersonic wind outflows and the supernova explosion at the end of their evolution transfer energy and momentum to the _ ism _ and disperse the material processed in the stellar interiors , thus setting the conditions for the formation of subsequent generations of stars .
the determination of the physical parameters of massive stars is therefore of great interest , yet complicated .
high resolution spectroscopy is needed .
modeling the stellar atmosphere requires to account for the expanding wind , the non local thermodynamic equilibrium ( non - lte ) conditions and the so called line - blanketing that modifies the flux distribution , especially at short wavelengths .
spectroscopy in the ultraviolet and far ultraviolet ranges ( hereafter uv and far - uv ) is a powerful tool to study the winds of massive stars since these spectral regions contain the resonance lines of the most abundant ions in the wind . in this work
we analyse spectra from the _ far ultraviolet spectroscopic explorer _ ( _ fuse _ ) @xcite , covering the 905 - 1187region , in conjunction with spectra at longer wavelengths ( 1200 - 2000 ) from the _ international ultraviolet explorer _ ( _ iue _ ) , the _ orbiting retrievable far and extreme ultraviolet spectrometers _ ( _ orfeus _ ) and the _ space telescope imaging spectrograph _
( _ stis _ ) aboard the _ hubble space telescope _ ( _ hst _ ) .
the _ fuse _ spectra allows us to uniquely constrain the stellar parameters by adding new ionization stages to those accessible to _ iue _ , _ orfeus _ and _ hst - stis _ ( e.g. @xcite , @xcite ) .
this is the second paper of a series devoted to provide accurate and consistent determination of the stellar parameters of galactic massive stars with this method .
* hereafter paper i ) studied six mid - o type stars and found effective temperatures lower ( by 15 - 20% ) than previously determined for the sample stars or calibrated for their spectral types . in this work
we perform a similar analysis for early - o type stars .
the paper is organized as follows . in section [ s_data ]
we provide details about the data and the reduction . in section [ s_stars ]
we summarize the relevant information from the literature about the program stars . in section [ s_morpho ]
we compare the spectral line characteristics .
the stellar parameters are derived in section [ s_models ] by modeling the spectra . in section [ s_conclusion ]
the results are discussed .
for all the program stars we analysed _ fuse _ spectra ( 905 - 1187 ) and uv archival spectra ( @xmath2 ) from _
iue_. for a few objects we also used _
orfeus _ and _ hst - stis _ archival data .
the datasets used are listed in table [ t_id ] .
the _ fuse _ data , taken through the _ lwrs _ aperture ( 30 @xmath3 30 ) , have a resolution of @xmath4 20,000 .
the data were processed with the pipeline ( calfuse ) version 2.0.5 @xcite .
all the lif and sic segments were examined to assure optimal centering of the spectra in the extraction window and to avoid data defects such as event bursts or the `` worm '' @xcite .
the good portions from different channels were combined , after the consistency of wavelength scale and flux level was checked , to achieve the maximum s / n .
the wavelength ranges 905 - 930and 1181 - 1187 , at the ends of the _ fuse _ range , have poor spectral quality and were not used in this work . the data in the 1082.5 - 1087region come entirely from the sic channels ,
therefore the @xmath51084.9 line was given a small weight in the analysis .
the resulting combined spectra , normalized to the local continuum , are shown in figure [ f_all_fuse ] .
the _ fuse _ wavelength range contains several absorption lines and bands of interstellar atomic and molecular hydrogen . in order to assess which features in the spectrum are purely stellar and to determine reliable continuum points for flux normalization , we calculated the @xmath6 absorption spectrum for the line of sight of each star .
we used measurements of hydrogen column densities when available in the literature or , otherwise , we estimated the column densitiy from color excesses using the relations from @xcite : * @xmath7 * , where @xmath8 , and * @xmath9*. the hydrogen ( @xmath10 ) absorption models are plotted over the observed spectra in figures [ f_all_fuse ] , [ f_2_superg_fuse ] , [ f_fit_all_fuse ] and [ f_hd190429_col ] .
we examined all the existing _ iue _ observations of the program objects taken with the swp camera ( 1150 - 1975 ) , using the on - line tools of the mast archive , to check for variability and to exclude saturated portions , and chose the data with the best s / n .
high dispersion _ iue _ spectra ( @xmath11 0.2 ) are available for all objects except for hd 64568 , for which only a low dispersion spectrum ( @xmath11 6 ) exists .
we then downloaded the selected spectra from the ines archive @xcite because the data typically have a better background correction at wavelengths shorter than 1400 than the data in the mast archive .
we additionally used _
hst - stis _ spectra ( [email protected]@xmath12 aperture and e140h grating , 1150 - 1700 , @xmath13=114,000 ) for two objects and _ orfeus - tues _
spectra ( 900 - 1400 , @xmath13=10,000 ) for one program object .
these data were downloaded from the mast archive .
the normalized spectra in the uv range that contains the strongest spectral lines ( 1200 - 1750 ) are shown in figure [ f_all_iue ] .
we performed an exhaustive literature search about the program stars and collected all data useful to this study .
in particular , we searched for reliable spectral classifications and information about multiplicity and the environment of the stars .
table [ t_stars ] compiles the spectral classification and other relevant data , including the hydrogen column densities in the line of sight of each object . a discussion on the individual objects is given in the following section .
hd 190429 is a multiple system that belongs to the cygnus ob3 association .
hd 190429a has three companions ( b , c , d ) located at 1.7@xmath12 , 42.5@xmath12 and 29.0@xmath12 respectively @xcite , therefore only the b component is included in the _ fuse _ and _ iue _ large apertures .
the d component may be at the edge of the _ fuse _ _ lwrs _ slit , but it is considerably fainter than hd 190429a ( @xmath14 v @xmath15 4 , @xcite ) .
@xcite reports a companion of hd 190429a at a 0.09@xmath12 distance , but we found no further information on this object . for hd 190429a
we adopt a spectral type of o4 if@xmath0 @xcite and o9.5 ii for the b component @xcite . the luminosity class of the secondary varies in the literature from ibp @xcite , to iii @xcite . in section [ s_190429 ]
we estimate that its contribution to the total flux amounts to 15% at most .
we examined the sixteen large aperture high resolution _
_ spectra of hd 190429a taken with the swp camera .
since we found no significant variation in the flux levels and the line profiles , we include this object in our analysis .
the study of hd 190429a is of particular interest , because it is the only supergiant star earlier than o5 observed with _ fuse _ except for hd 93129a ( o2if * ) , which also belongs to a binary system .
the _ iue _ spectrum of hd 190429a shows characteristics intermediate between o3 if@xmath16 and o5 if@xmath0 in the uv morphological sequence described by @xcite .
@xcite concur that the uv spectral morphology of hd 190429a is typical of an o4-o5 if@xmath0 star , but found that its ir spectrum ( k - band ) resembles that of a wolf - rayet , indicating the presence of a strong wind .
@xcite obtained similar results .
@xcite found that the emission of h@xmath17 and @xmath184686 in hd 190429a is stronger than in other o3-o5
if@xmath0 stars , again suggesting that hd 190429a is evolving to the wn stage . however , the mass - loss rate we derive ( section [ s_models ] ) is consistent with that predicted by the radiation pressure driven wind theory ( section [ s_conclusion ] ) .
hd 64568 belongs to ngc 2467/puppis ob2 @xcite and is one of the ionizing stars of the irregular @xmath1 region sh 2 - 311 @xcite .
hd 64568 is a primary standard for the o3 v((f * ) ) type in the recent revision of the spectral classification of early type objects by @xcite , based on optical spectra .
we adopt this spectral classification , although other works are discrepant : @xcite , @xcite , @xcite and @xcite classify hd 64568 as o5 ; @xcite as o5/6 .
none of these works provided luminosity class .
@xcite classified the star as o4 v ( ( f ) ) and @xcite as o5 v. the uv and far - uv spectral morphology is consistent with the o3 v((f * ) ) classification .
we did not find conclusive reports about binarity .
@xcite analysed medium dispersion ctio spectra and found radial velocity variations , but could not determine whether they are due to binarity or to instabilities in the atmosphere .
@xcite obtained several measurements of the radial velocity , and found a maximum variation of 10 km s@xmath19 .
hd 93250 is located in the carina nebula ( ngc 3372 ) , an @xmath1 region consisting of four lobes ionized by several stellar clusters , including trumpler 14 and trumpler 16 ( tr 14 and tr 16 ) .
hd 93250 belongs to tr 16 .
we adopt the spectral type o3.5 v((f@xmath0 ) ) from @xcite .
other authors agree that hd 93250 is a dwarf star ( o3 v((f ) ) @xcite , o3:v((f ) ) @xcite and o3 v(f ) @xcite ) .
however , hd 93250 is one of the brightest stars in the carina complex ( v = 7.37 , @xcite ) .
@xcite found evidence of a luminosity class higher than v and classified the star as o3 ( providing no luminosity class ) . according to @xcite ,
the star is a giant ( o3 iii(f ) ) and @xcite classified it as a supergiant ( o3 i ) based on its uv spectrum .
we find that the fuse spectrum ( see figure [ f_all_fuse ] ) does not display the characteristic signatures of supergiants , i.e. the @xmath201062.7,1073.0,1073.5 and @xmath201118.0,1128.0 p cygni profiles ( see paper i and figures [ f_all_fuse ] and [ f_2_superg_fuse ] of this paper ) , supporting the luminosity class v. on the other hand , the radius we derive from line fitting ( see secton [ s_93250 ] ) is larger than for the other o3.5 v((f@xmath0 ) ) star of the sample , consistently with the higher luminosity of hd 93250 .
@xcite studied the uv - morphology of the early type dwarf stars and found no anomaly in the _ iue _ spectrum of hd 93250 , except for the unsaturated profile of @xmath201548.2,1550.8 .
they suggested that an unresolved later - type companion could be a possible explanation .
@xcite measured a constant heliocentric radial velociy and concluded that the star is not a binary ; no companion was found in the speckle interferometric survey of @xcite .
we will further discuss this point in section [ s_93250 ] .
hd 93205 is part of a multiple system , again located in the tr 16 cluster .
hd 93205 is a spectroscopic binary with additionally a visual companion ( hd 93204 , o5 v ) at a 18.7 distance @xcite , which may be included in the _ fuse _ _ lwrs _ aperture , but not in the _ iue _ large aperture .
the primary component of the hd 93205 system is consistently classified in the literature as o3 v ( see table [ t_stars ] ) but revised to o3.5 v((f@xmath0 ) ) by @xcite , which we adopt . @xcite and
@xcite provided spectral classification for both components of the system : o3 v+o8 v. the question whether hd 93205 is an eclipsing binary is not settled . from the inclination angle ( i @xmath21 45@xmath22 - 53@xmath22 , @xcite ) no eclipses are expected .
@xcite found photometric variability in the system of a maximum of @xmath15 [email protected] , which they explained with a non uniform brightness distribution .
the latest photometric study @xcite suggests instead that the light curve variations ( amplitude [email protected] ) are due to eclipses .
the only large aperture _ iue _ spectra , swp14747 and swp07959 , were taken at phases @xmath24=0.78 and @xmath24=0.28 ( calculated using the orbital parameters from @xcite ) ; the orbital positions of the secondary at these phases are equivalent for the observer and , in fact , the spectrum does not vary .
the fuse and iue spectra of hd 93205 look very similar to those of hde 303308 ( which has a similar spectral type ) and the wind lines clearly originate from the o3.5 v((f@xmath0 ) ) star , while the secondary component ( o8 v ) may contribute to the continuum .
the spectral analysis shows that this contribution is of the order of @xmath25 15% ( see section [ s_dos ] ) .
hde 303308 , located 1@xmath26 north of @xmath27 carinae , also belongs to the tr 16 cluster in the carina nebula .
we adopt the spectral classification of @xcite , o4 v((f@xmath0 ) ) , although the star has been previously classified as o3 dwarf ( see table [ t_stars ] ) .
speckle interferometry indicates that hde 303308 is a single star @xcite .
@xcite report variability of the radial velocity , but could not determine whether the star belongs to a binary system .
@xcite measured the radial velocity from three iue spectra and found no significant changes .
@xcite did not find any photometric variations .
hd 96715 belongs to the carinae ob2 association , rich in luminous massive stars .
the spectral classifications throughout the literature are in general agreement .
we adopt o4 v((f ) ) @xcite ; other similar classifications are listed in table [ t_stars ] .
hd 96715 is a blue straggler and displays an unusually strong @xmath54514 line for its early type that may indicate nitrogen enrichment @xcite .
there are no studies on binarity .
for this star we use a combination of two large aperture _ iue _ spectra out of eight available in the archive .
we use swp43980 for @xmath28 1700 , which has the best s / n ratio in this spectral region , but it is saturated for @xmath29 1700where we use swp21999 .
hd 168076 is a member of the young open cluster ngc 6611 @xcite , located near the outermost part of the sagittarius - carina spiral arm .
the spectral classification we adopt is o4 v((f ) ) @xcite .
other authors provide similar classifications ( see table [ t_stars ] ) except for @xcite : o4 iii(f ) and @xcite : o5 v((f@xmath30 ) ) .
@xcite studied the line of sight of hd 168076 from its _ fuse _ spectra and calculated the column densities of @xmath31 and @xmath32 ( listed in table [ t_stars ] ) which we use in this analysis .
hd 168076 is a visual binary .
@xcite resolved the components with a high angular resolution ( 0.035@xmath12 ) adaptive optics system and estimated a separation of @xmath15 0.15 and a difference in magnitude of @xmath14k=1.57 .
however , the line spectrum of hd 168076 , very similar to the spectra of the other o4 dwarf stars in the sample , is apparently dominated in the far - uv and uv ranges by the lines from the hot component .
there is only one high dispersion _ iue _ spectrum of this object .
it has some saturated portions , removed from the plots in figures [ f_all_iue ] and [ f_fit_all_iue ] and not considered in the analysis .
examination of the uv and far - uv spectra of the sample stars reveals the correspondence of the line morphology in this spectral region with the spectral classifications derived from the optical range .
the general behaviour of the spectral lines as a function of spectral type and luminosity class has been described in a number of atlases , both in the _ iue _ range @xcite and in the _ fuse _ range ( @xcite for galactic stars , @xcite for magellanic cloud stars ) . in this section
we provide a more detailed discussion of the spectral morphology within the spectral types covered in this work and paper i. in the quantitative spectral modeling ( section [ s_models ] ) the observed line variations will be explained in terms of physical parameters .
the _ fuse _ and _ iue _ spectra of the o4 type stars are shown in figures [ f_all_fuse ] and [ f_all_iue ] .
the sample consists of one supergiant star ( hd 190429a ) and three dwarf stars ( hde 303308 , hd 96715 and hd 168076 ) . the _ fuse _ satellite has not observed any giant star of type o4 ( or earlier ) yet .
the most prominent variations among luminosity classes are the different strength of @xmath201118.0,1128.0 in the _ fuse _ range and @xmath201393.8,1402.8 , @xmath51640 and @xmath201718.0,1718.5 in the _ iue _ range .
@xmath201118.0,1128.0 , @xmath201393.8,1402.8 and @xmath51640 display wind profiles in the spectrum of the supergiant star but are photospheric absorptions in the dwarf stars .
@xmath201062.7,1073.0,1073.5 , which shows a p cygni profile in hd 190429a ( though severely masked by interstellar hydrogen absorption ) , and @xmath51169+@xmath51176 change similarly .
the behaviour of these lines is similar to what we found for mid - o types ( paper i ) and it is caused by the mass - loss rate variation with luminosity . in the present sample ,
the @xmath201062.7,1073.0,1073.5 and @xmath51169+@xmath51176 profile changes are not as remarkable as in later types because these lines are much less conspicuous due to the higher .
note that @xmath201031.9,1037.6 displays a well developed p cygni profile of similar strength at all luminosity classes as already seen in mid - o type stars ( paper i ) .
similarly , the lines of other high ionization species , @xmath201238.8,1242.8 and @xmath201548.2,1550.8 , do not vary appreciably because they are saturated .
we find systematic line variations when we compare the spectra of the o3-o4 type stars analysed in this paper to the later type stars from paper i. despite their many similarities , the spectra of o3-o6 dwarf stars in figures [ f_all_fuse ] and [ f_all_iue ] display clear effects .
notably , @xmath51169+@xmath51176 and @xmath201118.0,1128.0 + @xmath201122.5,1128.3,1128.4 decrease towards earlier types . in the _ iue _
range , the weaker @xmath201393.8,1402.8 and stronger @xmath201718.0,1718.5 , @xmath51371.0 and @xmath201548.2,1550.8 also indicate higher .
the line variations with spectral type are more remarkable in the supergiants , as wind features are more developed in their spectra .
when we compare the _ fuse _ spectra of o4 and o6.5 supergiants ( see figure [ f_2_superg_fuse ] ) we find the latter to have stronger @xmath201062.7,1073.0,1073.5 and @xmath51169+@xmath51176 , whereas @xmath201031.9,1037.6 does not vary .
@xmath201118.0,1128.0 has a p cygni profile in both stars , however with different shapes , indicating a different ionization structure in the wind . in the _ iue
_ range ( see figure [ f_2_superg_iue ] ) , the lines showing the largest variation are @xmath201393.8,1402.8 and @xmath51640 .
the strength of @xmath201393.8,1402.8 drastically decreases from hd 163758 , where it is a fully developed p cygni profile , to hd 190429a .
the spectrum of hd 190429a displays a strong emission of @xmath51640.0 , characteristic of o3-o5 if stars @xcite .
@xmath201718.0,1718.5 and the emission of @xmath201548.2,1550.8 increase from type o6.5 to o4 .
the strength of the feature at 1500 , which we believe to be a line possibly contaminated with lines ( see paper i ) , is approximately the same in both spectra .
the absorption line of @xmath51371.0 is present only in the spectra of the hotter star , hd 190429a .
in this section we determine the photospheric and wind parameters of the sample stars by fitting their far - uv and uv spectra with spherical , hydrodynamic , line - blanketed , non - lte synthetic models .
the models were calculated with the version 2.11 of the _ wm - basic _ code @xcite , but have the solar abundances of the previous version ( _ wm - basic _ 1.22 ) for consistency with the grid of models constructed for paper i. our study takes into account the effects of shocks in the wind .
shocks produce soft - x rays in the expanding atmosphere which affect the ionization of several species , most remarkably and . by modeling the lines of highly ionized atoms in the _ fuse _ and _ iue _
ranges consistently with the other spectral features , we can determine the value of the parameter / , and thus provide a unique solution for the stellar parameters ( , , , and @xmath33 ) .
we have built a vast grid of _ wm - basic _ models which -by comparison to the observed spectra- provides upper and lower limits of the stellar parameters .
the final values and their uncertainties are obtained by computing models that refine the grid within the range of interest for each observed spectrum . in the following section we provide further details of the fitting process .
the best fit models are shown in figures [ f_fit_all_fuse]-[f_hd190429_col ] .
the derived stellar parameters are compiled in table [ t_models ] .
the spectra of the dwarf stars are mostly similar , except for subtle line variations ( see section [ teff_effects ] ) .
therefore we follow a similar procedure to fit their spectra , which we explain in this section .
the analysis of hd 93250 and hd 64568 is slightly different and the details are given in sections [ s_93250 ] and [ s_64568 ] .
we learned from our grid of models that @xmath201118.0,1128.0 , @xmath51169 + @xmath51176 , @xmath51371.0 and @xmath201718.0,1718.5 are good temperature indicators in the interval of of 38,000 k to 42,000 k ( enclosing the temperatures of our sample as we will see ) and mass - loss rates of @xmath34 to @xmath35 m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 ; we initially assumed = 4 and = 9 , adequate for luminosity class v. in this range of parameters , @xmath201118.0,1128.0 and @xmath51169 + @xmath51176 decrease with temperature ; both lines are photospheric and therefore insensitive to changes of @xmath33 and / .
the strength of @xmath201718.0,1718.5 increases with and @xmath33 and marginally decreases with higher / .
@xmath51371.0 has a hard threshold , and forms only in models with @xmath37 40,000 k ( independently of shocks and mass - loss rate ) thus providing an upper limit to the temperature of stars not displaying this line .
when @xmath51371.0 is present in the stellar spectrum , its strength varies similarly to @xmath201718.0,1718.5 and helps us constrain / and @xmath33 .
we can set solid limits to the interval of possible temperatures of the dwarf stars , based on the strength of these lines in their spectra .
hd 64568 , hd 93250 , hd 93205 and hde 303308 must have a temperature higher or equal than 40,000 k since their spectra display the @xmath51371.0 line .
for these stars , the upper limit to is 42,000 k , because at higher temperatures ( in the range of @xmath33 set above ) , @xmath51371.0 becomes a fully developed p cygni profile in the models , not seen in any stellar spectra , and @xmath201718.0,1718.5 is not as strong as observed .
@xmath51371.0 is absent in the spectra of hd 96715 and hd 168076 , thus their temperature must be below 40,000 k. the lower limit to the temperature of these stars is established with @xmath201118.0,1128.0 and secondarily @xmath201548.2,1550.8 .
@xmath201118.0,1128.0 displays a wind profile ( discrepant with the observed photospheric profile ) in the models with @xmath3837,000 k. in the 38,000 k to 42,000 k range all our models have an excess emission of @xmath201548.2,1550.8 ( with respect to the observations ) but successfully fit the observed absorptions ; however , at @xmath3837,000 k the profile of the absorption changes ( for any mass - loss rate ) and does not fit the spectrum .
the of each object is determined from the best fit to the @xmath51169 + @xmath51176 and @xmath201118.0,1128.0 lines .
we find = 41,000 k for hd 64568 , = 40,000 k for hd 93250 , hd 93205 and hde 303308 and = 39,000 k for hd 96715 and hd 168076 .
the error bars given in table [ t_models ] ( @xmath39 2,000 k ) are larger than the range of acceptable temperatures of each object indicated by the spectra , because they also account for systematic errors , such as the uncertainty introduced by the flux normalization and the possible contribution by companions ( @xmath25 15% , see later ) in some cases .
once we delimit the effective temperature , we proceed to derive @xmath33 .
most of the lines useful for this purpose in the analysis of mid - o type stars ( @xmath201118.0,1128.0 , @xmath51169 + @xmath51176 , @xmath201238.8,1242.8 and @xmath201548.2,1550.8 ) are insensitive to the variation of @xmath33 at the high temperatures of the early - o stars . the mass loss rate
is then determined with the aid of the less prominent @xmath51371.0 , @xmath201718.0,1718.5 , and @xmath201393.8,1402.8 ( increasing with higher @xmath33 ) , and secondarily with @xmath201031.9,1037.6 ( decreasing with higher @xmath33 ) . for each object ,
the lower / upper limits to mass - loss rate are set to the values that produce @xmath51371.0 and @xmath201718.0,1718.5 in defect / excess .
the most sensitive lines to / are @xmath201031.9,1037.6 and @xmath201238.8,1242.8 , as already noted in paper i. @xmath20933.4,944.52 is also sensitive , but it is given little weight in the fitting process as this region is heavily affected by the interstellar hydrogen absorption .
@xmath201238.8,1242.8 presents a problem related to its unsaturated absorption ( which we discuss in detail below ) and can not be used to constrain the shocks .
/ is then derived from the model that provides the best fit to @xmath201031.9,1037.6 , which increases with increasing shocks . in the range of temperatures and mass - loss rates we found for the dwarf stars ,
/ must be comprised between -7.5 ( minimum to reproduce the observed profile ) and -6.5 ( when this line is in excess in the models , independently of the other stellar parameters ) , but can be further constrained for each object once and @xmath33 are known ( as reflected in table [ t_models ] ) .
we then calculated models with different radii ( in the range 6 - 12 ) for = 4.0 .
we find that if we increase the radius ( i.e. we increase mass and luminosity ) , @xmath201031.9,1037.6 increases while @xmath201118.0,1128.0 , @xmath51176 and @xmath201718.0,1718.5 decrease . at = 6 , the models do not reproduce the p cygni profile of .
a model with a radius of = 12 provides an overall worse fit to the spectra of hd 96715 , hd 168076 , hde 303308 and hd 93205 than = 9 . for these stars
we adopt a radius of = 9 @xmath39 3 ( hd 64568 and hd 93250 are discussed in sections [ s_93250 ] and [ s_64568 ] ) .
there is a limited number of photospheric lines sensitive to gravity in the fuse and iue ranges and , by consequence , the derived value of is less well constrained than the other stellar parameters .
@xmath201118.0,1128.0 and @xmath201718.0,1718.5 increase with decreasing gravity , and @xmath51176 has the opposite behavior .
however , the strength of these lines depends on more weakly than on and @xmath33 .
we find that models with = 3.8 or 4.2 give poorer fits than = 4.0 and we adopt these values as the error margin .
our findings agree with the results from works based on analyses of optical spectra that derive for hd 93205 and hde 303308 between 3.9 and 4.1 ( see table [ t_prev ] ) and with the calibration of with spectral type of @xcite and @xcite that assign @xmath213.9 to o3 v and o4 v stars .
for hd 168076 , @xcite derived = 4.3 from photometric data .
the best fit models are shown in figures [ f_fit_all_fuse ] and [ f_fit_all_iue ] .
the synthetic spectra reproduce with great accuracy most of the uv and far - uv lines .
yet , they fail to reproduce the @xmath201238.8,1242.8 unsaturated profile in the _ iue _ spectra of all stars .
the _ iue _
data may suffer from inaccurate background subtraction in this wavelength range due to the echelle order overlap @xcite , so we searched for other uv spectra in the mast archive . in figures
[ f_all_iue ] and [ f_fit_all_iue ] we have included data in the @xmath201238.8,1242.8 region from _ orfeus - tues _ for hd 96715 and from _ hst - stis _ for hde 303308 and hd 93205 .
the _ orfeus - tues _ spectrum of hd 96715 displays a saturated @xmath201238.8,1242.8 p cygni profile that the _ wm - basic _ model fits well , therefore at least in this case the mismatch is indeed likely to originate from the iue data reduction
. however , @xmath201238.8,1242.8 is unsaturated in the _ stis _ spectra of both hde 303308 and hd 93205 .
while the latter is a binary , thus the residual flux may originate from the cooler companion , the profile is hard to explain in hde 303308 .
this prompted us to explore the grid of _ wm - basic _ models , to check if the combination of parameters that produces unsaturated @xmath201238.8,1242.8 overlaps with the range of parameters we found adequate for early type dwarf stars .
the behaviour of the @xmath201238.8,1242.8 doublet in models with = 4 and = 9 can be summarized as follows .
it becomes stronger with increasing temperature up to @xmath15 44,000 k ( the exact value depends on @xmath33 and / ) and then it decreases for @xmath40 44,000 k. the doublet grows with increasing shocks up to @xmath41/ @xmath38 - 6.75 , then it decreases for @xmath41/ @xmath42 - 6.75 . in the range of temperatures
we have determined for o3 - 4 v stars ( 38,000 - 42,000 k ) , higher @xmath33 produces a stronger @xmath201238.8,1242.8 profile . if we decrease so that the models produce unsaturated @xmath201238.8,1242.8 , we canot reproduce the observed @xmath201031.9,1037.6 . if instead we increase , we achieve unsaturated @xmath201548.2,1550.8 at lower ( by 2,000 k ) than needed to produce unsaturated @xmath201238.8,1242.8 ( unsaturated @xmath201548.2,1550.8 is in disagreement with the observed spectra of all dwarf stars except for hd 93250 and hd 64568 ) .
reduced shocks underestimate @xmath201031.9,1037.6 .
model spectra calculated with lower mass - loss rate do not have @xmath201718.0,1718.5 .
we can fit @xmath201238.8,1242.8 in the spectra of hd 93205 and hde 303308 ( but not hd 93250 ) with a nitrogen abundance of @xmath43 but the models lack @xmath201718.0,1718.5 ( see figure [ f_fit_all_iue ] ) .
note that none of the stars analysed in this work is in the obc / obn compilation of @xcite , nor we found any publication that measured non - solar compositions for them . in conclusion
, we can not compute a _
wm - basic _ model that displays unsaturated + @xmath201238.8,1242.8 and is in agreement with the rest of the observed spectrum .
we suspect that a shock ( and x - ray ionization ) treatment different from what used by wm - basic may reproduce the @xmath201238.8,1242.8 p cygni profile .
we will investigate this possibility by comparing models computed with wm - basic and cmfgen ( @xcite , bianchi , garcia , & herald , in preparation ) .
there is an additional source of uncertainty in the analysis of hd 93205 and hd 168076 .
both of them are binaries whose secondary component is most likely included in the fuse and iue apertures , its contribution to the observed total flux being however hard to quantify . the secondary component of hd 93205 is an o8 v star . from our grid of synthetic spectra we know that the o8 v continuum flux ( = 30,000 k , from figure [ tefflum ] ) can be up to 50% the flux of an o3.5 v ( = 40,000 k , this work ) in the 900 - 1800 range if the stars had the same radius . yet , we can narrow down this upper limit .
@xmath201238.8,1242.8 is almost absent in the uv spectrum of o8 v stars @xcite .
if we assume that this line is saturated in o3.5 v stars ( see , for example , the _ orfeus _ spectrum of hd 96715 in figure [ f_all_iue ] ) the residual flux at its core in the iue spectrum , of @xmath15 15% , may originate from the secondary and/or inaccurate background subtraction , as explained previously . as for other lines , the spectrum of an o8 v star displays photospheric profiles of @xmath201393.8,1402.8 and @xmath201718.0,1718.5 , and unsaturated @xmath201548.2,1550.8 @xcite .
this could explain the subtle mismatch of the best fit model to the observed emission of @xmath201548.2,1550.8 and the absorptions of @xmath201393.8,1402.8 and @xmath201718.0,1718.5 .
the hd 168076 system is much less known . since we do not know the spectral type of the secondary component
, we can not speculate the contamination to the o4 v((f ) ) star uv and far - uv spectra .
these , however , are very similar to the spectra of the other dwarves in the sample , therefore the contribution from the secondary can not be conspicuous .
a possible effect from the secondary is that the @xmath201238.8,1242.8 and @xmath201548.2,1550.8 features are not saturated .
again , if we suppose that these lines are saturated in the spectrum of the main component , we can estimate the contribution of the secondary to be @xmath44 10% to the total flux in the _ iue _ range .
the _ iue _ spectrum of hd 93250 displays an unsaturated @xmath201548.2,1550.8 p cygni profile .
this feature was noted by @xcite who suggested that it may indicate a hidden companion . yet , the star has not been found to be binary ( see section [ s_stars ] ) .
a poor background subtraction in the iue spectrum may make @xmath201238.8,1242.8 appear unsaturated , but not @xmath201548.2,1550.8 @xcite .
our grid of models shows @xmath201548.2,1550.8 not saturated when @xmath37 12and @xmath4042,000 k ( the actual temperature depends on and @xmath33 ) . note that a large radius would be consistent with the high luminosity of this object .
we studied the behaviour of the main lines ( , , , , , and ) in a wide range of temperatures , mass - loss rates and / values , ( [ 37,000 , 50,000 ] k , [ 2@xmath45,1@xmath46m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 , [ -6.75,-8.0 ] ) in search of intervals where we can reproduce simultaneously all the strongest features of the spectrum of hd 93250 and the unsaturated profile of @xmath201548.2,1550.8 .
we find that the lower the mass - loss rate , the lower is the temperature where models display unsaturated @xmath201548.2,1550.8 . in models with = 12 , independently of the value of shocks , @xmath201548.2,1550.8 becomes unsaturated at = 42,000/45,000/49,000 k for @xmath33=@xmath47m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 .
however , the upper limit to set by @xmath201718.0,1718.5 and @xmath201031.9,1037.6 is lower ( by @xmath152,000/4,000/6,000 k and 4,000/7,000/9,000 k respectively , for / = -6.75 ) than required for the unsaturated @xmath201548.2,1550.8 .
if instead we decrease shocks for an intermediate mass - loss rate of @xmath33=@xmath48m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 , the temperature required to fit @xmath201031.9,1037.6 and @xmath201718.0,1718.5 increases by 1,000 k for every drop of @xmath49/ = -0.5 while it remains constant for @xmath201548.2,1550.8
. therefore in models with @xmath1542,000 k and low @xmath33 and / this gap would be reconciled . however
, other prominent lines ( @xmath51371.0 , @xmath201118.0,1128.0 and @xmath51176 ) are not reproduced .
we conclude that we can not fit the observed @xmath201548.2,1550.8 consistently with the rest of the spectral lines .
we find the best solution to be @xmath41/ = -7.25 , @xmath33=5.5@xmath45m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 , = 40,000 k , = 12and = 4 . with these parameters
the model reproduces @xmath201031.9,1037.6 , @xmath201118.0,1128.0 , @xmath51176 , @xmath51371.0 and @xmath201718.0,1718.5 ( see figures [ f_fit_all_fuse ] and [ f_fit_all_iue ] ) .
this model however , has saturated profiles of @xmath201238.8,1242.8 and @xmath201548.2,1550.8 , in disagreement with the observed spectrum . because @xmath51176 is well fit
, a different carbon abundance would not improve the solution . as seen in section [ s_fit_v ] , @xmath201238.8,1242.8
is always saturated in the range of parameters considered for solar abundances , and models underabundant in nitrogen are incompatible with @xmath201718.0,1718.5 .
the non - saturated absorptions of @xmath201548.2,1550.8 and @xmath201238.8,1242.8 may be due to an unresolved cooler companion .
the only iue spectrum of hd 64568 has low dispersion .
the stellar parameters are therefore constrained primarily with lines in the fuse range . by consequence , the uncertainty of the derived
@xmath33 and / is higher than for the other objects of the sample , as we explain below .
this is not the case for ( derived from @xmath201031.9,1037.6 ) or ( determined with @xmath51176 and @xmath201118.0,1128.0 , but highly uncertain among the sample dwarf stars ) , which are entirely determined from the high resolution _ fuse _ spectrum .
the effective temperature is well constrained with @xmath51176 and @xmath201118.0,1128.0 .
these lines in hd 64568 are the weakest in our sample indicating higher ( 41,000 k ) , in accordance with its earliest spectral type .
@xmath201548.2,1550.8 is unsaturated . at the star s effective temperature ,
the models ( degraded to the [ low ] resolution of the observed spectrum ) only display unsaturated @xmath201548.2,1550.8 if @xmath33@xmath50m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 , @xmath5112and @xmath41/ @xmath52 .
@xmath201548.2,1550.8 decreases with larger radii and , together with @xmath201031.9,1037.6 , helps us constrain this parameter .
we set the upper limit for the radius to 16 , when the models display @xmath201031.9,1037.6 in excess regardless of the other stellar parameters , and the lower limit to 12 , when they can not produce unsaturated @xmath201548.2,1550.8 .
the mass - loss rate and shocks were determined as explained in section [ s_fit_v ] .
since most of the @xmath33 indicators ( @xmath51371.0 , @xmath201393.8,1402.8 and @xmath201718.0,1718 ) are in the _ iue _ range , the derived mass - loss rate of hd 64568 is highly uncertain . the derived / ,
though determined from @xmath201031.9,1037.6 in the _ fuse _ range , is affected by the uncertainty in @xmath33 , since the strength of the doublet also depends on mass - loss rate .
the spectrum of the o4 supergiant displays very strong lines which , in comparison to the spectra of the mid - o supergiant stars analysed in paper i ( see section [ teff_effects ] ) , denote higher temperature and mass - loss rate .
in particular , the prominent @xmath51640.0 emission line indicates , according to our grid of models , that the mass - loss rate is higher than @xmath53m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 . in the range of temperatures and mass - loss rates we considered for hd 190429a ( 35,000 - 40,000 k and 3.@xmath54 -1.5@xmath55m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 , as suggested by
the star s spectral morphology ) , @xmath51176 , @xmath201118.0,1128.0 and @xmath201393.8,1402.8 increase with increasing @xmath33 and with decreasing and / ( similarly to what we found in paper i ) .
@xmath51640 has the same dependence on @xmath33 and but does not vary appreciably with / .
the effective temperature is constrained from @xmath51176 and @xmath201393.8,1402.8 . for @xmath38 36,000
k the models with @xmath33@xmath56m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 display a p cygni profile of @xmath51176 , not seen in the observed spectrum . for @xmath42 39,000 k , @xmath51176 and @xmath201393.8,1402.8 are absent even in models with mass - loss rate as high as @xmath33@xmath15 1.4 @xmath57 10@xmath58 m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 , thus providing an upper limit to . in this range of temperatures ,
the models reproduce @xmath51640.0 for @xmath33@xmath42 1.0 @xmath57 10@xmath58 m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 ( lower limit of mass - loss rate ) .
models with @xmath33@xmath42 1.4 @xmath57 10@xmath58 m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 ( upper limit ) display excessive @xmath201118.0,1128.0 profiles .
the shocks in the wind were determined by fitting @xmath201031.9,1037.6 and @xmath51371.0 ( both oxygen lines increase with increasing shocks ) and @xmath201393.8,1402.8 . in addition , different values of / change the shape of the @xmath201118.0,1128.0 absorptions .
in this regime of and @xmath33 , the models with @xmath37 23 produce unsaturated @xmath51176 thus setting the lower limit of .
the upper limit is 27 because models with larger radius produce @xmath201031.9,1037.6 stronger than observed regardless of the other stellar parmeters .
other lines sensitive to the radius , which helped us to further contrain its value , are @xmath51640.0 and @xmath201393.8,1402.8 ( which decrease with increasing radius ) and @xmath51371.0 ( favoured by larger radii ) ; the profile of @xmath201118.0,1128.0 + @xmath201122.5,1128.3,1128.4 also changes with radius .
contrary to what we find for the dwarf stars , almost all the spectral lines are sensitive to gravity , and we can use them to derive .
higher corresponds to weaker @xmath201031.9,1037.6 , @xmath51371.0 and @xmath51640.0 , while @xmath201393.8,1402.8 increases and the aborption of @xmath201118.0,1128.0 grows deeper .
the carbon lines are also affected by an increase of : @xmath201548.2,1550.8 decreases and the absorption of @xmath51169 + @xmath51176 increases whereas its emission diminishes .
we find the best fit at = 37,500 k , = 3.4 , = 25 , @xmath33= 1.2 @xmath57 10@xmath58 m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 , @xmath41/ = -6.5 , = 6.05 and = 2100 km s@xmath19 .
this model reproduces most of the wind features ( see figure [ f_hd190429_col ] ) including the lines of , , + , , , and .
minor discrepancies remain in the fit to some of these lines , which can be attributed to the contribution of the secondary to the flux of the system .
even though the lines used for the analysis come primarily from the o4 star , they may have a residual flux in the absorption trough from the o9.5 ii companion .
the comparison of spectra from the iue atlas of stars @xcite of o4 i stars ( main component ) and o9.5 ii stars ( companion ) provides an upper limit for the contribution of the secondary .
an o9.5 bright giant displays weak @xmath201238.8,1242.8 while the doublet has typically a saturated absorption in an o4 i star . from the depth of @xmath201238.8,1242.8 in the iue spectrum of the system we estimated that the companion may amount to @xmath44 15% of the total .
the o9.5 ii star has strong @xmath201393.8,1402.8 ; this would explain why @xmath201393.8,1402.8 is weaker in our models than observed .
@xmath201548.2,1550.8 is fully developed but not saturated in the o9.5 ii star , which would explain the excess emission and absorption of the model .
the spectrum of an o9.5 ii has weak photospheric @xmath201718.0,1718.5 , and this makes the p cygni profile from the o4 if@xmath0 star look less developed ( relative to the total continuum ) , thus this line appears slightly in excess in the model . in the fuse range , according to the copernicus atlas of ob stars of @xcite , an o9.5 ii star has photospheric @xmath201062.7,1073.0,1073.5 , and @xmath201118.0,1128.0 + @xmath201122.5,1128.3,1128.4 lines , which will increase the depth of the o4 if@xmath0 wind lines .
@xmath201031.9,1037.6 and @xmath51169 + @xmath51176 have unsaturated p cygni profiles in o9.5 ii stars , possibly causing the mismatch of the best fit model to these lines .
however , there is another explanation for the discrepancies .
it is possible that hd 190429a has non solar surface abundances . in figure [ f_hd190429_col ]
we present a model with modified cno abundances ( @xmath59 , @xmath60 , @xmath61 , @xmath62 ) , which would be compatible with a scenario where hd 190429a is evolving towards the wolf - rayet phase , as suggested by previous authors ( see section [ s_stars ] ) .
the modified cno abundances improve the fit to @xmath51169 + @xmath51176 and the oxygen lines ( @xmath201031.9,1037.6 , @xmath201339.0,1343.0 and @xmath51371.0 ) but degrades the fit to @xmath201118.0,1128.0 and @xmath201393.8,1402.8 .
there is one feature , @xmath201062.7,1073.0,1073.5 , definitely produced in the primary star spectrum , that the _ wm - basic _ models do not reproduce .
we encountered the same problem when we modeled the spectra of the mid - o type supergiant stars in paper i. the @xmath201062.7,1073.0,1073.5 problem is probably due to the atomic data used in _ wm - basic _ and prompted a comparison with models computed with the @xcite _ cmfgen _ code .
the synthetic spectra generated with both codes for an equivalent set of stellar parameters display very similar photospheric and wind features with the exception of @xmath201062.7,1073.0,1073.5 ( @xcite ; bianchi , garcia , & herald , in preparation ) .
_ wm - basic _ and _ cmfgen _ predict very different ionization fractions for sulphur .
we have performed a detailed spectroscopic analysis of seven galactic early - o type stars and derived their stellar parameters .
we found effective temperatures ranging from 41,000 k to 39,000 k for the o3 - 4 dwarf stars and 37,500 k for the o4 supergiant .
the x - ray ionization due to shocks in the wind has been constrained by our modeling , primarily from the @xmath201031.9,1037.6 resonance doublet , accessible with the _ fuse _ telescope . in the range of ,
@xmath33 and that we derived for the dwarf stars , the spectral morphology hardly changes with gravity and the derived value of is less well constrained than other parameters , but consistent with previous estimates .
all the sample stars display unsaturated @xmath201238.8,1242.8 profiles that we can not fit consistently with the rest of the spectrum . in one case at least ( hd 96715 )
, the unsaturated profile is due to poor background subtraction in the iue data ( as shown by an _
orfeus _ spectrum ) , and this may apply to the other stars as well . in the case of hd 190429a ,
hd 93205 and hd 168076 , the unsaturated profile may also be due to flux from the cooler companion star , whose contribution we estimate to be @xmath38 15% of the observed flux . a comparison of _ wm - basic _ and _ cmfgen _ models calculated with parameters suitable for the early - o type stars is under way ( @xcite ; bianchi , garcia , & herald , in preparation ) , to investigate the effect of a different treatement of the shocks on the @xmath201238.8,1242.8 doublet .
we compile previous determinations of the stellar parameters for our program stars from the literature in table [ t_prev ] .
our effective temperatures are consistently lower than those derived in other works , with the only exception of the strmgren and h@xmath63 photometric studies by @xcite and @xcite . @xcite derived temperatures for the carina stars of our sample lower than ours by @xmath154,000 k on average .
@xcite assigned a temperature of 28,200 k to hd 190429 ( without resolving the system ) , closer to what we would expect for the secondary than to what we found for hd 190429a ( 37,500 k ) . @xcite performed strmgren and h@xmath63 photometry of hd 168076 and derived a temperature higher than ours by 16,000 k. the calibration of @xcite , based on the comparison of the equivalent widths of hydrogen and helium lines with plane - parallel hydrostatic non - lte model predictions , was used by @xcite and @xcite for several objects of our sample , yielding temperatures higher than our results by @xmath51 10,000 k. temperatures obtained from fitting balmer lines and optical and lines with plane - parallel non - lte hydrostatic models are @xmath15 10% @xcite to @xmath1520% @xcite higher than ours .
@xcite compared the _ iue _ spectrum of hd 93250 to _ wm - basic _ models of = 50,000 k ( approximately the same as derived by @xcite ) , = 4.0 and = 12 , with different mass - loss rates around @xmath33=5.6@xmath54m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 .
their synthetic spectra did not include shocks effects and either produce @xmath51371.0 in excess or can not reproduce the @xmath201718.0,1718.5 line .
in our work we used those lines , together with @xmath51169 + @xmath51176 and @xmath201118.0,1128.0 , to set the upper limit of the effective temperature of the dwarf stars to @xmath1542,000 k ( see section [ s_models ] ) and we obtained a consistent fit of all spectral features by including the effects of shocks in the calculations . in figure [ tefflum ]
we compare the effective temperatures and luminosities obtained for the total sample of o3-o7 type stars analysed in this work and in paper i with previous empirical calibrations ( @xcite , @xcite and @xcite ) .
our values for o3-o6 dwarf stars are lower than these calibrations , the differences ranging between 9,000 - 10,000 k , 6,000 - 9,000 k and 4,000 - 7,000 k respectively .
the discrepancy is smaller for the o4-o7 supergiants ( 6,000 - 10,000 k , 4,000 - 6,000 k and 2,000 - 3,500 k , respectively ) .
the derived luminosities for both dwarf stars and supergiants are also lower , by an average of 7% and 10% respectively , than both the calibrations of @xcite and @xcite . for the o4 if@xmath0 supergiant
the luminosity is also lower , but the discrepancy is within the error bars .
the lower temperatures from our analysis are due to two main improvements .
on the one hand , the use of _ fuse _ data enables the assessment of x - rays from shocks and thus a correct ( consistent ) derivation of the wind ionization . on the other hand , the inclusion of line - blanketing effects in the analysis yields lower effective temperatures than pure hydrogen and helium model analyses .
optical spectra analyses of massive stars with spherical , hydrodynamic , wind - blanketed , non - lte synthetic spectra also revised the temperature scale downwards @xcite .
our derived values are still lower . temperatures of o3 v and o4 v stars , according to the scale of @xcite ( based on calculations with the cmfgen code ) are @xmath2147,500 k and @xmath2144,500 k , whereas we have obtained 41,000 k and 40,000 - 39,000 k. from the work of @xcite , who fit balmer , and optical lines with fastwind @xcite , we can interpolate a temperature of 41,250 k for an o4 if@xmath0 , i.e. @xmath154,000 k higher than we derived for hd 190429a .
@xcite , proceeding similarly , obtained 46,000 k for hd 93250 ( in contrast with our result , 40,000 k ) and 41,000 k for hde 303308 ( in agreement within the error bars with our value , 40,000 k ) .
the remaining disagreement between these results and ours may originate in the fact that the analyses are based on optical and uv data respectively .
we are planning to analyse optical spectra of the sample stars to check the consistency of our results from the uv and far - uv .
the spectral lines in the fuse and iue ranges constrain @xmath33 as well .
the mass - loss rate we derived for hd 190429a ( 1.2@xmath55m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 ) agrees with the values derived from h@xmath17 by @xcite ( @xmath64m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 ) , @xcite ( 1.26@xmath55m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 ) , @xcite ( 8.6@xmath54m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 ) and @xcite ( @xmath65m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 ) .
studies of ir and radio spectra yield lower @xmath33 : @xmath66m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 ( * ? ? ?
* radio ) , @xmath250.35@xmath54m@xmath36 yr@xmath19 ( * ? ? ?
* ir ) . for the dwarf stars the mass - loss rates derived in the literature are at least one order of magnitude higher than ours . for hd 93250 ,
the exceptionally high value of @xmath33=@xmath67 @xcite was determined from radio fluxes at 8.54 ghz , but the data may be contaminated by non - thermal emission ; for this object , there is also one measurement lower than ours by one order of magnitude . in view of the systematic differences for dwarf stars , we used the `` recipe '' of @xcite , based on the radiation pressure driven wind theory , to predict the mass - loss rates of the sample stars from their derived photospheric parameters .
the predictions are presented in table [ t_models ] .
the mass - loss rate derived for hd 190429a agrees with the prediction . for dwarf
stars our values are lower than predicted by a factor of @xmath152 ( @xmath154 for hd 64568 ) . in general ,
the stellar masses we have obtained are lower than values determined in previous works , as shown in table [ t_prev ] . in the case of hd 93205 ,
the mass had been derived from the orbital parameters of the binary system : @xmath37 31.5 @xcite , @xmath37 32.6 @xcite , @xmath37 37 @xcite . for this star
we derive 30@xmath68 , lower than previous determinations but compatible within the errors . the primary mass yields a mass of the secondary of 13@xmath69 for a mass ratio of q=0.423 @xcite , a mass significantly lower than derived for other o8 v stars in eclipsing systems like , for example , dn cas , for which @xcite give 24 .
however , it must be emphasized here that the uncertainty in and ( see section [ s_fit_v ] ) makes the derived value of the stellar masses much more uncertain than other parameters ( like and @xmath33 ) .
hopefully the mass determination will be refined with a consistent analysis of optical spectra , planned as a future work .
our results improve the empirical calibration of the wind momentum - luminosity relation ( wlr ) .
the wlr relates the so - called modified wind momentum @xmath70 @xmath33@xmath71 to the luminosity of the star as @xmath72 @xcite . in the past few years
a big effort has been made to calibrate the wlr @xcite for its promising application to distance determinations . in figure [ windmom ]
we plot the wlr for the total sample of stars studied in this paper and in paper i. our points are mostly consistent with the theoretical relation of @xcite within the error bars .
we are planning to extend our modeling of far - uv and uv spectra to a larger sample of o type stars and to the optical range .
the lower values ( compared with previous results / calibrations ) have great implications for understanding the ionisation of @xmath1 regions , since cooler stars would produce less photons energetic enough to ionize hydrogen ( @xmath73 912 ) .
for instance , the ionizing flux from a star of = 40,000 k amounts to only 30% of the flux from a = 50,000 k star with the same radius .
we are indebted to adi pauldrach for assisting us with the use of the _ wm - basic _ code .
this work is based on data obtained by the nasa - cnes - csa _ fuse _ mission operated by the johns hopkins university .
the data from the _ iue _ satellite presented in this paper were obtained from both the ines archive and the multimission archive at the space telescope science institute ( mast ) .
financial support has been provided in part by nasa grants nas5 - 32985 and nra-99 - 01-ltsa-029 .
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fullerton , a.w . ,
crowther , p.a . , bianchi , l. , hutchings , j.b .
, pellerin , a. , sonneborn , g. , willis , a.j . , 2002b , , 141 , 443 walker , m. f. 1961 , , 133 , 438 wamsteker , w. , skillen , i. , ponz , j. d. , de la fuente , a. , barylak , m. , & yurrita , i. 2000 , ap&ss , 273 , 155 lcccc hd 190429a & p1028401 & swp38994 & & + hd 64568 & p1221103 & swp29337 & & + hd 93250 & p1023801 & swp22106 & & + hd 93205 & p1023601 & swp14747 & o4qx01010 & + hde 303308 & p1221602 & swp07024 & o4qx04010 & + hd 96715 & p1024301 & swp43980,swp21999 & & tues5233_4 + hd 168076 & p1162201 & swp28277 & & + llccccccccc hd 190429a & o4 if@xmath0 & [email protected] & [email protected] & 25@xmath392 & 57 & [email protected] & 2100@xmath39200 & [email protected] @xmath57 10@xmath58 & 9.2 @xmath57 10@xmath74 & [email protected] + hd 64568 & o3 v((f@xmath16 ) ) & 41@xmath392 & [email protected] & 14@xmath392 & 57 & [email protected] & 2800@xmath39200 & 5.6@xmath395 .
@xmath57 10@xmath75 & 2.3 @xmath57 10@xmath74 & [email protected] + hd 93250 & o3.5 v((f@xmath0 ) ) & 40@xmath392 & [email protected] & 12@xmath392 & 53 & 5.5@xmath76 & 2900@xmath39200 & 5.5@xmath393 .
@xmath57 10@xmath75 & 9.9 @xmath57 10@xmath75 & [email protected] + hd 93205 & o3.5 v((f@xmath0 ) ) & 40@xmath392 & [email protected] & 9@xmath393 & 30 & 5.3@xmath76 & 3200@xmath39200 & 3.3@xmath392 .
@xmath57 10@xmath75 & 5.1 @xmath57 10@xmath75 & [email protected] + hde 303308 & o4 v((f@xmath0 ) ) & 40@xmath392 & [email protected] & 9@xmath393 & 30 & 5.3@xmath76 & 2800@xmath39200 & 3.4@xmath392 .
@xmath57 10@xmath75 & 6.0 @xmath57 10@xmath75 & [email protected] + hd 96715 & o4 v((f ) ) & 39@xmath392 & [email protected] & 9@xmath393 & 30 & 5.2@xmath76 & 2800@xmath39200 & 2.2@xmath391 .
@xmath57 10@xmath75 & 4.0 @xmath57 10@xmath75 & [email protected] + hd 168076 & o4 v((f ) ) & 39@xmath392 & [email protected] & 9@xmath393 & 30 & 5.2@xmath76 & 2800@xmath39200 & 2.2@xmath391 .
@xmath57 10@xmath75 & 4.0 @xmath57 10@xmath75 & [email protected] + | arxiv |
bodybuilding is the use of progressive resistance exercise , and it involves drastic reductions in body fat while maintaining muscle mass .
there is a tendency to think that there is a magic powder or supplement that will give you the physique of your dreams , but there is no substitute for hard work , commitment , and good diet .
it has beneficial effects also in terms of lower long - term disease risk but doing unscrupulously can be harmful and may lead to more severe illnesses , injury and even mortality .
a 35-year - old male who presented to us with a history of severe pain in both thigh and unable to walk for last around 3 days after having strenuous exercise activity in the gym .
he also had vomiting and decrease oral in take thereafter . though he was a regular visitor to the gym but he did a new exercise in the form of more than 500 sit - ups . before visiting us , he took consultation outside and received analgesics but little relief in pain . on admission , he was conscious , maintaining vitals and having pain and tenderness in both thigh .
laboratory evaluation at time of admission showed hemoglobin ( hb ) 14.8 g / dl , total leukocyte count 12,400 , urea 128 mg / dl , serum creatinine 4.8 mg / dl , sodium 133 mmol / l , potassium 4.55 mmol / l , calcium 7.8 mg / dl , creatine phosphokinase ( cpk ) 87,000 u / l , total bilirubin 1.2 mg / dl , serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase ( sgot ) 1160 u / l , serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase ( sgpt ) 404 .
diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis due to strenuous exercise leading to acute kidney injury was made based on the temporal profile , clinical presentation , lab reports and ruling out other common causes like severe sepsis .
though he was improving , but he opted to shift to some other hospital of his nearby area . a 28-year - old male who was regular at the gym for bodybuilding presented to us with 1-day history of epigastric pain radiating to back , recurrent vomiting and abdominal distension . on admission
his heart rate was 160 per min regular , respiratory rate was around 40 per min , blood pressure 100/80 mmhg , abdomen was diffusely distended and mildly tender .
initial lab evaluation showed hb 18.7 g / dl , total leukocycte count 6200 , serum creatinine 0.8 mg / dl , urea 34 mg / dl , sodium 138 , potassium 4.3 mmol / l , total protein 6.1 g / dl , albumin 3.7 g / dl , sgot 29 , sgpt 26 , alkaline phosphatase 145 , lipase 104 , serum amylase 760 u / l , prothrombin time ( international normalized ratio ) 1.23 , activated partial thromboplastin time 38 s , serum calcium 9.4 mg / dl , serum triglyceride 148 mg / dl .
arterial blood gas analysis reveal ph 7.33 , pco235 , po280 mmhg on oxygen through face mask at 8 l / min , lactate 3.7 mmol / l . on ultrasonography abdomen ,
pancreas was swollen with mild peritoneal collection , diffuses inflammatory changes with no evidence of gall stones or biliary sludge . on detailed history including alcohol intake and examination we could not find obvious reason of acute pancreatitis other than his history of taking androgenic anabolic steroids ( aas ) and protein supplements for body building since other less common causes which includes hypercalcemia , hypertriglyceridemia or post - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was also not there and corticosteroids are known etiological agent for acute pancreatitis . after initial improvement over the period of 57 days patient 's condition start worsening again , and he was shifted to bigger center where he died after 23 days .
an 18-year - old male presented to us with a history of 1-day of stiffness of jaw , neck , back and difficulty in swallowing .
there was also associated history of sweating over face and neck . over the next few hours , he developed frequent sudden jerky movement of the body . as he developed spasm and hypoxia ,
he was requiring paralyzing agent in addition to diazepam infusion because of severe and frequent tetanic spasm .
there was no history of fever , no evidence of poisoning or trauma , but he was on self - medication as part of body building and taking regular intramuscular injection of anabolic steroid . in the absence of any other clue , we attributed tetanus due to intramuscular injections .
he remained on a ventilator with a paralyzing medication for more than 4 weeks with daily interruption of paralysis to observe for tetanic spasm .
a 35-year - old male who presented to us with a history of severe pain in both thigh and unable to walk for last around 3 days after having strenuous exercise activity in the gym .
he also had vomiting and decrease oral in take thereafter . though he was a regular visitor to the gym but he did a new exercise in the form of more than 500 sit - ups . before visiting us , he took consultation outside and received analgesics but little relief in pain . on admission , he was conscious , maintaining vitals and having pain and tenderness in both thigh .
laboratory evaluation at time of admission showed hemoglobin ( hb ) 14.8 g / dl , total leukocyte count 12,400 , urea 128 mg / dl , serum creatinine 4.8 mg / dl , sodium 133 mmol / l , potassium 4.55 mmol / l , calcium 7.8 mg / dl , creatine phosphokinase ( cpk ) 87,000 u / l , total bilirubin 1.2 mg / dl , serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase ( sgot ) 1160 u / l , serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase ( sgpt ) 404 .
diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis due to strenuous exercise leading to acute kidney injury was made based on the temporal profile , clinical presentation , lab reports and ruling out other common causes like severe sepsis .
though he was improving , but he opted to shift to some other hospital of his nearby area . a 28-year - old male who was regular at the gym for bodybuilding presented to us with 1-day history of epigastric pain radiating to back , recurrent vomiting and abdominal distension . on admission
his heart rate was 160 per min regular , respiratory rate was around 40 per min , blood pressure 100/80 mmhg , abdomen was diffusely distended and mildly tender .
initial lab evaluation showed hb 18.7 g / dl , total leukocycte count 6200 , serum creatinine 0.8 mg / dl , urea 34 mg / dl , sodium 138 , potassium 4.3 mmol / l , total protein 6.1 g / dl , albumin 3.7 g / dl , sgot 29 , sgpt 26 , alkaline phosphatase 145 , lipase 104 , serum amylase 760 u / l , prothrombin time ( international normalized ratio ) 1.23 , activated partial thromboplastin time 38 s , serum calcium 9.4 mg / dl , serum triglyceride 148 mg / dl .
arterial blood gas analysis reveal ph 7.33 , pco235 , po280 mmhg on oxygen through face mask at 8 l / min , lactate 3.7 mmol / l . on ultrasonography abdomen ,
pancreas was swollen with mild peritoneal collection , diffuses inflammatory changes with no evidence of gall stones or biliary sludge . on detailed history including alcohol intake and examination we could not find obvious reason of acute pancreatitis other than his history of taking androgenic anabolic steroids ( aas ) and protein supplements for body building since other less common causes which includes hypercalcemia , hypertriglyceridemia or post - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was also not there and corticosteroids are known etiological agent for acute pancreatitis . after initial improvement over the period of 57 days patient 's condition start worsening again , and he was shifted to bigger center where he died after 23 days .
an 18-year - old male presented to us with a history of 1-day of stiffness of jaw , neck , back and difficulty in swallowing .
there was also associated history of sweating over face and neck . over the next few hours , he developed frequent sudden jerky movement of the body . as he developed spasm and hypoxia ,
he was requiring paralyzing agent in addition to diazepam infusion because of severe and frequent tetanic spasm .
there was no history of fever , no evidence of poisoning or trauma , but he was on self - medication as part of body building and taking regular intramuscular injection of anabolic steroid . in the absence of any other clue , we attributed tetanus due to intramuscular injections .
he remained on a ventilator with a paralyzing medication for more than 4 weeks with daily interruption of paralysis to observe for tetanic spasm .
a 35-year - old male who presented to us with a history of severe pain in both thigh and unable to walk for last around 3 days after having strenuous exercise activity in the gym .
he also had vomiting and decrease oral in take thereafter . though he was a regular visitor to the gym but he did a new exercise in the form of more than 500 sit - ups . before visiting us , he took consultation outside and received analgesics but little relief in pain . on admission , he was conscious , maintaining vitals and having pain and tenderness in both thigh .
laboratory evaluation at time of admission showed hemoglobin ( hb ) 14.8 g / dl , total leukocyte count 12,400 , urea 128 mg / dl , serum creatinine 4.8 mg / dl , sodium 133 mmol / l , potassium 4.55 mmol / l , calcium 7.8 mg / dl , creatine phosphokinase ( cpk ) 87,000 u / l , total bilirubin 1.2 mg / dl , serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase ( sgot ) 1160 u / l , serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase ( sgpt ) 404 .
diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis due to strenuous exercise leading to acute kidney injury was made based on the temporal profile , clinical presentation , lab reports and ruling out other common causes like severe sepsis .
though he was improving , but he opted to shift to some other hospital of his nearby area .
a 28-year - old male who was regular at the gym for bodybuilding presented to us with 1-day history of epigastric pain radiating to back , recurrent vomiting and abdominal distension . on admission
his heart rate was 160 per min regular , respiratory rate was around 40 per min , blood pressure 100/80 mmhg , abdomen was diffusely distended and mildly tender .
initial lab evaluation showed hb 18.7 g / dl , total leukocycte count 6200 , serum creatinine 0.8 mg / dl , urea 34 mg / dl , sodium 138 , potassium 4.3 mmol / l , total protein 6.1 g / dl , albumin 3.7 g / dl , sgot 29 , sgpt 26 , alkaline phosphatase 145 , lipase 104 , serum amylase 760 u / l , prothrombin time ( international normalized ratio ) 1.23 , activated partial thromboplastin time 38 s , serum calcium 9.4 mg / dl , serum triglyceride 148 mg / dl .
arterial blood gas analysis reveal ph 7.33 , pco235 , po280 mmhg on oxygen through face mask at 8 l / min , lactate 3.7 mmol / l . on ultrasonography abdomen ,
pancreas was swollen with mild peritoneal collection , diffuses inflammatory changes with no evidence of gall stones or biliary sludge . on detailed history including alcohol intake and examination we could not find obvious reason of acute pancreatitis other than his history of taking androgenic anabolic steroids ( aas ) and protein supplements for body building since other less common causes which includes hypercalcemia , hypertriglyceridemia or post - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was also not there and corticosteroids are known etiological agent for acute pancreatitis . after initial improvement over the period of 57 days patient 's condition start worsening again , and he was shifted to bigger center where he died after 23 days .
an 18-year - old male presented to us with a history of 1-day of stiffness of jaw , neck , back and difficulty in swallowing . there was also associated history of sweating over face and neck . over the next few hours , he developed frequent sudden jerky movement of the body . as he developed spasm and hypoxia ,
he was requiring paralyzing agent in addition to diazepam infusion because of severe and frequent tetanic spasm .
there was no history of fever , no evidence of poisoning or trauma , but he was on self - medication as part of body building and taking regular intramuscular injection of anabolic steroid . in the absence of any other clue , we attributed tetanus due to intramuscular injections .
he remained on a ventilator with a paralyzing medication for more than 4 weeks with daily interruption of paralysis to observe for tetanic spasm .
it was suspected on the basis of high - intensity exercise in otherwise routine gym visitor , followed by pain in both thigh with tenderness , deranged lab reports which include very high level of cpk , alanine and aspartate aminotransferases , low level of calcium and after exclusion of other common causes including severe sepsis .
rhabdomyolysis may develop in an individual after strenuous activity even who are athlete as it was in our patient .
he did more than 500 sit - ups at stretch that too first time along with his daily gym activity .
moreover , he took analgesics for muscle pain , which in association with poor oral intake worsens acute kidney damage .
exertional rhabdomyolysis is more likely to occur when strenuous exercise is performed under high temperatures and humidity .
other factors include improper hydration , inadequate recovery between bouts of exercise , intense physical training , and inadequate fitness levels for beginning high - intensity workouts . as he did his activity in the gym
intense physical training and inadequate fitness level for beginning high - intensity workouts appear to be more logical explanation for rhabdomyolysis in our patient .
rhabdomyolysis is an important cause of acute renal failure ( arf ) , and main pathophysiological mechanisms are renal vasoconstriction , intraluminal cast formation , and direct myoglobin toxicity .
daher ede et al . reported a similar case of rhabdomyolysis leading to acute kidney injury after strenuous exercise .
it was diagnosed on the basis of raised amylase level with ultrasonographic findings of swollen pancreas with inflammatory changes in patient of epigastric pain , which was later confirmed on computed tomography scan .
androgenic anabolic steroids have grown in popularity amongst athletics and bodybuilders due to their ability to enhance performance , muscle mass , and aesthetic reasons .
pancreatitis as a complication of aas is not much reported but of corticosteroids is well documented .
the usual causes of pancreatitis were excluded in our patient on the basis of history , lab reports , and ultrasonography .
researchers have recently discovered evidences that suggest anabolic steroids may demonstrate potentially new and serious adverse consequences .
evidence obtained from a clinical trial suggests that acute pancreatitis and acute kidney injury can be caused by the use of anabolic steroids like methandrostenolone .
reported a case of 50-year- old man who develop acute pancreatitis and acute kidney injury which was attributed to aas .
described a case report of multi - organ damage after the use of anabolic steroids .
they also suspected that besides hypercalcemia , acute pancreatitis have resulted from overuse of amino acid supplements .
arginine was shown to be a potent secretagogue for anabolic hormones in addition to inducing pancreatic acinar damage .
it was diagnosed on the basis of typical clinical picture consisting of the jaw , neck , back stiffness and difficulty in swallowing .
later on , he developed typical recurrent tetanic spasms , for which he was intubated and kept on mechanical ventilation .
he was regularly taking aas intramuscular injection as a self - prescribed and self - injected medication , as part of bodybuilding activity .
as the people engaged in bodybuilding are on a continuous rise , with more data collection or planning an observational study will help to better understand this population subset . | pubmed |
We welcome your feedback, comments and complaints so we can continually improve our services. You can read our feedback policy or watch our short video in British sign language.
You can reach The Advocacy Project in a number of ways. Call our main office, email us or complete the form below. | slim_pajama |
HomeIndustry NewsCRAGHOPPERS SUPPORTS TAKING MOVIES ON THE MOVE
CRAGHOPPERS SUPPORTS TAKING MOVIES ON THE MOVE
Category: Industry News, Member News
Explorers worldwide can now download an app for free and take movies on the move – perfect for that plane journey or rainy nights in the campervan!
The Discover Film App features short films, some of which have been shortlisted for the Craghoppers Film Prize. Craghoppers partnered with Discover Film in 2018 to encourage, recognise and reward short filmmakers from across the world.
The Craghoppers Film Prize is awarded at The Discover Film Awards held in London every year, alongside other categories such as The Student Film Award and new for 2019, the Best Social Impact Award. The Best Social Impact Award focuses on short films which highlights social issues, such as the environment and mental health issues.
James McNamara, Sales Director said: "We are delighted to be working with Discover.film for the second year running, on what is set to be the best Discover Film Awards ever. The importance of short film in today's fast-moving society is gathering momentum and it is exciting to be a part of it."
"This year, we've launched the Best Social Impact Award category, where we will celebrate the work of Directors who take environmental, ethical or social topics head-on. This fits perfectly with our own ethos and the work we do through our Honesty Project."
Lee Bagnall
CEO, JD Sports Outdoor Division
JD Outdoor are proud to sit on the board of the OIA – we invest time and resource into it and believe it helps pull the industry together and speak with a louder voice than even JD Outdoor Group could alone. We encourage our suppliers to give something back and support the work the OIA does for the industry. | slim_pajama |
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3" x 3" - 90' 2-ply Grade A Bond Paper rolls. Box of 50 rolls. | slim_pajama |
How does the many-worlds interpretation solve spooky action at a distance?
If we take the classic example of two particles that are entangled with up spin and down spin, and we separate these particles a few light years apart and then observe them one after the other, they will always give opposite results.
I heard that introducing the [many worlds interpretation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Many-worlds_interpretation) solves the issue of needing some kind of information or change to propagate, from the observed particle to its entangled friend, at the speed of light.
In my mind when the first one is measured it will be either up or down, which means there are now two universes, one with up spin and one with down spin. That makes sense. When we make the second observation (before light has moved from the first location to the second), again, there are now two universes, one with up spin and one with down spin.That makes sense.
It also makes sense that after observing both (and still before light has had a chance to move from one location to the other) there are now 2 universes (or an infinite amount of universes where the proportion of universes with up spin at the first particle and down spin at the second particle is 50% and the other 50% is the opposite) instead of say 4 universes (where some universes would have an up spin at the first particle and up spin at the second particle).
It also makes sense that if you send a stream of photons through a filter you can create two streams of photons of say blue and red, and that you will never see two streams of blue or two streams of red, for example (unless you prepare things differently to remove all red light).
What doesn't make sense is how the universe with the first observed particle "know" it should "connect" with the universe where the second particle was measured to be the opposite spin always? Without some (experimentally refuted) hidden variable or shared "knowledge", or unless it was determined at the moment the particle was entangled?
In the [Everett Interpretation](https://cqi.inf.usi.ch/qic/everett_phd.pdf) (often called the Many Worlds Interpretation), when an 'observer' system interacts with an 'observed' system in a superposition of states, the result is that the observer transitions to a superposition of states *correlated* with those of the observed system.
So you start with two particles in a correlated superposition of up and down states, and two observers in a "not seen anything yet" state.
The first observer observes the first particle, and enters a superposition of "observer A sees up" and "observer A sees down" states, that are correlated with the particle he observed, and hence also with the other particle. The states are orthogonal, and so don't interact with one another, and cannot 'see' one another. It is **as if** each observer seeing each possible outcome was in his own separate world, although in fact they're all in the same world, in superposition, like the up and down states of the particle are in the same world, in superposition. No extra universes are created. It just *looks* like that seen from the inside.
The second observer observes the second particle and enters a superposition of "observer B sees down" and "observer B sees up" states, correlated with the particle, and hence the other particle, and hence the other observer.
When the two observers get back together to compare notes, the "observer A sees up" state can only see and interact with the "observer B sees down" state, and the "observer A sees down" state can only see and interact with the "observer B sees up" state. Their observations are correlated, because their wavefunctions are.
The observers end up correlated ('entangled') the same way the particles were. If you need to think of it in terms of 'worlds', then you could say there are just two worlds. Initially, the particles each split, half going into the 'up/down' world and the other half going into the 'down/up' world. Then when the first observer observes the first particle, he *joins* the particle in splitting between the two worlds. Then the second observer makes his observation and he too splits between the same two worlds. Then when the observers get back together again, each perceives only the version of the other in the same world.
I think the 'many worlds' analogy for it is confusing - there being 'many worlds' for one entity can still be a 'single world' for another. Everett himself talked about the wavefunctions of the different systems becoming *correlated*, which I think is a much better way of looking at it.
The same phenomenon happens in classical physics. When oscillators are *coupled* (i.e. allowed to interact by applying forces on one another), they enter what are known as *'normal modes of vibration'*. The overall motion is a sum of a number of individual solutions to the joint equation of motion, each of which is *orthogonal* to all the others, and so vibrates independently as if none of the others existed, and in which the motions of all the oscillators are *correlated* with one another.
There is a classic demonstration of the effect in which a length of string is tied loosely between two supporting posts, and then two pendulums of nearly equal period are hung from the string. When you push one, it swings freely, but then slows to a halt as all the energy is transferred to the other pendulum, then it in turn slows as all the energy is transferred back. Analysis shows that it is a sum of two normal modes of vibration, one where the two pendula swing together in synchrony, and the other where they swing oppositely to one another. The normal modes each have a slightly different frequency, and the sum shows 'beats' as they move in and out of phase.
The whole point of the Everett Interpretation is that it doesn't introduce any extra metaphysical effects beyond pure unitary quantum mechanics. There are no extra universes being created. There is no spooky faster-than-light action at a distance. There is no random indeterminacy. There is no "wavefunction collapse" triggered by mysterious, vaguely-defined and often disturbingly vitalist causes. The theory is realist, local, deterministic, fully specified and (at least in regard to the microscopic world) *already* accepted as true by the physics mainstream. It simply points out (or so Everett claims) that there is no 'Measurement Problem' to be solved - unmodified quantum mechanics *already* predicts that quantum observers will see classical outcomes.
| stackexchange/physics |
Why do two atomic orbitals form two molecular orbitals? [duplicate]
**This question already has an answer here**:
[Why are antibonding molecular orbitals formed?](/questions/2586/why-are-antibonding-molecular-orbitals-formed)
(1 answer)
Closed 6 years ago.
According to molecular orbital theory, two atomic orbitals form two molecular orbitals analogous to waves combining constructively or destructively but how can a wave combine destructively *and* constructively at the same time to produce two molecular orbitals?
Why don't two atomic orbitals combine to form a molecular orbital that can be BMO *or* ABMO?
Well, one important thing to keep in mind is that atomic and molecular orbitals are not "real" things, they are mathematical constructions that are useful in helping understand and predict how electrons behave in atoms and molecules. They are like a set of rules that tell us all of the ways in which it is *possible* for the electrons with a particular set of quantum numbers to behave. For example, a H-atom in the ground state has only one single electron in a $1s$ orbital (quantum numbers: $n=1$, $l=0$, $m\_l=0$), but we also know that if the H-atom absorbs some energy, the electron can end up in a higher electronic state, for example the $3\mathrm p\_z$ orbital (quantum numbers: $n=3$, $l=1$, $m\_l=0$).
Now, when you are dealing with molecular orbital theory, you are talking about the *possible* ways in which electrons in atomic orbitals can combine in a covalent interaction. So it's not that the two atomic orbitals combine "constructively and destructively at the same time", it's just that those are the two ways in which its *possible* for the two orbitals to combine: in the region where they overlap, they can either add their amplitudes, or subtract them. The "constructive" case where they add produces an molecular orbital that is lower in energy (that is to say, an MO that describes a state where the electrons will have lower energies) than the "destructive" case, so by the aufbau principle, electrons will occupy the lower energy "bonding" orbital first. In a case like $\ce{H2}$, where there are only two electrons, only the bonding orbital is occupied, but because the Pauli exclusion principle tells us we can only have two electrons in a given orbital, if you add another electron (as in $\ce{He2+}$), it will occupy the higher-lying "anti bonding" orbital.
| stackexchange/chemistry |
pubmed |
|
Sailor Moon 1. Chapter 1
Chapter 1.
White Princess
Inspired by a Grim fairy tale, this is the story of Princess Serena Tsukino. It is about a young princess pulled in-between the love of two men and a jealous stepmother.
Once upon time on the Moon, lived a beautiful princess who became Queen. Her greatest desire was to have child and teach her the ways of her people, Lunarians. Lunarians had special gifts and especially a Lunarian princess held the most powerful of gifts. The Queen's daughter, Princess Serenity, grew among her people and was ever so kind that she was nicknamed Serena for she was as serene as the rivers that flowed through the Moon Kingdom.
Princess Serena was always laughing, a contagious affect she had on people. She laugh hysterically and the people from across the court yard would begin to laugh, too for no apparent reason.
Her best friends were Luna and Artemis, her guardians and god parents. They took great care of Serena when her mother became ill. Her father became sad when Queen Serenity said her last words to him. She was pale and even her hair was almost white. Lunarians life force were fading from the poor Queen and she would lose color completely.
"Kenji," said Queen Serenity. "I don't have any more time. It's up to you to raise our daughter well. She is so full of life. Show her our neighboring planets and stars. Especially Earth. It's such a beautiful place. I know that she'll love it. Please promise me you'd…" Serenity began coughing. Kenji quickly handed her a glass of water.
"I promise," said Kenji and those were the last words Queen Serenity said as her eyes close for the last time. Kenji tried to stay strong but he couldn't and broke down.
After he had regained his composure it was about time he'd tell the bad news to Serena. As they began to take Queen Serenity out of her quarters and prepare her for her eternal rest, Serena was skipping down the hallway. She had spotted her mother laying motionless and stood still for a second. She then began to run towards her.
"Mommy," said Serena. "Mommy!"
"Serena," said Kenji grabbing hold her before she could reach her mother. "Sweet heart." Kenji bowed his head. "Your mother…"
"Why isn't she moving? Are they taking her to a doctor?"
"Serena…"
"What's the matter daddy?"
"How do I begin? You're ten and you shouldn't be going through this."
"Daddy, why are you sad?"
"Serena, your mother…your mother has…she has passed away. I'm so sorry sweet heart. She gone."
"No." Serena pulled away from her father. "NO!" She began to cry uncontrollably. "Mommy!"
People down the hallway watched and cried with Serena. They all loved the Queen very much and felt as much pain as Serena. Luna and Artemis tried to soothe Serena as best as they could, but it was no use. Her two guardians helped her off the floor and took her to her room.
That night Serena couldn't sleep. She missed her mother so much that it hurt her to breathe. Serena tumbled back and forth on her bed but nothing could bring about sleep. Usually when she had trouble sleeping her mother would sing her a lullaby. It was tune from her mother's star locket, which she loved.
Someone then knocks on her door quietly. Serena sat up on her bed wondering who could be up at this hour.
"Come in," said Serena.
In comes a young girl around the age of sixteen with long flowy hair that almost look green. The young girl walks over to Serena's side.
"Oh, sweet Princess," said the young girl in soft tone. "Don't you cry no more."
"I can't help it," said Serena as she moved over on her bed letting the young girl get on the bed. The two laid back on the bed and looked at the ceiling.
"Your mother wouldn't want you to cry forever. It's much too long of a time."
"I guess your right."
"Now go to sleep princess." The young girl kissed her on the forehead just like her mother used to.
"Would you stay with me. Just for tonight Sestuna."
"As you wish my princess." Sestuna then begins to hum a tune she knew by heart because she had heard it many times from Queen Serenity. It was the star locket melody and it put Serena right to sleep. "Sleep well princess."
It wasn't long until King Kenji had an announcement to make. A choice that would change the lives of everyone in the Moon Kingdom, but it was a promise he had made to his wife.
"Thank you for all coming," said Kenji as he takes a deep breath. "Serenity was much better at these speeches than I ever was. Serena and I will be leaving the kingdom."
"Huh, what…." were heard from the crowd before the King.
"But daddy…" said Serena.
"Don't worry, I'm leaving you all in good hands. We will not be gone for good. Just for a little while. She has been learning with Serenity since she came to our humble Kingdom from far away. I know she is rather young to lead but she has great potential. Selected by Serenity if anything may happen like this unfortunate tragedy. Please welcome Princess Sestuna of the planet Pluto."
Sestuna walked up to the King and bowed. She then turned to the Lunarians. From afar she could see her friends Haruka and Michiru, two thirteen year olds who are wise beyond their years. They were applauding her and Haruka was whistling. She smiled happily and waved at her friends.
After the announcement, Serena followed her dad. She needed to know the true reason why he would want to leave the Moon Kingdom. He had once said that the Moon Kingdom was the happiest place in the galaxy and that there is no chance of him ever leaving it.
"Why are we leaving?" asked Serena.
"I think it would be good for you. It would be a new start and I know you'll love it there. You'd make new friends and…"
"I liked here and you use to love it too. Why the change of heart?"
"The truth."
"Yes."
"It was your mother's dying wish for me to take you and explore the galaxy. Especially Earth."
"Earth?"
"Yes, we're moving to Earth."
Everything was set for Serena and King Kenji to travel to Earth where they would stay at the Royals Palace on Earth of the current Queen of Earth, Queen Beryl. She was the Endymion's (Senior) second wife and since his marriage to her, the Earth King has become very ill and he has given the authority of ruling to his wife. The King's son, Prince Endymion (Jr.), has not yet been betrothed to a Princess so that someday he'd would take over the throne of his father. Queen Beryl doesn't wish that to ever happen.
When Serena and Kenji arrived via teleportation, they are greeted by the Queen and Prince Endymion. The second he laid eyes on Serena, his heart started to race and he couldn't find any words as they had introduced themselves.
"Don't be rude Endy," says Queen Beryl. "Greet the Lunarians." She pushed him forward and he fell to the floor in front of Serena. Serena bent down and reached for his hand to help him up.
"Are you okay?" asked Serena.
"Yes," replied Endymion. "Thank you." He then decided to kiss her hand like a gentlemen. His father always taught him to be gentlemen in a woman's presence.
"We thank you for letting us stay here," said King Kenji.
"There is no problem at all," said Beryl. "We're like neighbors. I'm deeply sorry of your wife passing." Queen Beryl takes Kenji and started to walking with him down the hallway leaving Serena and Endymion alone.
"Would you like a tour?" asked Endymion.
"Sure," replies Serena. The two headed down another hallway and find themselves in the garden where Endymion gets the attention of some other youths. There were three with long hair and they seem to look like brothers.
"These are my cousins."
The three young boys, around Serena's age but looked much older being that they are very tall.
"Taiki, Yaten, and Seiya."
"Hi," said Serena with a little wave.
"Guys this is Serena. Princess of the Moon." The boys greeted the princess but only Seiya swooned over her beautifully intense blue eyes and her golden hair that cascaded down her back.
"Nice to meet you," replies Taiki with a firm hand shake. Yaten, the other brother just smiles and waves. Seiya just stays staring at her, which Serena found very uncomfortable. Yaten smacks his brother Seiya.
"Hi," Seiya said giving her a sweet smile that for some strange reason made Endymion mad.
Endymion's cousins are from a far away planet and there were sent to Earth for their studies. Taiki and Endymion would be in the same grade while Yaten, Seiya and Serena would be in one grade lower.
Back on the Moon, Sestuna with Artemis and Luna at her side, greeted four young girls who will be joining Princess Serena on Earth. It was planned a very long time ago since Serena's birth that she will be accompanied by four young girls who in the future will become her royal court.
Each young girl, a princess from their perspective planets. Raye Hino from the planet Mars, Amy Mizuno from the planet Mercury, Lita Kino from the planet Jupiter and Mina Aino from the planet Venus. The girls will be placed in the same grade level as Serena and have a mission, to keep Serena safe.
Six years later, Serena was 16 and everything began to change for her. Although she was waited on hand and foot, Serena loved to play around with the boys. Fencing, running, and other sports that princess' weren't allowed to play. She had classes like etiquette and ballroom dancing, which she loved because she got to dance with all the boys, especially Endymion who was the best dancer.
Serena's father had married again to Earth's Queen, Queen Beryl who had lost her husband two years after Serena and her father arrived. They each consoled each other but Serena never liked the witch as she and Endymion called her.
Endymion was now a man, at age 18, and his feelings for Serena grew even more intense. He had wished to marry her someday and take rule of Earth away from his step mother. He was of age and had the authority to make that happen. But it seem that every time he tried to charm Serena he'd always get interrupted by a certain cousin of his.
One time Endymion took Serena over to the gardens to look at the new blooming roses, which were her favorite flowers as were his. They were sitting on a bench on a cool and breezy day. Endymion pulled out a rose and handed it to Serena. She smiled and took the rose taking a whiff of it.
Suddenly their eyes met and they were beginning to come closer to each other. Their lips were not that far away but they would never reached their destination because someone called Endymion distracting him. He turned around and had no idea what was coming.
"Catch," said the person who called him. The ball came hurling toward Endymion and smashes into his face making him fall over to the ground.
Serena was in shocked and quickly moved away from Endymion pretending that nothing was happening between the two. She couldn't help herself but laugh at Endymions reaction and him falling off the bench. Serena then composed herself and she saw the person who threw the ball.
"Endymion," said Seiya running over to the two. "You're suppose to catch the ball with your hands not your face." Endymion glared at him. He had never felt such rage for his cousin. They had always gotten along.
Serena then turned to Seiya with her hands on her hips. She took the ball from Endymion and pushed it onto Seiya hard taking his breath away, which she had always done to him without the ball.
"Seiya you could have really hurt him," said Serena scolding him like a little kid and Seiya loved every time she did that to him.
"I was just testing him on his reflects. I guess they aren't that good." Seiya laughs then walks away.
"Seiya I'm not finish scolding you." Serena follows Seiya leaving Endymion alone. It always happened that way and Endymion began to think that maybe it was Seiya who was planning it that way all along.
AN: So what do you think for a first chapter. I've got great ideas for this story.
2. Chapter 2
Chapter 2. White Princess
Queen Beryl watched every move Serena made. She had eyes everywhere. In the instant that Serena became a threat of taking her throne away, Beryl would take action in doing away with the white princess.
Beryl was already getting bored of King Kenji. She wanted someone younger and someone who would assume the throne with her. Beryl had her eyes on Endymion. He had grown up to be a fine specimen and she couldn't help being drawn to his intense blue eyes and his power.
"Mirror, Mirror, what do you see for me and my future as Queen?" asked Beryl to her magic mirror in her room. In the mirror appeared a man with long white hair and he sighed at Beryl's question.
"I see the future holds only one place for thee. A white princess will take the throne and you will be unseen," replied the man in the mirror feeling a little terrified that he had to tell her that.
"What? She cannot take thy throne. I will not let that happen. I will dispose of her once and for all. No one will even miss her. Jedite!" A young man with blonde hair walked over to Beryl's side and kissed her hand.
"Yes, my Queen," replied Jedite.
"I want you to do something for me. It is very important. Take Princess Serena into the woods and with this..." Beryl made a dagger appear in her hand. "Cut out her heart out and bring it to me."
Jedite's eyes widen at the request his beloved Queen had asked of him. He only bowed his head and took the dagger hiding it in his cloak.
"As you wish my Queen." Jedite stands up and walked out the room.
"No, Jedite," said the man in the mirror, but Jedite didn't even hear him.
"No one can hear you or see you but me Zoicite. Now who is Queen in the future?" Beryl grinned at Zoicite.
Outside of Beryl's quarters, Yaten was passing by and over heard everything they had said. He quickly hid as Jedite exit with a mission in mind, cut out the heart of Princess Serena. When Jedite passed by, Yaten ran the opposite direction trying to find someone tell this information he had just heard.
Serena was walking down the hallway and met up with Mina, one of the four guardians and her best friend. Mina knew something was up when she saw Serena walk up to her.
"What's wrong?" asked Mina nudging her on the arm.
"I'm so confused," replied Serena with a sigh.
"About what?"
"Love. I don't know if what I'm feeling for Endymion is love."
"Then what do you believe it is?"
"It's a strong bond I know. I know that my dad would like me to be with good guy and I know Endymion is all that and more."
"Then what's the problem?"
"Every time we try to get close we always get interrupted. Don't you see that as a sign?"
"No, Serena." Mina puts her hands on her hips. "Is Seiya the one doing the interrupting?"
"Well, most of the time. You think he's doing it on purpose?"
"Duh. Seiya's gotta a thing for you."
"No, we're friends. I don't feel that way about him."
"You gotta be kidding me. I've seen the way you two stare at each other in class and when your dancing together. You two zone out into your own little worlds. It's kind of cute."
"Mina for being the goddess of love and stuff you really aren't very good at recognizing love."
"Serena you are on a little river called denial." Serena rolled her eyes and nodded her head.
"Maybe my confusion is love."
"Serena don't analyze love. It's a feeling. You feel it right here." Mina shows with her hand and pointed at her chest. "Your heart."
"How can I listen to my heart if every time I'm around Endymion and Seiya my heart starts beating faster?"
"The love of two men. It's going to be hard choice Serena, but I know you'd make the right decision."
"I hope so." Serena sighs again. "I'm going to see my dad. See ya later."
Serena walked over to her father's bedroom. He had been sick for the last couple of weeks and she had been keeping him company after her studies were done. Ikuko, a maid that has been attending to Kenji since he became sick, walked into the room with some soup a second after Serena entered the room.
"Kenji how are feeling?" asked Ikuko.
"Oh, still not too well," said Kenji. "But now that you and Serena are here perhaps today will be a good day." Kenji smiled at the maid and he hadn't realized that he had made her blush a bit. Serena noticed that as she sat on a chair next to her fathers bed.
"Can I?" asked Serena to Ikuko about feeding her father the soup she had brought.
"Sure," replied Ikuko. She placed the soup on the night stand and handed Serena the bowl with a something beneath it for her to hold the hot soup so she wouldn't burn herself. "Is there anything else I can get for you your highnesses?"
"No, thank you," replied Serena.
"I'll be off." Ikuko bowed her head and exited the room. Serena continued to feed her father and she soon found something that was itching to come out since she saw Ikuko blush.
"Dad," said Serena.
"What is it?" asked Kenji.
"I think Ikuko likes you."
Kenji suddenly spit's out the soup he had in his mouth and looked at Serena with wide eyes. Serena handed him a napkin to clean himself up.
"Why would you say that?"
"I like her. She reminds a lot of mom." Serena bowed her head.
"Oh, sweet heart. I know that Beryl isn't the best substitute for your mother but we're both happy here, aren't we? That's was counts."
"Beryl hates me. She's watching me like a hawk. She's never said anything nice to me or nothing. I don't know how you ever fell in love with her."
"Beryl's been through a lot. She's lost her husband and she had to take care of Endymion."
"Her maids did all that. Endymion told me so. She never once took care of him. He was on his own and so am I. If I lose you daddy, I've got nobody."
"Oh, Serena." He caressed her cheek and began to see some tears stream down her cheek. "You'll have your guardians. They will always be your family."
"I know." Serena pulled away and wiped her tears. "I'm going to go. I'll see for dinner." Kenji nodded his head and watched his distraught daughter leave his room.
Yaten was still running around the palace trying to find Serena but he only finds Mina. He stopped in front of her breathing heavily.
"Yaten," said Mina. "Are you alright."
"Give me a second," replied Yaten trying to control his breathing. He finally looked up at Mina. " I'm not...as athletic...as Seiya. Where is Serena?"
"She's with her dad. What's your hurry?"
"She's in danger. Beryl…she wants her dead. One of her guards is going to take her out into the woods and cut out her heart." Mina's eyes widen at what Yaten had just told her. She then grabbed hold of his shirt and dragged him along into the palace to find Serena.
Serena was already outside of the palace in the gardens on the opposite side of the palace from where Yaten and Mina were.
"Princess Serena," called Jedite. He startled her and she turned around. "There is something I want to show you." He extended his hand to her and Serena took. He led her out of the palace gates and started to walk towards the woods.
Mina and Yaten arrived at Kenji's door and they see Ikuko come out of the room with a tray. The two had hoped that Serena was still in the room with her dad and they confronted Ikuko to make sure of that.
"Ikuko, is Serena still in with her dad?" asked Mina.
"No, Serena left about 5 minutes ago," replied Ikuko. Mina's and Yaten's eyes widen at her answer.
"I've gotto warn the girls," said Mina as she began running down the hallway leaving Yaten behind.
"Thanks," replied Yaten. Then he runs after Mina.
Jedite was still leading Serena deeper into the woods. He wanted to make sure that they were far enough so no one would hear her scream.
"Jedite where are we going?" asked Serena. "Is this suppose to be a surprise?"
"Yes," replied Jedite as he continued to lead her on.
"I hope is not too far. My feet are killing me." Jedite made an abrupt stop and Serena crashed into him.
"Oops. Sorry. Next time give a girl a warning." Jedite turned to Serena. "So where is it or what is it?" Jedite grabbed hold of her and pushed her against a tree. "Ouch, Jedite." He then pulled out the dagger from his cloak and Serena's eyes widen at the sight of the dagger. Jedite moved closer to Serena, keeping her still with one hand that pushed her against the tree and the other hand with the dagger about to piece through her delicate skin. The dagger was inches away from the her heart when Jedite pushed away.
"I can't," said Jedite as he stuck the dagger into the ground just two feet away from Serena. He bowed his head. "I'm so sorry your highness. I was just doing my bidding from my Queen."
"Beryl," said Serena.
"She wants you dead. She told me to take you into the woods and with this dagger cut out your heart and bring to her." Serena gasped. "Go, run away. Don't come back. Run!" Serena quickly did what he told her and ran through the woods.
Jedite pulled the dagger out of the ground and stood up. He had to have something for Beryl or he surely be killed. Jedite spotted a white rabbit hopping about. He grinned a evil grin and went after the creature.
Back at the palace, a search party by the four guardians was in process but there was no sign of Serena anywhere in or around the palace. They knew that she had been taken into the woods and the four knew what they had to do. It was their duties as guardians of the princess to keep her safe. Without warning Endymion or King Kenji, the four readied themselves to save their princess.
AN: You know I wouldn't kill Serena.
3. Chapter 3
Chapter 3.
White Princess.
Unbeknownst to the attack on Princess Serena, Setsuna decided to pay Earth a visit bringing Haruka and Michiru with her. The two are part of Queen Serenity's plan for Serena's royal court and will also be protectors for Serena. The three were greeted by Beryl whom Haruka and Michiru did not like from the instant they met her.
"Welcome to Earth," said Beryl as she shook Setsuna's hand.
"I'm Princess Setsuna associate ruler of the Moon Kingdom," said Setsuna.
"My, you are quite young to rule a kingdom by yourself."
"I manage. I've been taught by the best. Queen Serenity."
"Yes, I see."
"I'm here to inform Princess Serena of her new guardians. Haruka from the planet Uranus and Michiru from the planet Neptune. Where is the princess?"
"Oh, well you know that girl she's everywhere at once. I barely can keep track of her myself."
"Very well. May we see King Kenji?"
"You may. Follow me."
As they all walked down the hallway, Endymion happens to pass by them and was struck full on by Setsuna's exquisite beauty. He had to stop to greet them all.
"We have guests," said Endymion. "I'm Prince Endymion." He greeted them all and kissed their hands but Haruka was the only one that didn't like that. That made Michiru laugh and Haruka blushed.
"Here you are," said Beryl as they had reached King Kenji's room. Beryl knocked first. "Kenji you have guests." She then opened the door and they all entered the room.
"Setsuna," said Kenji. "It's so good to see you."
"My King you do not look so well," said Setsuna in a worried tone.
"Don't worry," said Beryl. "We have the best doctors taking very good care of him. I'll leave you all." Beryl left the room.
"It's alright Setsuna," said Kenji. "I'm just a little under the weather. I'll be fine in a couple of days."
"Ready for your bath your highness," said Ikuko coming out from the bathroom. Everyone stared at her and their stares made her blush.
"King Kenji is well," said Haruka with a smirk. The king realize what she really meant and nods his head.
"Your highness may I suggest a remedy," said Setsuna.
"What have you got?" asked Kenji.
Setsuna closed her eyes and concentrated. Endymion was very confused by what she was doing.
"What is she…" asked Endymion.
"Shhh," said Haruka.
In couple seconds a purple light appeared in the room and within that light a little girl around the age of ten appeared.
"Hotaru," said Kenji recognizing the little girl. The little girl runs up to the king and hugs him tight. "Oh how I missed you."
"Me too," replied Hotaru. "I'm sorry I couldn't save Serenity for you."
"That's alright. You were much too young to use your powers then." She pulled away from the king.
"Now I can make you better." Hotaru smiled and took the kings hand. She closed her eyes and concentrated.
"How could a little kid…" said Endymion.
"Don't you know how to shut up," said Haruka.
In an instant, King Kenji was covered with a white light and he began to breath harder then the light faded. Kenji smiled at the young girl who was very weak after all that energy she put into healing him.
"Thank you Hotaru," said the king.
"Your welcome," said Hotaru who bows, waves at all of them and disappears in a splash of purple light.
"How are things in the Moon Kingdom?" asked Kenji.
"As well as can be expected," replied Setsuna. "Artemis and Luna are great advisors. They send their love to you and Serena. I've also brought Haruka and Michiru who will also be protectors of the Princess."
"Serena will be the most guarded princess in the Universe." Kenji joked.
"Where is Serena? I'd like to see her."
"I haven't the slightest idea. Endymion have you've seen her?"
"Not since this morning, but I'll go look for her," said Endymion as he bowed his head and left the room. Setsuna watched him go then turned her attention to her king.
"Earth's Prince," said Setsuna. "He is a wise choice for Serena."
"Indeed he is."
Back in the gardens, Yaten started to walk over to where he sees Seiya looking at the red roses. Seiya looked up and sees his brother had a troubled look on his face.
"Yaten?" said Seiya as he walked up to him. "Are you…"
Yaten looked at Seiya with wide eyes then sighed.
"I don't know how to tell you this Seiya, but…" said Yaten. Before he could of said anything he sees Jedite running into the palace with something in his hand. He could also see some blood on the object that he carried in his hands. Yaten thought the worst.
"Yaten," said Seiya as he shoved him a little to get his attention. "What's wrong?"
"They didn't make it in time."
"Make it in time…what are you talking about?"
"He killed her." He looked straight into Seiya's eyes.
"Killed? Who?"
"Serena. Serena is dead."
"What?" Seiya grabbed hold of Yaten's collar and is almost strangling him. "What are you saying?"
"I over heard Beryl telling one of her guards to kill Serena."
"No, she can't be." Seiya released Yaten and he fell to the ground. Seiya slumped down on the bench and buried his head in his hands.
"Seiya I'm sorry."
Taiki was walking toward the garden and sees both of his brothers. He had seen Seiya very distraught but never like this.
"Yaten what did you do?" asked Taiki. "You are always such a jerk."
"I did nothing," said Yaten as he got up.
"Why is Seiya like this?"
"Serena's dead."
"How do you know this?" asked an unfamiliar voice to the three. The all looked over and see Setsuna walking over with Haruka and Michiru on either side.
"I heard it from Beryl's mouth. She sent one of her guards to cut out her heart and I just saw that same guard come into the palace with a bloody cloth."
"If Serena were dead I would know. Her guardians, where are they?"
"They went after her but I guess they didn't find her in time."
In Beryl's room Jedite enters with a bloody cloth. He bowed down in front of Beryl and showed her the heart. Beryl touched it and grinned. She then took it from his hands and swirl around the room.
"Jedite you have done well," said Beryl. "You shall be handsomely rewarded. I'll make sure of that."
"I'm happily to do your bidding my Queen," replied Jedite.
Back in the woods, Serena is running as fast as her heals can let her. She then tripped over branch and fell over. When she tried to get up she felt pain come from her left ankel. Tears started to sting her eyes.
Meanwhile at the palace gardens, Setsuna, Haruka and Michiru feel Serena's pain because of their connection. Haruka and Michiru felt her pain for her ankle and her pain for her being alone in the woods. Taiki and Yaten caught them before they fell over. Setsuna tried to stay strong.
"Oh, Serena hold on," said Setsuna. "She's hurt, but very much alive." She then couldn't hold the pain much longer and collapsed, but luckily someone caught her before she fell. Setsuna looked behind her and saw Endymion holding her in his arms with a look of concern on his face.
"Serena is hurt," said Endymion. "Where is she? And what do you mean she's alive?"
"Beryl tried to have her killed."
Suddenly Seiya stood up and had a look of rage in him. They all saw it and even his brothers were a little scared of him.
"Beryl's going to pay," said Seiya.
"Whoa, Seiya easy there," said Taiki. "Fighting Beryl is suicidal."
"Taiki is right," said Endymion. "We just need to find Serena."
Setsuna looked at Endymion and was astonished because he took the words she wanted to say right out her mouth.
"At least we know she's alive," said Taiki. "That's what counts."
"We just need to make sure Beryl doesn't know of this," said Yaten.
"I must get in contact with the guardians then we'll know for sure that she is safe," said Setsuna.
Back in the woods, the four guardians were giving up on their search. They were deep in the woods and it would soon get dark.
"It's no use," said Mina. "We're lost."
"Mina," said Raye. "We are not lost."
"Hey, what's that sound?" asked Lita.
"I hear it too," said Amy. "Sounds like crying."
"It's Serena," said Raye. "She's hurt. Hurry. This way." The guardians followed Raye as she knew exactly where to find Serena. They saw her laying on the ground trying to get up but her ankle never allowed her.
"Raye," cried Serena very happy to see her. She grabbed hold of Serena and helped her to a tree stump near by to get her off the floor.
"Serena are you okay?" asked Mina.
"Yes, but I just hurt my…"
"We know," replied Raye.
"What?"
"We can feel your pain Serena," said Amy.
"And your sorrow too," said Lita. "Don't be sad Serena. We're here for you."
"Thanks you guys," replied Serena.
"How did you get away?" asked Mina.
"He let me go. He didn't want to do it. Poor Jedite. He's so confused. Beryl used him. She knew I was closest to him."
"That son of…" said Raye.
"Raye he didn't hurt me. At least he told me the truth, but I already knew."
"We gotta keep moving. Who knows if Beryl may find out your not really dead. Come on Lita help me." Lita helped Raye carry Serena and they continued on into the woods. "Wait!" They stopped. "What's that?"
AN: DRAMA! That's what I like.
4. Chapter 4
Chapter 4. White Princess.
At the palace, the Moon Kingdom visitors, the Kou brothers, and Prince Endymion were all trying to figure out away to prove that Princess Serena is still alive. Setsuna had suggested to contact the four guardians, who had set out to look for her, through her mind, which Endymion didn't understand how she was going to do it.
"Um, Setsuna you can stand on your own, right?" asked Haruka.
Setsuna realized that Endymion still had his hold on her when she almost fainted. She blushed immediately and Endymion let go looking away so no one see his blushing face. Haruka and Michiru laughed. They knew their Setsuna and knew that she didn't mind being in Endymion's arms.
Back in the woods, the four guardians felt a presence nearby as they were attempting to take Serena to a safe place. They hadn't realized that the presence had been coming from their minds. Setsuna tried to talk slowly and calmly to the girls as it was their first time communicating through their minds. Raye, the strongest of them all with mind power listened carefully to Setsuna's words.
"It's Setsuna," said Raye.
"Setsuna?" said Serena. "How could you communicate with her? She's on the Moon."
"No, she's on Earth. She's saying that she knows about your attack and wants to know if your okay." Raye stayed quiet to respond to Setsuna.
"What else?"
"She wants us to follow protocol to keep you safe."
"Does that mean we return back to the Moon?" asked Mina.
"No," said Serena. "I can't do that. What about my dad? Seiya…and his brothers and… Endymion. There are all innocent people. I can't abandon them."
"Serena we have to follow our duty."
"Raye's right," said Lita. "We can't go back. We'll be risking your safety."
"I think it would be best for us to stay out of sight for while," said Amy. "Then attempt to make our way to the Moon."
"We'll be much safer there and stronger too," said Mina.
"I'll tell Setsuna," said Raye.
"Where will we go?" asked Serena. "There is nothing out here."
"I'm not sure, but we'll find something. As long as Beryl never finds out that your still alive, we'll be safe. Lets go."
They continued their journey through the woods and already night had fallen. Only the stars and the moon guided them and lead them to a small cottage. It looked abandoned. Amy checked it with her mini computer that she always had handy.
"It's empty," said Amy with a reassured nod.
"Lets go inside," said Raye as she and Lita helped Serena inside. The cottage looked like it hadn't been used in years and they hoped that it was true. They sat Serena on some bed and they started to repair the place with their powers.
Raye looked at the fire place and gathered some wood that was laying outside. She laid it in the fire place and with her power of fire created fire and warmth in the cottage.
Lita found the light switch and followed the wires that lead to the roof. She exited the cottage and found the source of power for the cottage. With her power of lightning, she powered it up and electricity surged throughout the cottage.
Amy saw a large pot on the ground and decided to make some soup. She gather some ingredients she found in the kitchen and with her power of water filled the pot with water. Raye and Lita carried the pot over to the fire place after Amy put in the spices and herbs she had found.
Mina started to open the windows drapes, which were filled with dust. As soon as she had them opened the moon shone through and Serena felt better about being in the cottage. She then started creating flower bouquets, being the goddess of love, only pretty things came from her power to decorate the cottage and to make it more homey.
At Endymion's palace, Setsuna was receiving the messages from Raye. She stayed quiet as Raye responded to her.
"It's Raye," said Setsuna. "They are alright. They've found Serena. She's okay." Setsuna looked at Endymion who sighed in relief when Setsuna said that.
"Are they coming back?" asked Endymion.
"No, they want to keep her away for while. They don't want Beryl to find out the truth that Serena is alive."
"What are they planning on doing?" asked Seiya. "Don't you think she'd be safer here. We'll all protect her."
"It's too risky. They will stick to the protocol," said Setsuna. "Deep in the woods they will be concealed from everyone. The guardians know what to do. They've been training for this since they were born. They just wished that they wouldn't of needed to put it into action."
From the palace, in her quarters, Beryl headed to her window that allowed herself to see her kingdom and most of the gardens of her palace. Down in the gardens she saw a group gathered and the only words that stung violently into her were 'Serena is alive.' Rage formed in her eyes as she turned around and walked out her door.
"Jedite!" she yelled and the sound could be heard everywhere in the palace.
Jedite was in the opposite side of the palace and heard her scream. He quickly headed for the gates but was somehow too late. Beryl appeared before him. Jedite stopped and started to back away from his Queen. He knew she knew he had betrayed her with the fake heart of the princess.
"You betrayed me Jedite," said Beryl. "And all I've done for you."
"I…my…Queen," said Jedite stuttering with his words.
"You were my one and only Jedite. One simple task that I ask of you and you couldn't even plunge the blasted dagger into the pretty princess' heart. Is that it. You loved her more them me?"
"No…my…Queen. I loved you more." Beryl pressed herself closer to Jedite until he was against a wall. Her long finger nails touched him lightly on the face as Beryl traced his features with them.
"It's too late." Beryl sliced his throat with her finger nail. Blood poured out like fountain and Jedite stumbled against the wall. He tried to stop the blood but it was useless. "You are no use to me now. If you want something done right you need to do it yourself." Beryl marched back into the palace.
Seconds later, Kunzite, another of Beryls guards found Jedite just breathing his last breaths on the floor filled with blood.
"No," said Kunzite as he took Jedite's hand. "Jedite what…"
"Beryl…" were Jedites last words.
"She will pay." Kunzite slammed his hand on the ground in fury. "She will pay."
In the woods, the guardians had eaten the soup Amy had made and they had started to create beds for each of them from the material around. There were many old cushions but only two small beds that barely fit one. The guardians insisted on Serena taking one of the beds but she refused. Serena and Raye spent an hour fighting about the bed until Mina came with the idea of using both bed mattresses for all them and spreading them with the other cushions to make a big king size bed.
As soon as they were asleep, the night air cooled the cottage and a light fire still roared in the fire place. The guardians could not feel a cold presence nearby that extinguished the fire and a small voice calling Serena's name. Serena awoke.
"Serena," called the voice, which felt like an echoe. "Help me." Serena did not hesitate and headed for the door. She grabbed a blanket to wrap it around her to keep her warm and followed the voice outside. Serena was limping because of her hurt ankle but she didn't care. Someone was in trouble and she had to help them.
"Where are you?" asked Serena scared that she had gone out alone and feeling the harsh pain of her injured ankle. "I can't see anything." Suddenly on Serena's forehead a crescent moon appeared and it lighted up the woods with an immense amount of light. About a couple feet away from her was a woman whom Serena recognized. She gasped when she saw her.
From the cottage, Raye was the first to notice Serena missing and the crescent moon shining in the dark woods outside. She quickly alerted the other guardians and they went off searching for their princess.
"Serena!" they called out as they followed the crescent moon shinning in the woods.
When they found her, she wasn't alone. The guardians saw the other figure and were as surprised as Serena who stood still with wide eyes as she continued to stare at the figure..
"Mother," said Serena.
"Serenity," said Raye. "But it can't be."
Amy analyze the person dressed as Serenity and found her true identity.
"No Serena!" called Amy. "It's a trap. She's not your mother."
"What?" said Serena.
"Come my child," said Serenity with a serene look. "I've missed you so much. Give me your hand."
"Serena!" yelled Raye. "Stop!"
The woman dressed as Serenity waved her hand a little and pushed the guardians away. Each of them hitting a tree or something hard and knocking them unconscious. Serena felt their pain and was not happy of what her mother had done.
"Why hurt them?" said Serena. "They're my friends."
"Serena. You don't need them anymore. I can protect you my sweet. Come. Come home with me."
Serena looked into Serenity's eyes and couldn't help but become empowered by her words and her eyes. Serena continued to walk toward the Queen and took her hand. In the instant that she took it, the two disappeared.
AN: Yes, Serena is going to get it. Sorry but no dwarves in this story. If you look at it the guardians are the seven.
5. Chapter 5
Chapter 5. White Princess.
"Serena!" called Raye as she stirred and tried to get up. Her head was pounding from the force that the Queen had placed on them. "We have to warn them." She held her head and tried to concentrate to get a message to Setsuna and the others at the palace. "Setsuna."
At the palace, Setsuna awakens abruptly receiving Raye's harsh message and her pain. She quickly runs out of her room and started to sense for Serena everywhere in the palace.
In Beryl's quarters, Beryl was with Serena still in the form of her mother. Serena looked around the room then back at her mother.
"This doesn't look like home," said Serena.
"Oh my princess but it is," said Beryl as she waved her hand over Serena's eyes creating an illusion of Serena's past memories and her mothers room in the Moon Kingdom. "Now you must be famish. Lost in the woods for a whole day."
"I guess," replied Serena touching her tummy which began to make a rumbling sound.
"Here. Take this. It's good for you." Beryl handed Serena an apple.
"Mother, is it really you?" Serena stared at Beryl with her crystal blue eyes.
"Well of course it's me. You're not seeing things."
"Would you sing me the star locket melody? I miss it so much."
"Sure, but promise me you eat that apple."
"I will." She took a bite of the apple.
Beryl started to hum any tune that came to her head. Serena knew that was not the melody her mother sang to her. She looked up at her mother with a bewildered expression. Beryl knew that her hoax wouldn't last too long.
"It's been so long. I've forgotten the tune. Why don't you help me remember it?"
"You'd never forget it." Suddenly Serena felt something inside her. "You're not my…"
In the hallways, Setsuna felt Serena's pain again. She immediately collapse on the ground. Someone heard her and exited their room. It was Endymion and he quickly ran to Setsuna's side.
"Are you alright?" asked Endymion with a concerned tone.
"Serena," said Setsuna. "Beryl's found her."
"Where is she?"
"Here. She's in pain."
"No." Endymion grabbed hold of Setsuna and carried her down the hallway. He knew where Beryl's secret quarters was. When he arrived at the door he put Setsuna down and she leaned on the wall for support. He tried to force his way in, but the door wouldn't budge.
Inside, Beryl turned into herself and she took away the illusion of the room.
"Serena!" yelled Endymion from outside the door.
"Endymion," Serena said as she looked towards the door then back at the woman she thought was her mother. "Beryl…" She grabbed her chest, dropped the apple and collapsed.
"Poor Princess," said Beryl then she laughed a wicked laugh.
Outside Endymion fought to get the door open but it was no use. Then he was surprise by Haruka. She pulled him away from the door and Michiru assured him that she had plan.
"Stand back," said Haruka. She used her power of forceful winds to blast open the door and it worked. The four entered inside and saw Serena laying motionless on the floor.
"No, Serena," said Endymion as he went to her side. He grabbed her motionless body and began to see her color fade. "You murderous…"
"Watch your tongue there Endymion," said Beryl.
"She never did anything to you. Why did you kill her?"
"Competition. No one is taking my crown. Not even a white Moon Princess."
"Beryl you have started something that you can't possibly stop," said Setsuna. "Killing the only heir to the Moon Kingdom throne. Prepare for the consequences."
"I'll show her the consequences," said Endymion pulling out a sword from one of the armored knights in the room and pointing it at Beryl.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you Endymion," said Beryl. "I have a proposition. This here." Beryl shows Endymion and the others a small bottle. "Is the antidote that can bring the princess back to life, but there is one thing you must do for me."
"What do you want Beryl?"
"Well, the throne of course. Marry me and it shall be mine."
"How can we be sure to trust you?" asked Haruka. "You're nothing but a lying witch."
"You'll have to take your chances," said Beryl.
"If I marry you…" said Endymion.
"Endymion," said Setsuna with wide eyes.
"You'll bring her back."
"Yes, but with all this talking we will never get things done. She has 24 hours when the antidote will work. After that her time is up."
"I accept," said Endymion. Setsuna looked at him wide eyes.
"Wonderful," said Beryl. "I'll call the priest."
Endymion crouched down and picked up Serena. Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna watched him walk out of Beryl's quarters without saying a single word. They all glared at Beryl then left the quarters to follow Endymion.
Still in the woods regaining their strength, the four guardians stand together. They were all worried about their princess and had to get to the palace fast. Raye suggested teleportation.
"We haven't mastered that yet," said Lita.
"It could be dangerous," said Amy.
"We have to try," said Raye. "Serena's life depends on it."
"For Serena," said Mina.
They all agreed and grabbed each other hands. Concentrating as hard as they could and thinking of only their destination, the palace, the four guardians achieved the task and teleported.
At the palace, Endymion walked down the hallway and was met by his cousins who had heard the commotion. Seiya saw Endymion with Serena's motionless body in his arms. He wanted to cry but he only just stared at her. Yaten and Taiki felt sadden that the sweet princess was dead. Seiya walked closer to Endymion and wanted to touch her but he doesn't when he hears someone behind him.
"Serena!" called out Raye as she lead the group down the hallway.
"How did you get here so fast?" asked Yaten.
"We teleported," replied Mina. The four saw Endymion with Serena in his arms. "We're too late."
"No," said Raye pushing her way through the crowd. She touched Serena's face. "Serena." Some tears started to fall down her face, which was unusual for Raye. She was always the rock and sometimes a little emotionless.
"She's dead," said Lita as a tear dropped down her cheek. "Someone should of stayed up watching her."
"We had no idea she'd go out…" said Amy. "We did everything we could."
"And we failed," said Raye. "We failed her. Cause…she's dead."
"She's not dead," said Endymion. Everyone looked at him in shocked. "Beryl has a antidote for the poison. She'll give to her if I marry her." They all gasped at this news.
"Endymion are you serious," said Taiki.
"Ewww man she's gross," said Yaten.
"It's only way to save Serena," said Endymion.
Seiya, too felt bad for Endymion but a little part of him was happy that he'd be marrying someone else other than Serena because it could give him a chance. He hated himself for thinking that way. The way that Endymion was risking himself to save Serena was so incredible that Seiya felt bad for him and wished that he could take his spot.
"I don't know how we are going to tell King Kenji about this," said Setsuna. "He'd be so heart broken." Endymion's eyes widen and he released Serena into Seiya's arms, which Seiya took Serena willingly. He then walked passed Setsuna, Haruka and Michiru.
"Endymion." Setsuna followed him then turned back. "Take care of Serena." She then continued to follow Endymion. Haruka and Michiru shrugged and turned to the others.
"What should we do with her?" asked Yaten the only brave soul to speak.
"We need to place her somewhere," said Amy.
"I know where," said Seiya as he lead the group out of the palace and into the green house. "Serena loved flowers."
"Loves," said Raye. "She loves them. She's coming back to us." Seiya nodded his head as he placed Serena on table nearby. It was next to the roses and sunflowers.
"We should cover her," said Haruka. "Protect her from the elements."
"I've got an idea," said Amy. "I can create a solid ice cover to keep her as she is now."
"Great idea Amy," said Lita.
"You can do that?" asked Taiki.
"I can try," replied Amy.
"Mind if I helped?" asked Michiru.
"Not at all." Michiru walked over to Amy's side. "First we need the water and as we are placing it over her to cover her I need to freeze it."
"I'll keep the water up while you freeze it."
"Give them room," said Haruka. The others stepped back as Amy and Michiru concentrated on the task. The water appeared above them. Michiru took control of it as she slowly made it flow down and Amy slowly freezes it as it covered Serena.
"We did it," said Amy.
"Yes, we did," said Michiru. "We make a great team." Amy nodded and Haruka just glared at Michiru. Michiru giggles as Haruka crossed her arms over her chest.
Meanwhile Endymion barged into King Kenji's room. Kenji was with Ikuko and had wished he was not disturbed.
"You're highness I know that this not called for but I need to tell you something very important concerning your daughter," said Endymion.
"Very well," said the king with wide eyes. He had hoped that Endymion was asking to marry Serena but Endymion's tone didn't sound excited. "I'm listening."
"Prince Endymion," said Setsuna running into the room. "Your highness. I'm sorry for this intrusion."
"Setsuna it's alright," said Kenji. "Endymion has something to tell me. Go on."
"King Kenji…" Endymion took a deep breath. "Serena's…"
AN: He can't do it. He doesn't have the power. LOL. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. There is more to come. The wedding, the fight, and romance.
6. Chapter 6
Chapter 6. White Princess.
A million apologizes readers. I know it took forever for me to get this chapter in but I promise that it won't happen again. I was away from my computer for a week and was intending on submitting it during my time away but I was not able to get to a computer. Here is the best of the best.
Setsuna could see that Endymion had a problem saying the words. She placed her hand on his shoulder and walked forward. Endymion looked at her a warm feeling from her friendly gesture and when their eyes met they seem to have communicated with them. Setsuna turned to the king.
"You're highness," said Setsuna. "We did everything in our power to protect her."
"What are you trying to say Setsuna?" asked the King. "Are you saying that…" He couldn't think of it. The King dreaded that word since his wife died so many years ago. "How did this happen?" Ikuko placed a hand on the kings shoulder realizing that Setsuna was saying that his daughter was dead.
"Beryl, your highness," said Endymion not finding it hard to blame Beryl.
"She could never…"
"Yeah, she would. For her precious throne."
"I'm so sorry your highness," said Setsuna with her head bowed. "But there is way to bring her back."
"How?" asked the king.
"Beryl has an antidote," said Endymion. "Only if I marry her will she give it to her."
"But she can't marry," said Ikuko. They all looked at her. "She is still married to King Kenji."
"Precisely my point," said Endymion. "We can face her together and tell her the rules she needs to abide by as Queen."
In the green house, everyone left but Seiya returned to talk to Serena. He touched the frozen casket like cover sliding his finger around it then kneeling down so he could be at eye level with Serena.
"Serena," said Seiya. He could see her through the frozen glass case and just stared for a while. "You're so beautiful. You've always been even if you're…" Seiya sighed and bowed his head. "I can't believe you're gone. It hurts so much." He holds his chest then breaths in deeply. "There is something that I need to get off my chest and I guess this is a good time as ever. I love you. I've been in love with you since the day I met you. You're so incredible and I wanted you so badly that I sabotage every chance you and Endymion had to get close with each other." Seiya bows his head feeling guilt and he sighed. "Endymion loves you. Look at what he's doing for you. Marrying Beryl. I know you love him too. You deserve him. He is the one you should marry." Seiya stood up and blew a kiss to Serena. He then walked out of the garden.
Amy was outside in the garden next to a lily pond and she saw a very sad Seiya exit the green house. She may not know too much on the subject of love, but she knew Seiya was very much in love with Serena. Amy sighed and touched the lily's floating on the pond then she felt a presence nearby. She turned around and found Taiki standing before her.
"Can I sit?" he asked. Amy didn't say a word and just nodded her head. The two stayed quiet but Taiki decided to speak first. "I want to do something." Amy's eyes widen. "If there is one thing I've learn from you Amy is that when your friends are in trouble we should help them no matter what the cost is. I don't want Endymion to marry Beryl."
"I was just thinking the same thing," said Amy. "But how? Beryl is a powerful witch. How could we go against her when she has Serena hanging on the balance."
"We'll think of something."
Near the garden, a gazebo rested where flowers grow wildly around it. Mina loved spending time there to think. She was laying on the floor of the gazebo looking up at the ceiling. Someone interrupted her thinking and lays right next to her. She looks to her side and sees Yaten.
"What are you doing?" asked Yaten.
"Thinking," said Mina then she laughed. "I know it's not something I do that often but I'm worried." She lean on her side to look at Yaten. "I don't think it's right for Beryl to force Endymion to marry her if he's not in love."
"He loves Serena," said Yaten. "He'd do anything for her. That's why he is doing this."
"I get that but it's still not right. I wish we could do something. Beryl can't be trusted."
"I'm with you on that."
Raye walked over to one of the many balconies of the palace that over looked the kingdom. She always had gotten bad vibes from Beryl since the instant she met her but she never spoke up about it. Raye then felt some warm arms wrap around her waist. She smelled the cologne and closed her eyes trying to forget everything that had happen.
"I wished I'd told Serena about you," said Raye to the man behind her. "She was my best friend." Raye tried to hold back tears.
"I'm sorry," said the man into her ear.
"Me too." Raye couldn't hold it any longer and began crying uncontrollably. She turned around and grabbed hold of the man behind her. He held close and soothed her back.
Lita was at the gates of the palace and went outside. She made sure no one was around, leaned against the palace walls, slid down them and started to cry. Lita grabbed hold of her knees and bawled like a big baby. She was not use to this but she couldn't help it. Serena was her best friend and she had failed her.
From afar a man on horseback came galloping over toward the palace and he stopped near the gates. The man on the horse saw Lita crying beside the gate and got off his horse to see what was wrong with the girl. Lita looked up at the man with her teary green eyes and wrapped her arms around him and continued to cry on his shoulder. He held her tight.
"Oh, Lita," said the man who seem to know her. "Is it Serena?" The man felt Lita nod and he continued to soothe her back hoping that he could get her stop crying or they'll both be crying, too.
In Beryl's quarters, Beryl was readying herself for her wedding. She looked at her magic mirror and gave Zoicite a grin.
"Mirror mirror what do you see, what lies beyond my future for me?" asked Beryl.
"She did nothing to you and you killed her Beryl," said Zoicite ignoring her question.
"She was my rival."
"She was not the princess I fore saw."
"What? There is another. Tell me her name."
"Never Beryl."
"I ordered you and you will do as I say."
"Tragedy will await you. You have cause so many so much. It's time to pay the piper."
"You tell me the truth. I will be Queen and I'll be ruler of the Earth and the Moon Kingdom."
Someone knocks on her door and she was interrupted with her fight with her mirror. She unlocked the door with her magic and Endymion rushed into the room. Behind him was Setsuna.
"You can't marry me," said Endymion.
"Why not?" asked Beryl.
"Because of him." Endymion stepped aside to let King Kenji enter the room. Beryl's eyes widen at the sight of her latest husband.
"How you are still alive I don't know but perhaps there is a witch among our presence."
"Regulations proclaim that any Royal crown bound by a spouse cannot re-marry unless his or her spouse is dead."
"Rules are rules Beryl," said the King. "Now give us that antidote."
"Well, this is easy to solve," said Beryl as a sword appeared in her hands. "Endymion why don't you do the honors." She handed the sword to Endymion.
"No," said Endymion. "I will not kill for you."
"Fine I'll do it myself." Endymion placed himself in front of the King shielding him.
"You'll have to kill me as well." Setsuna gasped at the fact that Beryl could kill both Endymion and the king right before her eyes.
"Endymion." Beryl sighed. "With both of you dead I will rule both kingdoms. I don't need any of you, but I so dreadfully hate being alone. I suggest you come up with another plan better than this one."
"Endymion step down," said King Kenji. Endymion did as the king told him. "Beryl my daughter is everything to me. Bring her back to me. I'll give what you want."
"And what is that?" asked Beryl playing coy with the king.
"I renounce my crown."
"No, you're highness," said Setsuna in shock at what he just said. Endymion was just as shocked but he too would of done the same if he were in his position.
"I'd like that in writing Kenji," said Beryl as a pen and paper appeared in her hands. The king signed a paper and Beryl put it away. "Now there is no stopping our wedding Endymion." She caressed his cheek and Endymion moved away from her in disgust. "The priest is on his way. Why don't you change?"
Endymion glared at the Beryl then the three exited her quarters feeling out witted by Beryl. The door closed behind them. King Kenji sighed and nodded his head. He looked at Endymion.
"I'm… I'm sorry Endymion," said King Kenji. "I had no other choice."
"I understand," said Endymion. They both then went their separate ways leaving Setsuna alone in the hallway. She watched the two leave and sighed.
"There has to be something we can do," said Setsuna to herself. "Oh, men give up so easily." She headed for her room and started to pace back and forth. Her door opened and in came Haruka and Michiru. They noticed Setsuna's worried expression.
"What happen now?" asked Haruka walking over to Setsuna.
"King Kenji is no longer king," replied Setsuna. "He renounced his crown. This was Beryl's plan all along to take the moon kingdom by trying get rid of Kenji. She has already done it before."
"What a horrible witch," said Michiru. "Is there nothing we can do?"
"Maybe we can help," said a man at Setsuna's door. Next to the man was another man. The three guardians turned around to see the men. They were wearing general outfits with the insignia of the royal guardians of Earth.
"Who are you?" asked Setsuna walking over to them. Haruka and Michiru stood at either side of Setsuna.
"I am Kunzite and this is Nephlite," said Kunzite. "We were Endymions generals. We no longer wish to serve Beryl. We need to stop this wedding."
Haruka and Michiru look at each other then at Setsuna. Setsuna then looked at the two men in her room. She extended her hand to them and Kunzite took it.
"I agree." Setsuna gave a grin to both Haruka and Michiru.
Haruka crossed her arms over chest and Michiru just smiled.
"What do you have in mind?"
7. Chapter 7
Chapter 7. White Princess.
Kunzite and Nephlite explained their own displeasures with Beryl and how for many years, since the death of Endymion's mother, they had to endure her. There was nothing they could do but follow her demands as she ordered them being Queen. They hated doing her bidding but now they have endured far too much, especially with the death of their comrade Jedite and the imprisonment of another, Zoicite.
"Where do we start?" asked Setsuna.
"We need to get into Beryl's quarters," explained Nephlite. "There is a possibility that we can find the antidote there."
"We can't forget about Zoicite," said Kunzite. "We have to rescue him."
"We didn't see any prisoners in her quarters," said Setsuna as she looked at Michiru and Haruka who had to agree that there was no one in Beryl's room but her.
"He's trapped in the mirror. He refused one of Beryl's orders and his punishment was to be imprison in the mirror."
"I knew I felt another presence in the room," said Michiru.
They all agreed upon going into Beryl's quarters and made their way there. Beryl was already busy with the arrangements of the wedding so they were able to enter the empty quarters.
Setsuna and Nephlite waited outside watching for Beryl if she decided return to quarters for any reason, while there others ventured on inside to search for a prisoner and an antidote.
Haruka and Kunzite walked up to Beryl's mirror and only see an ordinary mirror. Michiru sees Zoicite very clearly as she walked closer to the mirror trying to think of a way to help him escape the prison.
"Where is he?" asked Haruka. She looked at Michiru who was approaching the mirror. "Michiru, do you see him?"
"Yes," replied Michiru with smile that was directed at Zoicite who noticed the blue haired beauty could see him.
"You can see me?" asked Zoicite.
"Yes, I can. Beryl must have been the only one who could see him and me because of my powers."
"How do we set him free?" asked Kunzite.
"Simple." Michiru grabbed the mirror from the wall and dropped it on the floor shattering into a thousand pieces. Zoicite appeared within the broken glass and Michiru helped him up from the floor. Zoicite bowed to her and kissed her hand. Michiru blushed and this made Haruka mad as she folded her arm over her chest.
Meanwhile outside, Setsuna and Nephlite kept watch for Beryl. Nephlite then started to stare at Setsuna for some reason and she noticed this quickly. She began to wonder if he had some sort of attraction toward her but hoped not.
"What?" asked Setsuna bluntly.
Nephlite kept starring at Setsuna and smiled at her. This confused her even more.
"Why are you starring at me?"
"It's nothing," replied Nephlite as he continued to watch the hallways.
"It's something." Setsuna was annoyed with him for not telling her.
"Well, if you want to know." Nephlite turned around to face her. Setsuna raised her eyebrows eager to know his reason for starring at her. "I was just thinking that you look like the type of girl that Endymion would go for."
"Huh?" Setsuna's eyes widen at his confession.
"I've known Endy for many years. I should know. You're independent, honorable and beautiful."
Setsuna blushed a little but turned away hoping he didn't see her.
Back in Beryl's quarters the four were out luck, no antidote.
"The antidote isn't here," said Kunzite. "She must have it with her."
"Can't you make some," said Haruka. "Maybe this book could help." She stepped closer to a magic spell book sitting on stand near the window.
"It's not that easy," replied Zoicite. "It's a special antidote and I'm afraid I was not able to see what she dosed the apple she gave Princess Serena."
"Without that we can't remake the antidote," said Michiru.
"We're back to square one," said Haruka.
They headed for the exit and met up with Setsuna and Nephlite. They told them that they had not found the antidote. Setsuna did not look happy that the antidote was not found and started to worry.
"What do we now?" asked Nephlite. Setsuna looked at them all.
"We need to stop that wedding," said Setsuna as she started to walk down the hallway. The others looked at her and quickly followed her. Setsuna headed for the throne room where all main events such as weddings would take place. She opened the door and saw Beryl about to kiss Endymion.
"Get your hands off him, witch," said Setsuna.
Endymion's eyes widen when he heard that and turn to look at who said it. Beryl's eye brows raised and she glared at Setsuna. She then saw Zoicite behind her. Setsuna began conjuring up some of kind of power source in her hands then she shoots it at Beryl. She fell backwards and the priest quickly ran out the room.
The loud bang alerted others to the throne room. Ikuko and Kenji entered the throne room. They watched Setsuna continue to enter the room and fire up another energy source from within her hands.
"Setsuna what are you doing?" asked Endymion getting in front of her. This gave Beryl time to get up and she formed a energy ball in her hands. Setsuna looked into Endymion's blue eyes and lost all senses until she saw Beryl's huge energy ball coming towards them. She pushed Endymion away and the energy ball hit her sending her flying against a wall.
"Setsuna!" yelled Haruka who got really mad. She raised her arms and focused. Suddenly the Earth started to shake.
"Is that all you got?" said Beryl not feeling much from Haruka's powers.
"Nope," said Haruka with a grin as she folded her arms over her chest. The floor beneath Beryl started to crack and she began losing her balance. She quickly pulled back and shot another force at Haruka hitting Michiru in the process.
Kunzite, Nephlite and Zoicite stood tall and confronted Beryl as they combined their forces together to blast Beryl. Beryl stopped their force but the three kept strong in pushing it back.
Endymion finally got up after losing his balance during the Earthquake. He then realized Setsuna was out cold. Endymion glared at Beryl knowing very well that she had to have been the one that hurt her. He got to his feet and started to walk toward her but then realized a small bottle rolling away from Beryl. Endymion's eyes widen because he knew what it was.
The three guards couldn't hold on and got pushed away by Beryl's mighty force. The four guardians and the three Kou brothers made their presence known in the throne room as they all heard and felt the rumble of a battle.
Raye saw Kunzite on the ground along with his comrades. She had enough of Beryl. Raye was going to give her piece of her mind as her whole body radiated in a fiery color. Fury was her source of fire power and she aimed it straight at Beryl.
Beryl didn't see it coming from the girl and it slapped her in the face with a harsh burn on her left cheek. Beryl was furious for what the fiery guardian had done and she was going to get her back, but Beryl didn't expect another blow. This one from Mina, a strong electrifying wip slashed her hard on her side making her fall to the ground.
Laying on the ground in a tremendous amount of pain, Beryl saw the antidote on the floor and Endymion ready to grab it. She shot her arm out at pushed Endymion away. Endymion crashed into some wooden chairs breaking them.
"Let's fight her together," said Lita putting her hand down. The others agreed and join together to hit Beryl with everything they got. "Jupiter Power!"
"Mars Power!" shouted Raye.
"Venus Power!" Mina shouted.
"Mercury Power!" Amy yelled.
The force hit Beryl hard and hurt her even more but she pushed back their force. The girls stood their ground and continue to push back. Yaten, Taiki, and Seiya noticed the girls needed some help and decided to put their powers to work with them. The three stood behind them and each grabbed hold of the girls shoulders.
Taiki grabbed hold Amy's and through his mind somehow communicated with her making her feel calm and relax so she can focus her energy at Beryl.
Yaten grabbed hold of Mina's and he communicated with her through their minds, which helped her be stronger and stay focus.
Seiya grabbed hold of both Lita and Raye and helped them concentrate on finding Beryl's weak spot.
Uniting their powers together a big burst of energy hit Beryl so hard that she disappeared after they energy dissipated. The room shook violently again but Beryl was finally gone.
"We did it," said Raye breathing heavily.
"That was so cool," said Mina.
"It was incredible," said Amy.
"Ding dong the witch is dead," said Lita.
Endymion got up again and looked over to where he had seen the antidote. He doesn't find it. He continued to search for it like a mad man and finally finds it. It was an empty bottle. It had broken during the battle. Endymion bowed his head and closed his eyes.
AN: I know I'm evil. Live with it. LOL.
8. Chapter 8
Chapter 8. White Princess.
Endymion slouched against the broken chairs and nodded his head. Then someone walked over to Endymion and knelt down next to him. He looked at Endymion and saw that Endymion was not as happy as the others were. Endymion then showed him a broken bottle.
"What's that?" asked the guy as he took a look at the bottle.
The others looked over to where Endymion and his blonde friend were. They all knew what Endymion had in his hands and their happiness of being rid of Beryl faded quickly.
"Oh no," said Raye as she tried to help Kunzite. He too looked up and saw the bottle in Endymion's hand.
"I didn't get it in time," said Endymion with his head bowed. "It was Serena's only chance and I blew it." He sighed and nodded his head.
"Endy don't say that," said his friend trying to shake him out of his low state. Endymion looked up at his friend.
"What are you doing here Andrew?"
"I…" Andrew looked at Lita who shyly blushed. Endymion saw her reaction and realized his reason. "I didn't know you were getting married. I'd hoped it was Serena, but when I found out…" Andrew stopped mid sentence knowing if he mention her name it would make Endymion even more depressed.
Haruka and Zoicite helped Setsuna up and she saw Endymion on the floor next to Andrew. She wanted to go up to him to hold him close to her, but decided against it. He looked so lost and sad. She knew that he was thinking of 'Her.' The woman he loved and the woman he lost.
Seiya saw that look in Endymion's face and knew how he felt. He too felt that way and felt guilty for never letting them have a chance. Now it was too late.
Hopelessness filled the room and no one said a word until Amy had an idea. She walked through the wrecked throne room and kneeled down at Endymion's side. Endymion turned to her as she took the bottle from his hand and held his hand with her other hand.
"If there is enough residue from the antidote we might be able to make some more," said Amy. Endymion's eyes brighten up. "I'll try my best to work on this. I'm not making any promises though."
"And I'll help you," said Taiki as walked over to the two.
"Thank you Amy," replied Endymion as he took her hands into his.
"You're welcome and Endymion it's not your fault." Taiki helped Amy up and the two walked out of the throne room. They headed to Amy's lab where they will attempt to replicate the antidote.
"Come on Endymion," said Andrew as he got up and gave his hand to Endymion to lift him up. He looked at everyone around him and walked passed them without a word.
"Endy," said Kunzite as Endymion walked right pass him. "Look at the bright side. At least you're not married to Beryl." Endymion didn't say anything as he continued onward. He glanced at Setsuna but her eyes didn't catch his until he was out of the throne room.
Endymion ended up at the indoor garden where Serena was placed. He looked at her frozen casket, fell to his knees and started to cry. Endymion tried to composed himself and stared at Serena through the frozen casket.
"It's all my fault," said Endymion. "If I only gotten it sooner."
"Endymion," said Kenji as he walked into the garden. Endymion looked up. "Don't blame yourself. Serena wouldn't want you to."
"It's not fair."
"Sometimes things are unfair but we have to live them. I know how you feel. Serenity was everything to me." Kenji walked over to Endymion's side and stopped in front of the casket. "She left me with an empty feeling inside me that I know could never be filled."
"What about Beryl?" Endymion looked up at Kenji.
"I think it was more the feeling of losing each others spouses that brought us together and I wanted Serena to know Earth, see the wonders of it. It was her mothers last wish." Kenji looked at Serena in her frozen casket and couldn't help but shed a tear then he sighed. "She looks just like her mother. Even in death she looks so…"
"Beautiful." Kenji had to agree with Endymion as he nodded his head and continued to stare at his daughter.
Setsuna walked over to the garden where Kenji and Endymion were and she over heard Endymion talking about Serena. She stopped to listen to what he had to say.
"I loved her so much," said Endymion with such passion.
"I know," said Kenji as he placed his hand on Endymion's shoulder. "I was hoping that you two would marry some day. You would have been a good husband to her."
"Maybe not." Endymion nodded his head. "I couldn't even protect her from this."
"You had no idea Beryl was out to get Serena. She had us all fooled. Is not your fault."
Setsuna looked down at the paper she was carrying then turned to go and bumped into Haruka. She looked at her and noticed that she seemed sad.
"What's wrong Setsuna?" asked Haruka.
"Nothing," replied Setsuna. She handed her the paper in her hand to Haruka. "Here give this to King Kenji."
"But Setsuna." Haruka watched her go and she looked at the paper. She was surprised at what the paper said.
Back inside, Endymion and Kenji kept talking about Serena.
"It's funny when I was at the alter with Beryl I thought that I would be thinking that by the time I said 'I do' Serena would be getting the antidote and she'd be alive but I wasn't."
"What were you thinking about?"
"I was thinking of…"
Just then Haruka entered the garden. The men looked at her as she approached Kenji with a paper in her hand.
"This is for you your highness," said Haruka handing him the paper.
"Haruka you don't have to call me that anymore," said Kenji. "I'm no longer King."
"I doubt that." Haruka smiled at the king as he opened the paper and read it. A smile crossed his face.
"How did you find this?"
"Setsuna found it. Beryl couldn't take it to her grave."
"Why didn't she bring it herself?" asked Endymion.
"She had other matters at hand."
Meanwhile, Mina walked down the hallway thinking about the events that have taken place. She couldn't think of one happy thing. She felt so sad about that until Yaten walked over to her. Mina half smiled at him as he approached her.
"You okay?" asked Yaten.
Mina thought to herself 'how does he know I'm not? I'm smiling.' Mina looked down as Yaten pulled her close to her and kissed her forehead. She then wrapped her arms around him and laid her head against his chest.
"Mina," said Yaten. "I want to tell you something."
"What?" said Mina as she titled her to look into his intense green eyes.
"I don't want to be an idiot like Seiya and wait till the last minute to say how I really feel."
"Huh?"
"I love you."
Mina's blue eyes widen at his words. Her eyes began to water and she hoped that she wouldn't start crying in front him.
"I love the way your hair flows when you're walking. I love your blues eyes. I love your smile."
Mina blushed and smiled. Yaten lifted her chin, lean in, and kissed her lips. Mina was overjoyed and wrapped her arms around his neck to elongate the kiss. When they released they both smiled at each other.
"I love you too," said Mina. "I love your lips." Mina licks her lips as she said that. "And your eyes and I love your hair." She giggles at the last one.
Back at the indoor garden, the others gathered hoping that Amy and Taiki would come soon with some news on the antidote. Raye and Kunzite entered first then followed by Andrew and Lita. Ikuko also came and Kenji hugged her tight as they waited. Then Zoicite and Nephlite came in.
Seiya was outside of the garden and couldn't make up his mind if should enter or not. He knew if he did he'd end up getting teary and hurt more. He had hoped that Amy and Taiki were able to fulfill a miracle and remake the antidote. Seiya just wants Serena back even she'd never be his.
AN: Don't worry. I've got it all worked out. Updates will be coming pretty close to each others. But I see the reviews aren't coming close. LOL. Well, I hope you all enjoy my story that is still going strong and is holding all my other stories.
9. Chapter 9
Chapter 9. White Princess.
Mina and Yaten were on their way to the garden when they spot Seiya as they are about to go into the garden. Seiya seems to be looking at the entrance to the garden thinking if he should go in or not. Mina nd Yaten look at each other and decide to stop to talk to him.
"Aren't you going in Seiya?" asked Mina curious to know his answer.
"Huh?" said Seiya pulled out of his thoughts. "Umm, no. I…" He scratched the back his neck.
"Seiya stop being an idiot," said Yaten.
"Hey!" said Seiya getting offended.
"Come on." Mina put her hand on his shoulder. "If you love her then lets go see her."
Seiya just caved and knew Yaten was right. He hated when his brother was right. Seiya rolled his eyes, took a deep breath and followed the two inside the garden hoping for the best.
Meanwhile in Setsuna's room, Setsuna was sitting on her bed thinking of her meetings with Endymion in the last couple days then at the events that occurred while fighting Beryl. She remembered when she first met him and his eyes diverted to her and he gently kissed her hand like a true prince charming. Setsuna blushed at that as she was thinking about it.
_"I'm Prince Endymion."_
The kiss to her hand was the most romantic thing any man has ever done to her. She turley felt like a princess and she at that moment wished she was his princess.
When he was in the Kings room and was going to set off to look for Serena, she knew he was a good man and that he would be perfect for Serena.
"_Earth's Prince," said Setsuna. "He is a wise choice for Serena."_
She remembered her girly faint and when he caught her. She'd never forget his scent and didn't even mind him holding her even longer since he did. Though, she was surprised by Nephlite's forwardness about what kind of girl Endymion would go for.
"_Well, if you want to know." Nephlite turned around to face her. Setsuna raised her eyebrows eager to know his reason for starring at her. "I was just thinking that you look like the type of girl that Endymion would go for."_
"_Huh?" Setsuna's eyes widen at his confession._
"_I've known Endy for many years. I should know."_
_Setsuna blushed a little but turned away hoping he didn't see her._
Then when she stopped the wedding. Her head was telling her 'stop the wedding because it's wrong to give Beryl the throne willingly with all the bad she has done', but heart was saying 'stop the wedding because I don't want him to marry her.'
_"Get your hands off him witch,"_
Setsuna breathed in as she remembered when he asked her 'what are you doing?' Her eyes connected with his and if they weren't in a battle she would of gone up to him and kissed him right there. She looked down and closed her eyes.
Someone knocked at the door interrupting her thoughts and Setsuna looked up. She saw Michiru peek in. Setsuna waved her hand assuring her that it was alright for her enter. Michiru walked in and faced Setsuna.
"Setsuna," said Michiru. "We're all meeting at the garden…"
"I don't want to go?" replied Setsuna with her head bowed down.
"Why?"
"It's too painful."
"Setsuna." She approached her to get a look at her face. "Serena could have a…" Michiru stopped for a second and she realized something. "This has nothing to do with Serena does it?"
"Michiru please go." Still not looking up.
"No. You love Endymion."
"No." Setsuna said this with pleading eyes hopping that they'd convince her not to repeat what she just said eventhough it was true.
"Yes, you do. It's written on your face."
"This is wrong." Setsuna nodded her head.
"Well of course…wait. What's that?" Michiru felt a strange vibe and started to look around.
"You felt it too." The two headed over to the balcony and looked towards the indoor garden.
Inside the indoor garden, everyone gathered as Amy and Taiki entered. Amy didn't look at all happy and everyone could tell there would be bad news to come. Taiki decided to speak for her.
"I'm sorry Endymion," said Taiki. "We did everything we could. There just wasn't enough to detect it."
Endymion sighed and approached Amy who has her head bowed down. He lifted her chin up and saw that her eyes were filled with tears.
"Don't cry Amy," said Endymion. "Thank you for trying." He hugged her and she cried on him for a bit.
"Wait!" said Mina raising her hand up like kindergartener. She pushed her way through the crowd and centered her self. "There might be a away. It's pretty slim but I know it should work." She walked over to Endymion and pulled him over to Serena's casket. Endymion had no idea what the blonde had in mind and he looked at her like if she were crazy.
"What?" asked Endymion.
"You love Serena, right?"
"Yes."
"Then true love will set her free. Love is the most powerful thing in the universe. Love first kiss. It just has to work."
"I don't know Mina." Endymion doubted Mina's suggestion and he nodded his head.
"It's worth a try. So go on. Kiss her."
"Okay."
Amy removed the ice covered from Serena and Endymion approached Serena. Everyone watched with baited breath. Endymion slowly lean down and captured Serena's lips with his. Seiya quickly turned away and at that moment Setsuna and Michiru entered the garden. Setsuna's gasped at the sight. Endymion pulled away and watched Serena for while. Nothing happen.
"Oh, no. I was sure it would work," said Mina disappointed that her theory of loves first kiss did not work. Endymion walked away and right at the entrance he saw Setsuna with sadness in her eyes.
"Setsuna," said Endymion.
"Something has gotta be wrong," said Mina as she scratched her head. Raye, Amy, Haruka and Michiru looked at her. They all felt something. Mina saw Seiya ready to head out of the garden. "Seiya wait!" She ran up to him and pulled him.
"Mina let go," said Seiya.
"No, you have to… for Serena." Mina's blue eyes looked at Seiya's and he couldn't say no to her. Mina smiled and pulled him along towards Serena's casket. Everyone looked at him as Mina pushed him over to the casket. Endymion turned around and walked over to the two.
"What are you doing?" asked Endymion to the two.
"Endymion Seiya loves Serena," said Mina.
"What?" Endymion was in shocked at this as he glared at Seiya.
"Looks like the cats out of the bag," said Yaten to Taiki. Taiki smacks him upside the head. "Ouch!"
"You two always fought. You were at each others throats every minute you've known each other. How could you possibly…"
"And he loved every minute," said Yaten.
"Yaten!" yelled Seiya giving him a glare. "I may have loved her, but she didn't love me."
"You don't know that," said Mina giving Seiya's hand a tight squeeze and reassuring him with her eyes. "Do this for Serena."
Seiya looked at Endymion who was in shock at this whole revelation then he looked at Serena. He nodded his head, sighed and approached Serena. Seiya lean in slowly and caressed his lips against Serena's. He pulled back and nothing happen then he looked at everyone with his head bowed.
"I'm sorry," said Seiya as he turned to everyone. " It didn't work." He then saw everyone gasp and look surprised.
"Seiya," called a faint voice from a distance. Seiya knew that voice but he couldn't believe he was hearing it. He turned around slowly and there he saw her fully awake. His beautiful angel was alive and she was calling his name. He breathed in slowly and walked up to her. They hugged immediately with Seiya letting out some tears of joy. He closed his eyes to smell her scent, which he missed so much.
As they pulled apart, Serena smiled at him and caressed his cheek. Everyone gathered closely around the two and were glad to have Serena back. Then Serena looked up looking pass Seiya. A look of fear formed in her eyes, which Seiya noticed and became concern about it.
AN: I know it's short but I wanted to end the chapter here. Suspense. LOL.
10. Chapter 10
Chapter 10.
White Princess.
"You've found a way to bring her back," said a voice behind Seiya. His eyes widen as he felt terrified knowing who it came from. "Don't worry princess I'll make sure you don't come back this time."
Seiya slowly turned around and saw Beryl enter the garden. Everyone else turned and were in shocked to see her alive. Seiya shielded Serena with himself, but Setsuna decided to be the first to strike at Beryl.
Beryl caught her before hand and used her powers on her levitating her into the air. She brought her closer to her and grabbed hold of her throat throttling her. Haruka and Michiru, closest to her, tried to attack Beryl but she was ready for that as she blasted them away.
Endymion was really worried. He watched as Setsuna struggled in Beryl's grasped. Beryl saw the fear in Endymion's eyes and realized something. She saw that Setsuna was looking at Endymion, too. An evil grin crossed her face and she looked up at Setsuna.
"So it was you," said Beryl. "You were the white princess that Zoicite had foreseen who would to taken my throne. Well, that isn't going to happen now." She tighten her grip.
"No!" said Serena. "Setsuna!"
"Seiya protect Serena," said Endymion stepping forward. "Get her out of here."
"But…" said Seiya not liking Endymion for telling him what to do.
"Now!"
Seiya only glared at Endymion as he took Serena away. They two met with Kenji and Ikuko and headed for the back door of the garden.
Endymion looked around and saw some long stem red roses. He picked them up and throw them like daggers at Beryl. They hurt her scratching her hand and her face. She dropped Setsuna and Endymion quickly ran to catch her before she hit the ground.
"You fool," said Beryl turning to Endymion. "You could have had everything with me and you chose her." Beryl pointed at Setsuna who was unconscious. Endymion's eyes widen at what Beryl just said and he just realized something. He had strong feelings for Setsuna even though he's only met her once. Beryl began to build an energy ball in her hand. "It's too bad she won't live long enough."
Suddenly from the other side the garden the guardians powered up and shot with force at Beryl with their powers.
"Mercury Aqua Mirage," said Amy.
"Mars Flame Sniper," said Raye.
"Sparkling Wide Pressure," said Lita.
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash," said Mina.
Beryl was pushed away from Endymion and Setsuna. Endymion covered Setsuna as the guardians continued to force Beryl away. He quickly picked her and headed for the back door of the garden. Beryl saw that he was getting away and with a waved her hand she shielded her surroundings. An invisible wall began to surround the garden.
Serena, Seiya, Kenji and Ikuko were heading back to the palace when something stopped them. Serena didn't pay attention to the strange effect which made Seiya stop, but Serena kept going and hit something that sent her back. Seiya quickly went to her side.
"Are you okay?" asked Seiya helping her up.
"What is that?" asked Serena. She picked up a rock and threw it. The rock bounced back.
"It's shield. Beryl must of…"
"You knew it was there and you didn't tell me." Serena hits Seiya and pushed him away. Kenji and Ikuko walked up to Serena. Serena quickly hugs her dad.
"Oh Serena," said Kenji with tears in his eyes. Serena then sees Endymion running over to them carrying Setsuna in his arms.
"Endymion," called Serena as she ran up to him. Seiya watched her and didn't like where this was going. Endymion laid Setsuna on the floor. "Is she going to be okay?"
"I think so," said Endymion who then glared at Seiya.
"Beryl's put a shield," said Seiya. "We're stuck." Endymion looked at the shield then at Serena and Setsuna.
Back inside the garden house, the guardians were holding strong and Michiru and Haruka finally joined them.
"World Shaking!" said Haruka.
"Deep Submerge!" said Michiru
"You can't hold on forever," yelled Beryl as she kept pushing back.
Zoicite, Nephlite and Kunzite join the girls just as Beryl let out a powerful blow forcing Raye, Mina and Lita down. Taiki, Yaten and Andrew helped the girls up and pulled them away from the battle field. As they headed out of the garden house they saw the shield that Beryl had put up.
"She's gotten stronger," said Taiki as he helped Lita over to where Serena, Endymion, Seiya and Kenji and Ikuko were with Setsuna still out cold.
"You guys," said Serena running over to them. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, but the girls can't keep it up," said Lita as she slides down to the ground.
"We need to go back," said Raye trying to pull away from Andrew.
"No, Raye," said Serena as she grabbed her arm. "Please don't. I don't want to lose you. Please don't go."
"Serena." Raye looked at those sad blue eyes about to burst into tears. She knew with that look on her face that she couldn't leave.
"Maybe you guys could help them," said Mina facing Yaten. "But you'll need this." Mina limps away from Yaten. "Serena give me your hand."
"Huh?" said Serena.
"Trust me." Mina looked at Raye and she stood up as well. The three held hands and concentrated with Serena being the last to do so. Each held their hands up and a sword appeared in their hands.
"Neat trick," said Endymion.
"The swords of light," said Setsuna. Everyone turned their heads toward Setsuna. "We need all the power we can get." Endymion walked over to Setsuna and helped her up.
"Are you alright?" asked Endymion. Setsuna nods her head.
"The swords of light," said Kenji. "Incredible. I thought they were a myth."
"Only true guardians can bestow the sword of light."
"But I'm not a guardian," said Serena.
"That's not true Serena," said Setsuna. "You are the guardian of all guardians in the universe. As was your mother before you. You are keeper of the Silver Emporium Crystal, which resides within you just like it resided within your mother."
"Why didn't I know of this? How come I needed guardians to protect me if I'm one of them?"
"You have yet to come to your powers. You're teachings here on Earth were to help you focus your power and learn to wield it."
"Who are the swords for?" asked Endymion. "They can't go out there and fight Beryl. The girls are too weak now and I'm not letting Serena out my sight." Seiya glared at him and Setsuna bowed her head.
"The swords aren't for us to use," said Raye. "We bestow them to great warriors."
"I've got my own sword. Thanks."
"Me too," said Andrew.
Mina walked over to Yaten and handed him her sword to him. He took the sword with pride and as he swirled it around it glowed.
"I bestow the sword of light to you Yaten," said Mina then she nods at Raye who approached Taiki.
"I bestow the sword of light to you Taiki," said Raye. Taiki took hold of the sword and looked at it in awe. Raye looked at Serena and Serena looked at Seiya who had his arms crossed over his chest.
"I…I bestow the sword of light to you Seiya Kou," said Serena looking into his eyes as she handed him the sword. Seiya hesitated a little but accepted the sword.
The Kou brothers stepped up and bowed to the girls who had given them the swords. Then as they turned to go into the fight they see Amy, Haruka and Michiru being blasted out of the garden house and crashing on the ground in front of them.
"AMY!" yelled the girls and Taiki.
"HARUKA MICHIRU!" yelled Setsuna and Serena. The were crying for them and almost fell apart. Endymion held Setsuna. It felt like the only thing he could do to comfort her even though he didn't feel like he should be comforting her.
Serena was hurt the most as she tried to go to the girls but Seiya stopped her. He held back and Endymion was glad he did since he had his hands full with Setsuna and couldn't have stopped Serena.
"Stop it!" yelled Serena with tears streaming down her face. "Please. Leave them alone. It's me you want."
"Oh but I do find joy in hurting those dear to you," said Beryl as she blasted Zoicite, Kunzite and Nephlite. "It's so much fun."
"Kunzite," yelled Raye who was about to run to him but was held back by Mina and Lita.
Seiya, Taiki and Yaten stood tall in front of Serena and ready to take on Beryl. She saw them challenge her and accepted with an evil grin.
"Remember what we learned," said Taiki. Yaten nodded his head and the two looked over at Seiya who was not nodding his head. "Seiya. You remember, right?"
"Um…" said Seiya.
"He was too busy messing Endymion's chances with Serena that he never paid any attention," said Yaten.
"Seiya," said Taiki.
"I'm sorry," said Seiya. "I was... I didn't know it would be important."
"You may have the power to bring your pretty princess Serena back but you'll never have the power to defeat me," said Beryl as she grin at the guys and gathered up a lot of energy in her hand. "You three are nothing and I'll do you all a favor and end your pathetic lives right now."
AN: No I'm not finish yet. I'm still going strong. You should all praised me cause this is the only the story I've been updating. I have like five other ones not finish. I need to get back to them but I just love this story. LOL. Thanks so much for the reviews and I'm sorry that the couples are not to your liking.
11. Chapter 11
Chapter 11. White Princess.
Taiki, Yaten and Seiya held their swords high and were ready to strike at Beryl with all they got. The three charged surprising Beryl and each getting a clean cut at her from different sides. Beryl raised her hand up and created a double edged sword.
"Now lets make the play grounds fair," said Beryl as she twirled her sword around and the guys surrounded her. They stroke but Beryl blocked every hit and they pulled back to regroup as they had done the tactic three times.
"We're not getting through," said Taiki out of breath.
"We need to distract her," said Yaten.
"Any ideas?" asked Seiya. The two brothers looked at Seiya. "Why are you looking at me for?"
"She has to have a weak point," said Taiki. "We need to find it and we get her."
The guys stroke again and again, but Beryl blocked their every move. This time she scratched Seiya on the shoulder. He pulled back and grabbed hold of his shoulder.
"Seiya!" yelled Serena feeling worried for him.
Yaten and Taiki attacked Beryl, while she watched Seiya pull back to look at his wound. Beryl was surprised but blocked them. Seiya then decided to charge her and aimed for her gut. Beryl could see Seiya in the corner of her eye and decided to twirl her double sword around pushing back Yaten and Taiki and tackling Seiya's as he arrived missing her. The three went down hard and their swords went flying across the yard.
"Seiya!" Serena rushed over to his side. Mina, Lita and Raye rushed over to Yaten and Taiki and they pulled them out of the battle.
Andrew and Endymion readied themselves to fight Beryl. They had their swords raised and started the attack with no warning. The two were expert swordsmen and were giving Beryl a run for her money as she struggled to block their every hit.
Beryl started to get stronger as she continued to follow their strategic movements. Andrew and Endymion were falling back and left themselves open for a blow. Beryl took that chance and ran her sword. Setsuna saw this and quickly called upon her staff and with it blocked Beryl's attack. She then stood in fighting stance in front of Endymion and Andrew.
"You want to play with the big boys," said Beryl as she glared at Setsuna. The three attacked with force and together were able to unarm Beryl. Her double edged sword went flying across the yard. She was not pleased when that happen and so she improvised. "Let's play with fire." She powered up a fire ball in her bare hands.
Endymion and Andrew weren't ready to take such a shot but Setsuna was. She placed herself in between them and twirled her staff. Endymion watched as Setsuna's staff diverted the fire ball Beryl sent their way.
"Wow," said Andrew. "She's good."
"That she is," replied Endymion finding her very appealing for her extraordinary bravery. Endymion liked that in a woman.
"You are getting on my last nerve," said Beryl getting riled up about Setsuna. She then started to through more fire balls but this time much faster. Endymion and Andrew tried to avoid them. Some of the fire balls were too fast and they had to throw themselves to the side. At that time the guys loose their swords and became weaponless. Endymion looked up and saw that Setsuna was still standing and a fire ball was heading toward her. Setsuna couldn't avoid it so she dove to the ground and landed next to Endymion. "Now that's more like it."
Beryl started to approach Serena. Serena tried to get away from her but she had no where else to go because of the force field. She looked around to try to find something to defend herself from Beryl but to no avail. Serena was frighten and she had no clue what do next.
"Beryl stand back," said Kenji as he stood in front his daughter.
"Daddy no," said Serena.
"You've gone too far for some stupid throne."
"It's all I've ever wanted all my life," said Beryl. "Not you or any princess in the universe is going to stop me from getting that."
"Wanting something you don't deserve," said Ikuko. "It's wrong Beryl. You know that. You didn't use to be like this. You once were kind and you once knew how to love."
"Love is weak."
"You loved King Endymion and you loved King Kenji. How could you not. They were both wonderful men to you. You just couldn't handle letting go of being Queen. You loved it too much and that became a horrible monster in you."
"A monster. Is that what you see. I'll show you a monster." Beryl's eyes turned fiery red and she glowed red as well. She shot out fire balls from her hands again.
"Get out of the way!" yelled Serena pushing her father and Ikuko away from the fire balls. She threw herself to the ground to dodge them as well. Serena looked up and saw Beryl start to walk up to her.
"You meatball headed twerp. You'll never defeat me," said Beryl. "You'll see all the ones you love die before you and then you will die a very long death. I would surely enjoy it."
Serena glared at Beryl and quickly got up limping a little. She breathed heavily and tried her best to be brave.
"Here Serena," said Raye tossing her a sword. Serena for some strange reason caught the sword in her hands. She looked at it then looked at Beryl.
"I don't know how to use this," said Serena. She pointed it at Beryl and Beryl just laughed at the way she was holding the sword. Beryl fired up a fire ball in her hand and was ready to throw it at her. Serena's eyes widen as the fiery ball came flying toward her. She dropped her hand that had the sword but with her other hand she tried to shield herself from the fire ball.
"Serena!" all of her friend cried out as the ball came closer to her and she didn't move away from it. Seiya got up and was about to run to her when a bright light blinded him and everyone around. He saw the fire ball stop in mid air and a burst of powerful energy coming from Serena's hand.
Serena looked up and saw what she was doing. She was amazed at her newfound power. Beryl was in disbelief that she could hold such great power within her. Serena then moved her arm and the fire ball returned to Beryl. She dodged it and glared at Serena.
"The white princess has power," said Beryl. "Lets see how you'll do with electricity." Beryl raised her hands up and electrical charges went through her hands. She blasted the electricity at Serena, but this time Serena was ready. She wasn't scared at all and she held her sword up. As the electrical charge came toward her she sliced it with her sword. Then Serena charged taking Beryl by surprise as she became in shock that she blocked her blast of electricity. The sword hit Beryl in the gut and as it went in Serena let go of the sword feeling horrified that she did such a deed. She pulled back as Beryl's dress began to stain with blood and she looked at the sword. Beryl tried to reach out for Serena but Serena continued to back away.
Seiya finally reached Serena's side and hugged her. He soothed her as she began to cry. Beryl held the sword and tried to pull it out but then decided on something more devious. She saw that Seiya had his back to her and her finger nails extended. Using them as daggers she pointed them at his back.
"Seiya watch out," said Endymion who noticed Beryl wicked move. Seiya saw the nails coming but it was too late to move so he covered Serena. The nails stung his back. He winced as they pierced his skin.
"Seiya!" yelled Serena. She grabbed hold of him but Seiya decided to turn around and face Beryl who had a wicked smile. He then started to walk over to her. "Seiya what are you doing?" Seiya grabbed hold of the sword in Beryl's gut, which she still had a hold on and plunged it more into her. Beryl yelled in pain and finally took her last breaths. She fell over to the side. The force field immediately dropped. Serena walked over to Seiya and hugged him.
Endymion watched the two and sighed. He knew right from then that Serena would be happy with Seiya at her side. He never could of imagined it but fate won the war. Although he once loved Serena, he was willing to give her up for her happiness.
Andrew walked up behind him and patted him on the shoulder. He knew his friend was bummed out about not having Serena for himself. Andrew smiled at Endymion then looked at Setsuna who was walking over to Serena.
"You'll bounce back," said Andrew as he winked at him and walked away leaving Endymion to think about what his friend meant.
Everyone returned to the palace to go to the infirmary. The girls were with their guys. Mina with Yaten as she bandaged his head. Lita with Andrew as she bandaged his arm. Raye with Kunzite as she cleaned his wounds on his face very gently. Amy with Taiki as she bandaged his hand.
The infirmary was too crowded so Serena decided to take Seiya to her room. He sat on her bed and took off his shirt. Serena approached him with something in her hand as Seiya's back faced her.
"This will only hurt a little bit," said Serena as she started to pull out Beryl's nails from his back with tweezers. Seiya winced in pain as she pulled out one. "Eww gross. I hope their not poisonous."
"Not making me feel better Serena," said Seiya.
"Well, if you hadn't been stupid enough and gotten out of the way."
"Stupid. Ouch."
"Yes, Seiya. You don't always have to be the hero. I didn't want to lose you and…" Serena started to sob.
"Oh, Serena." Seiya turned around and hugged her. "You won't lose me ever. I'll never leave you." Serena stopped her sobs.
"I love you Seiya Kou."
"I love you Serena Tsukino." Seiya wiped Serena's tears away and kissed her lips.
AN: AWWWW. So cute. Sorry to those who wanted Endymion and Serena. It was already planned as Seiya and Serena. To those love the couple, what ya think? LOL.
12. Chapter 12
Chapter 12. White Princess.
It was a beautiful day and the garden was adorned with decorated flowers and sorts of ribbons. An event was taken place and everyone was there. Music could be heard, a soft tempo, and down an aisle stood Serena and Endymion.
"Endymion the ring," said Serena hitting him in the elbow. Endymion looked nervous as he pulled out from his pocket a small golden band.
"Oh, yeah," said Endymion feeling sheepish about zoning out. "Sorry." He handed it to the priest to have it blessed.
"Why are you so jittery?"
"I don't know." He turned around looking out at the crowd and caught glance at Setsuna. "I guess weddings get me nervous." He turned back around to face the priest.
"Well, it's not your wedding."
The priest coughed to get their attention and a couple people in the crowd laughed a bit. Serena and Endymion stopped talking and turned their attention to the priest. The priest then continued with the ceremony after he had blessed the golden band he handed it to King Kenji who then faced Ikuko dressed in white.
"I Kenji take you Ikuko to be my wife, for better or for worst, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death to us part," said Kenji holding Ikuko's hand and placing the ring on her finger. He smiled at her and she smiled back. Serena then handed a golden band to the priest to be blessed then the priest handed it to Ikuko.
"I Ikuko take you Kenji to my husband, for better or for worst, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death to us part," said Ikuko placing the ring on Kenji's finger.
"Is there anybody here that does not wish these two be wed speak now or forever hold your peace," said the priest. "Well, then I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
The two kissed and everyone stood and applauded for their nuptials. It was a beautiful ceremony that was planned in a couple weeks. Thanks to Serena and girls, they were able to make the garden look incredible, the food taste delightful, and the music sound heavenly. Serena was happy that finally her father had found someone he could truly grow old with.
"You're dad looks so happy," said Endymion standing beside Serena. "Do you think we would have been happy if we've gotten married?"
"I don't know," replied Serena as she turned to him. "It could of worked." She kept looking at her father who had the biggest smile on his face as he greeted his guest.
"But you'd never would have been truly happy."
"Endymion." Serena sighed. "I'll always love you. Anyways, I'm sure you would found a way to make me happy." Serena gave him a grin and looked him up and down.
"Serena you promised me we'd never talk about that."
"I know but I was crossing my fingers." Serena smiled. "Besides you are so love struck that not even that would convince me right now. And if you don't tell her how you feel you're going to lose her forever."
"What are you talking about Serena?" Endymion tried to act coy and started to get a little nervous.
"I think she loved you before she met you."
"What do you mean?"
"I talked about you. I sent her letters every month and pictures too. She thought you were the most handsomest man she had ever laid eyes on and she is obviously right. Every girl wants you."
Serena's comment made Endymion laugh as he brushed some of his hair back with his hand. He then glanced away a little and saw Setsuna hugging King Kenji. She wore a lilac evening gown that reached her ankles with a set beautiful lilac heels in a darker shade. Her hair was up in a half bun while the rest of her hair cascaded along her back. Endymion sighed as he turned his attention back at Serena.
"See," said Serena making her point about him being love struck.
Seiya walked over to the two. He could tell that the two were engrossed in a conversation and were staring at something or someone. He decided to find out what or who it was and caught on pretty quick. Seiya turned to Serena.
"So, Endy how you holding up?" said Seiya patting Endymion on the shoulder.
"Seiya!" said Serena slapping him on the shoulder.
"I'm good," replied Endymion. "I'm real happy for you guys. Really. The funny thing though I always thought that…well never mind."
"Thought what?"
"Why don't I leave you two manly men alone while I'll congratulate my dad," said Serena as she left the two.
Seiya looked at Endymion who was trying to avoid him but Seiya was not about to give up. Endymion had something to say and he is going to get it out of him.
"Endymion what were you going to say?" asked Seiya.
"I just…" Endymion said as he sighed. "Well, you with your long hair and…you never hung around any girls but Serena…I kind of thought you were…"
"No." Seiya nodded his head. "Maybe Yaten but not me."
"Alright I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you or anything." Seiya crossed his arms over his chest and rolled his eyes at Endymion.
"It's okay." Seiya nods his head. "So when are you going to ask Setsuna out?"
"Seiya."
On the other side of the garden, Setsuna was talking to the girls when Hatoru came over to Setsuna. The two hugged and were happy to see each other again.
"Setsuna you are so pretty as always," said Hatoru. "The wedding was so beautiful. The king seems very pleased."
"Yes, that he is," said Setsuna as she turned her head to catch a of glimpse of Endymion. Hatoru noticed this and decided to throw her curb ball.
"So ever think about getting married Setsuna?"
"Huh?" Setsuna was brought out of her daze at watching Endymion. "What are you talking about Hatoru? I certainly couldn't think of that. I have many responsibilities to attend to."
"Well, some day." Hatoru smiled and she looked at Prince Endymion. "Maybe a prince like Endymion."
"Why would you say that?"
"I don't know but you've been staring at him all through the wedding and our conversation just now."
"I was not." Setsuna bit her lip and tired hard to think of something to change the subject.
"I think he's interested."
"How do you know that?"
"He's been staring at you all day, too."
Setsuna looked at Endymion who quickly diverted his gaze to someone else. Her eyes widen and she blushes finding out that Endymion was staring at her.
"Setsuna," called King Kenji as he walked over with his new bride Ikuko at his side. "There is something I need to tell you."
"What is it your highness?" asked Setsuna.
"Ikuko and I've decided to live at the Moon Kingdom."
"You will."
"Yes, she's very excited to see our Kingdom. With that being said it relieves you from your duties as associate ruler."
"I think that Moon people are going to be very happy to have you back your highness." Setsuna bowed to the King.
"Yes, I do so miss my people." He pulled Ikuko close to him. "I'd would really appreciate that you'd stay here on Earth with the rest of the guardians and Serena. You all seem to get a long so well and it may benefit you more than you know."
"I'll stay for Serena, your highness."
Meanwhile from across the garden near the rose bushes, Endymion and Seiya were still chatting about something that Seiya was trying to get Endymion to admit to. Andrew walked over to Endymion.
"So, that was a nice wedding," said Andrew.
"Yeah," replied Endymion as he turned to Andrew. "When did you and Lita get in involve?"
"Oh, it was that day you invited me to the jousting tournament." Andrew glanced around to find Lita in the crowd. She was wearing a light pink dress with coral strapless heels. She stood taller then everyone which is always the case with her. "I saw her in the crowd. She was beautiful. I guess it was love at first sight. You should know how that feels, ha Endy."
"Huh?"
"He is little too dense," said Seiya. "I think we have to move on to plan C."
"What was plan B?"
"What are you two talking about?" asked Endymion.
"Endy are you just going to stand around like an idiot and let the girl of your dreams leave Earth or are you going to tell her how you feel?"
Endymion was surprised at how up front Andrew was. He brushed his hand through his hair and glanced at Setsuna who was finishing her talk with the King. She turned around and Endymion found his way over to her side stopping her. Setsuna was surprise to see him and so up close that it almost made her blush right in front of him.
"Can we talk?" asked Endymion.
"Okay," replied Setsuna. Endymion took her hand and led her away from the commotion of the reception.
"I know that you're going back to the Moon Kingdom…"
"Endymion…"
"Just hear me out. This kind of thing doesn't happen everyday and I can't help the way I feel about you even at this very moment I just want…"
Setsuna leaned in and kissed Endymion on the lips gently. She caressed his cheek and enjoyed the sweet kiss that was long awaited. As the two released they didn't seem surprised at each other because they both wanted that kiss.
"I'm in love with you Setsuna." Endymion caressed her cheek and she couldn't help but blush. She touched his hand and smiled.
"I'm in love with you, too." The two kissed again but this time more passionate and longer than the first time. After they released, they had realized they weren't alone. From behind some bushes a couple heads peeked out. Then they all came from behind the bush and cheered for the couple. This kind of attention made the couple blush and Setsuna tried to hid her blushing face by leaning on Endymion's chest. Endymion held her close.
AN: I hope you all like this. Endy and Setsuna. It could happen. Help me think of another chapter you guys. I'm running out of ideas. LOL. I've got another story in mind but I gotta finish this one.
13. Chapter 13
Chapter 13.
White Princess.
King Kenji had left for the Moon Kingdom and now Earth belongs to Prince Endymion. With a very wise associate ruler at his side, Setsuna, he's surely do a fine job at ruling. He'd hoped that someday in the near future that Setsuna would wish to be his Queen.
Raye and Kunzite were watching as the possible future King and Queen looked over demands of the kingdom in the throne room. Kunzite wrapped his arms around Raye and she was happy to feel his warmth as she leaned her head against his chest. Then she turned to him and looked up.
"Those two are next in line to get married," said Raye with a smirk. "Just wait and see."
"Really," said Kunzite. "You really believe that."
"Yes."
"What are you some sort of psychic?"
"No, I just know."
"Maybe someone else will be next in line."
"Why would you say that?"
Kunzite pulled out a ring from his pocket and showed it Raye. It was golden band with a very big ruby stone in the middle. Raye's eyes widen at the sight then she looked at Kunzite who was smiling and started to get down on one knee.
"Will you marry me Raye Hino?"
"Kunzite I…" She touched the ring. "Yes!" Kunzite placed the ring on her finger and they embraced.
Meanwhile, Yaten and Mina were laying in the gazebo in the garden outside. The two were hiding out. The day was so beautiful. The clouds were scarce and the blue sky was a deep blue. Mina had her hand laid down on her sides and Yaten decided to lay his hand next to hers. He then grabbed hers and Mina looked at him as she felt him grab her hand.
Mina lifted herself up and turned to Yaten. She smiled at him and lean in closer. Yaten touched her chin with his other hand and captured her lips with his. Their kiss was interrupted by a laughter from the garden. They released and looked towards the garden. There they saw Seiya and Serena running around like children.
"Seiya stop it," said Serena smiling at him. "You know that's my weak spot."
"I'm happy to find some more," said Seiya and he grabbed her pulling her close to him. Serena laughed then looked at the forest beyond the gates of the palace. She got a little serious and stayed quiet for a while. "What's the matter?"
"I want to show you something," said Serena as she grabbed hold of his hand and pulled him out of the palace gates and into the forest. Seiya felt a little worried that she was leading him into the forest but he trusted her completely. They finally arrived at their destination. It was where a little house laid between the trees and shrubbery. It was the same house the girls had stayed in when they were in the forest.
"Isn't it beautiful?" asked Serena.
"Yes," replied Seiya.
"This is where the girls and I stayed when were hiding out from Beryl."
"You girls were lucky to find this place." Seiya took a good look at it when suddenly Serena heard something and turned away from the house.
"Serena…" said a distant voice that echoed through the forest. The voice was so familiar as she followed where it was coming from. Seiya quickly went after her and before Seiya could catch up to Serena they both saw a brilliant light before them. Both shielded their eyes and waited till the light dimmed out a bit to see what was the cause of the light.
Before them stood a beautiful woman dressed in a lavender gown that seem to glow as the suns rays hit her. Even her strawberry blonde hair glisten. Serena was astonished and she remembered who she was.
"Mother?" said Serena. "Is it really you?"
"Yes, my dear Serena," replied the angelic being in front of them. "I am your mother. Oh, how I missed you so."
"I don't believe it. Beryl fooled me once."
"Oh, sweet heart. Beryl is long gone. She'll never hurt you again. I promise." The beautiful woman stepped forward, but stumbled a little. Seiya saw that and knew the woman had to be Serena's mother. She is elegant, and kind and sweet and also a klutz.
"Like mother like daughter," said Seiya as he stepped forward to lend a hand to Serenity. She stepped down and walked over to Serena. Serena still couldn't believe it and she was holding back her tears. Serenity caressed Serena's cheek and pushed a strand of hair away from her face. Serena closed her eyes and remembered that her mother use to do that when she was little. Caressing her cheek and pushing away a strand of her golden locks.
"It is you," said Serena. "Mother." Serena attacked her in a hug. Serenity didn't hold back and hugged her just as tight. Serena let out her tears.
"Oh, my baby. You've gone through so much but you have found someone to share your life with. How you two met once again I couldn't imagine it would happen."
"What are you talking about mother? I've never met Seiya until I went to Earth."
"That's not exactly true Serena. You met him long ago when you two were little babies. He and his brothers were making their way to the Earth when they and their family stopped by the Moon Kingdom. You don't remember because you were infants but from the moment you two met you had a connection. I knew that someday you two would meet again and I was right."
"We were destined?" asked Serena.
"That's right." Queen Serenity nodded with a smile.
"Wow," said Seiya. "I feel important."
"That you are Seiya Kou. I trust you to take care of my daughter."
"I promise." Seiya bowed down to Serenity. "I love her with all my heart. I'll keep her safe."
"I know you will." Serenity smiled at the young couple and began to glow. "Now I must go."
"Please don't leave," said Serena.
"Serena you know I can't stay. You're not alone in this world anymore. You have Seiya."
Seiya grabbed hold of Serena's hand and kissed it. Serena blushed at his kind gesture then turned to look at her mother who was beginning to fade.
"Will I ever see you again?"
"I'll always be with you my dear." Serenity pointed at Serena and a small light jumped off from her fingers falling over on Serena's chest making appear a beautiful heart shape pendant. Serena touched it as it shimmered in her hands. "Be safe." Serenity faded away into a bright light and soon it was gone.
Serena looked sad as she clutched to the pendant her mother left her. She looked up and saw Seiya with a concern expression on his face. Her eyes were stricken with tears that would fall at any moment.
"Are you okay?" asked Seiya. He pulled her closer and she hugged him tightly. She breathed in his scent and calmed herself. Seiya rubbed her back to soothe her. Serena then looked up at him and gave him an innocent smile. "Come we better go. It's getting dark. The others might get worried."
"I want to stay here," said Serena holding his hand and not wanting to move.
"What?" Serena looked at the old cottage before them. She then pulled him along towards the door. Serena leaned against the door frame and Seiya opened the door. He leaned in to her but took her by surprise by lifting her up. She giggled as Seiya carried over the threshold and closed the door behind him. Seiya laid Serena on one of the beds and Serena pulled him by his shirt closer to her. Their lips collided as Seiya climbed on top of Serena.
Back at the palace, Serena's friends were wondering where she could be. They each tried to contact her through their minds but only received exactly what Serena was feeling at that moment.
"Ohhh!" Mina yelled out. Yaten was surprised that she just yell for no reason. She turned to him.
"Are you okay?" asked Yaten.
"Yes." She smiled at him then kissed him lightly on the lips. "But not as good as Serena."
"They haven't come back. Are they in trouble?"
"Nope. She's in very good hands. I don't think we need to wait for them." The two were still in the gazebo looking at the stars. Mina got up and helped Yaten up too. "I want to take a nice warm bath." She exited the gazebo leaving Yaten then she stopped and turned around. "Want to help." Yaten's smile turned into a smirk as he joined her and the two headed into the palace.
Raye too tried to contact Serena and she got a shocking surprise with what she felt. She knew it wasn't pain. It's was pleasure and she wished she was Serena at that moment.
"Anything from them?" asked Kunzite. Raye quickly turned around. "We searched all the grounds. Where could they be?"
"They're alright," said Raye. "No need to worry." Kunzite walked over to Raye as she grabbed hold of him and kissed him passionately on the lips. Kunzite loved the mood Raye was in and decided to take advantage. He picked her and Raye's legs wrapped around Kunzite's hips. The two were still lip locking as Kunzite carried Raye over to her bed.
Lita found her intense reaction of Serena when trying to communicate with her invigorating while she made a midnight snack in the kitchen. She closed her eyes and began to feel the sensation that Serena was feeling. It felt like hands were grabbing her hold of her waist and this caught her by surprise. Lita opened her eyes and realized that Andrew had come behind her and grabbed hold of her waist. She laughed a little.
"What's so funny?" asked Andrew. Lita turned around to face Andrew with a butter knife in one hand.
"Nothing," said Lita with a smile. She then leaned in and kissed Andrew's lips. "You hungry?"
"Couldn't sleep?" asked Andrew.
"A little I guess, but I know Serena's safe."
"That's good to know."
"But…I don't know about you." Lita gave him sly smile then placed the butter knife down. Andrew's eyes widen at her remark then Lita heads down. A couple seconds later her hand grabbed hold of Andrew's shirt pulling down with her.
Setsuna opened her eyes after feeling all the pleasures that Serena was feeling while trying to contact her. Endymion walked in as she opened her eyes and he could tell with her expression that something was up.
"Are you okay?" asked Endymion walking up to her.
"Yes," replied Setsuna trying to push all the wonderful feelings that Serena was feeling out of her mind. They seem to provoke her for some strange reason and being in the same room as Endymion was not a good thing when feeling those type of feelings. "I was just contacting Serena. They're safe I assure you." Setsuna tried to move away from Endymion so she walked passed him casually.
"That's good." Endymion turned around and followed Setsuna with his eyes. "Okay, um. Goodnight." Endymion then walked by Setsuna and she was surprised that he didn't make a move on her. She knew she wasn't very good at hiding stuff.
"Endymion." Endymion turned around to face Setsuna. She walked up to him, grabbed hold of his head with both hands and planted a passionate kiss on his lips. She released and pulled away to breath but Endymion didn't let her take that breath as he grabbed her lips with his own.
Haruka was furious sitting on a chair next to the window as Michiru came out of the shower in a bathrobe. She had contacted Serena and had felt all of Serena's excitement. Michiru had felt it too but she was happy for Serena.
"Oh, Haruka your little crush on the princess will never be over," said Michiru.
"Didn't take him long to get his hands on her," said Haruka. She folded her arms over her chest. Michiru faced Haruka and sat down on her lap. She placed her hands on Haruka's shoulders. "Are you jealous?"
"No, I am not because I know your heart belongs to me." Michiru grabbed Haruka's hands and placed them on her chest.
"Well, aren't you the romantic." Haruka smiled.
"I thought you'd like it." Michiru smiled back
Amy too received a shocking experienced from Serena and it made her blush. Taiki walked in the room and saw Amy blush. He smiled at her thinking that he can still make her blush just by walking into the room.
"I still have that affect on you," said Taiki. Amy smiled and blushed even redder.
"Serena is okay," said Amy trying to change the subject. "She's with Seiya after all, so I know she's safe. They're staying at the little cottage we stayed at when we went looking for Serena in the woods."
"Oh, must be cozy. Wrapped up by the fire drinking coco. Close to a love one…" Taiki then put two and two together. "They are more than okay."
"Taiki." Amy could read Taiki's mind with the comment he just said. She then laughed.
"Want to get cozy?" Amy's eyes widen at his comment and her cheeks turned bright red again.
Back at the cottage, Seiya and Serena were asleep under some blankets they found. Serena had her head on Seiya's chest and her arm around him. Seiya too had his arms around her. The two stirred awake and looked at each other.
"Seiya," said Serena. "Marry me."
"Hey," said Seiya. "You stole my line." They both laughed.
"I love you." Serena leaned in and kissed his lips.
"I love you, too." Serena laid her head back on Seiya's chest. She could hear his heart thumping so fast that it was music to her ears. Seiya stroked Serena's odangos, which were lopsided from sleeping on them. "I think I should ask your father first."
"I guess, but you haven't asked me." Serena tip toed with her fingers up Seiya's chest. She looked up at him and smiled.
"You asked me."
"I still haven't received a reply."
Seiya sat up and looked at Serena. Her golden hair was a mess but she was still beautiful with all that hair. She wrapped the blanket around still revealing her elegant shoulders. Seiya touched the beautiful shoulders of hers and looked straight into her blue eyes.
"I will."
AN: I know it's been a while. This Chapter is extra long for you guys. Oh, and do you think there should be another chapter? Let me know in your reviews please.
14. Chapter 14
Chapter 14.
White Princess.
Serena looked at herself in the mirror of her bedroom. She was wearing the most beautiful white gown that reached the floor in cascades just like her golden locks. Her hair was up in her usual odangos. Raye was at Serena's left brushing the dress' wrinkles out. Mina was at her other side giving her a curl to the ends of her golden locks. Amy was helping her put her shoes on, a pair of shoes that Setsuna found in her mothers belongings.
"They're the same shoes your mother wore at her wedding," said Setsuna as she watched Serena by the bed. Serena turned around to face Setsuna. "You look just like her." Setsuna walked up to Serena and showed her a picture of her mother at her own wedding. Serena looked at the picture and her eyes got teary.
"Oh, Serena don't cry," said Raye. "You'll mess up your make-up."
"Thank you, all of you," said Serena.
"You can't be a queen without a crown," said Haruka at the door with Michiru at her side holding a box.
"You're mother had this made for you when the time came for you to marry," said Michiru. "Your father asked he us to bring it to you."
Serena wants to walk over but Raye, Mina, and Amy stop her before she trips over her dress. Haruka walked over to her as the other girls pulled her dress up. Haruka grabbed her hand and lead her over to Michiru. Michiru opened the box and Serena saw the most beautiful crown she had ever seen. Serena crouched down and Michiru placed the crown on her head. She rose up and turned to look at herself in the mirror. Serena gasped at the sight.
"You look beautiful," said Haruka. Serena turned around and hugged her. She didn't expect this and blushed. Then Serena hugged Michiru.
"Thank you," said Serena. "To all of you." They smiled at her.
"Serena," said Lita as she entered the room. "Here we go." Lita handed her the bouquet that she had made especially for her. "Everything is ready. Seiya's waiting." Serena smiled at all her friends then looked once again at the mirror and walked over to the door.
Beautiful music was playing conducted by Haruka and Michiru who had arrange all the music that was to be played at the wedding. It was their wedding gift to Serena and Seiya. The two played a beautiful melody as the procession began. The maids came down the aisle with their partner grooms men. Mina and Yaten, Taiki and Amy, Lita and Andrew, and Raye and Kunzite.
The maid of honor and the best men were last one to walk down the aisle before the bride. Endymion turned to Setsuna grabbing her hand. He smiled at her and the two began to walk down the aisle. To Setsuna it felt so wonderful to walk down the aisle like a bride and to be admired by so many. When the two reached the altar they separated, Endymion went to Seiya's side and Setsuna to where the other brides maids were.
Everyone rose as the wedding march was about to begin. Hand in hand with King Kenji comes the most beautiful bride there ever was. Her crown was glistening and her aura was glowing. She glided slowly down the aisle and Seiya was astounded by her amazing beauty as she carried her way to his side. Kenji released Serena giving her to Seiya and the two stepped forward closer to the altar.
The priest began the ceremony and before he could reach the part when they each get to say their vows someone interrupted the priest.
"Objection," said Endymion.
"That's not right now," said the priest.
"I need to say something."
"Endymion," said Serena as she glared at him.
"I'm sorry. This is the wrong time for this but…"
"Very wrong," said Seiya glaring at Endymion.
"Objection," said Setsuna. Everyone's eyes turn to Setsuna.
"It's not time for that," said the priest again.
"I want to say something too." Endymion looked at Setsuna surprised that she'd be so outspoken.
"Hey," said Haruka to Michiru who was sitting next to her. "This is getting exciting."
"Quiet down," said Michiru with a smile. "I can't hear." Haruka laughed as she placed her arm around Michiru and continued to watch the entertainment before them.
"Setsuna what are you doing?" asked Serena.
"Serena I'm sorry," said Setsuna. "I want what you have. I really do."
"You can't have Seiya."
"No. I…"
"Want to get married," said Endymion finishing her sentence.
"You do?" she asked him looking into his intense blue eyes.
"I do." Endymion stared into Setsuna's warm reddish brown eyes.
"It's a little too soon for this," said the priest. "You all got it all mixed up."
"Serena Seiya," said Endymion. "Do you guys mind if we…"
"Crash our wedding," said Serena.
"I'm sorry Serena," said Setsuna.
"Setsuna would you stop saying that and get up here."
Endymion and Setsuna were surprised that Serena agreed to what that were asking of. Seiya nodded his head as the couple moved over and made a place for the Endymion and Setsuna.
"Two weddings are better than one," said Seiya. "But you are not crashing my honey moon." The others laughed as the priest took a deep breath and began the ceremony once again. The two couples attentively listened to the priest until another interruption occurred.
"Objection," said Kunzite. He rose from his seat and walked over to where Raye was standing with the bride's maids. She was in shock at his actions and wanted to tell him to go and sit back down. "I'd like to get married to this woman as well. Do you have any room for one more?" They all looked at Kunzite who had his arm around Raye who was blushing the whole time.
"Is this going to continue," said the priest. "Cause the next interruption…"
"No please…" said Seiya. He looked at Serena.
"Anyone else want to get married?" she asked. Serena looked at Mina, Amy, and Lita. The three nodded their heads no. Yaten, Taiki, and Andrew all took a sigh of relief.
"Well, then shall we proceed," said the priest.
"Yes, please."
"Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today on this joyous occasion to join these men with these women in holy matrimony." The priest looked at them all as they smiled at him.
After they each had said their vows and the priest finally got to say the end of the wedding sermon, they all joined their guests in the palace's garden. King Kenji and Ikuko were the first to congratulate Seiya and Serena.
"This was an unforgettable wedding," said Kenji as he patted Serena's hand. Serena nodded her head and smiled. "I'm happy for you my darling."
"Thank you," replied Serena.
"You look just like your mother."
"I'm sure she is watching you right now at this very moment and she is thinking how proud she is of you," said Ikuko.
"Thank you Ikuko," said Serena as she took her hand in hers.
"Attention everyone," said Endymion as he tried to get everyone to turn towards where he was standing. "I like to make a toast to my own beautiful wife." Setsuna beside him blushed and tried to hide it by laying her head on Endymion's shoulder. "To Kunzite and Raye and to the original couples wedding, Serena and Seiya. May your lives be filled with joy and happiness and less interruptions." They all laughed.
"Cheers!" They raised their drinking glasses up.
Music continued to play throughout the garden and people began to dance. The first dance of course goes to the true wedding couple, Seiya and Serena. Then the others joined them. They all danced the night away until the moon was high in the night sky that it seem as the only true light that lighted the garden.
"I want to dance with you forever," said Serena. She laid her head on his chest then sighed.
"I can arrange that," replied Seiya. They continued to sway back and forth. Seiya noticed that his bride was very exhausted. "Serena."
"Huh?"
"There is something I have to tell you."
"What?" Serena looked up at Seiya.
"It's kind of sensitive subject."
"You can tell me. I mean is it bad?"
"Well…"
"It can't be…"
"What?"
"Well, Endymion always told me…"
"He told you what?"
"That's why I never was interested in you."
"What are you talking about?"
"He told me that you and your brothers were…"
"Were what?"
"..were girls."
"He told you we acted like girls."
"No, he told me you were girls."
"That little son of…"
"It's not true is it?"
"Of course not. We are guys, okay."
"Okay. Sorry. I was teasing."
Seiya rolled his eyes then sighed.
"What was it that you wanted to tell me?"
"I'm not a girl and I'm not the experience guy you've heard about throughout the years. It was just an image."
"Oh. I'm not experienced either although I did walk in once on Haruka and Michiru."
"I don't think that counts." They both laughed. "Why don't you go wait in my bed room. I'm going to go kill Endymion."
"No, Seiya." Serena pulled him back. "Let him be. I just want to be with you. I love you." Seiya smirked and quickly scoped Serena up. Serena laughed as Seiya twirled her around. They then headed into the palace and toward Seiya's bed room. As he opened the door, he pushed it closed immediately with his foot. Serena giggled like a school girl as Seiya placed her on the bed and tickled her. He knew it was her weak spot and he took advantage to savor her beautiful laugher, which he loved so much.
...Once upon a time, there was a beautiful white Moon princess who became a Queen. She was at the side of a prince who adored her with all his heart. He gave her happiness, something she was missing all her life since she loss her mother. This white princess was in eternal sleep for many years until the love of her life offered to breath life back into her. He awoke her from her slumber and brought her true happiness. Happiness that will one day bring another beautiful white princess into this world who will someday be Queen.
AN: I'm leaving it there. It took me forever to finally finish it. I hope you all enjoyed the story. Goodnite!
End file.
| fanfiction |
Tag Archive for: Tanzanian Government Re-Elects President Magufuli
COVID 19, Elections, Global Poverty, Human Rights, Tanzania
Tanzanian Government Re-Elects President Magufuli
On October 23, 2020, Senator Mendez issued S. Res. 756, urging the Tanzanian Government to protect democracy in the wake of its upcoming election. The text outlines multiple infringements on the media since President John Magulifi was elected for the first time in 2015. Repressive laws such as the Media Services Act of 2016 and the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations Act of 2020 have curbed expression in the country.
Such laws have translated into multiple arrests and penalizations for journalists and bloggers who publish information deemed "biased" by the Ministry of Information. Headlines were made last year when two independent journalists, Erick Kabendera and Joseph Gandye, were arrested after opening reports into corruption in the government.
Tanzanian Government's Coronavirus Response
The repression of free speech has become even more alarming during the pandemic. "Access to information is an essential part of the fight against COVID-19, yet the Tanzanian government is choosing to censor journalists and media outlets who report on the disease," said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International's Director for East and Southern Africa.
According to the World Health Organization, the Tanzanian Government has not reported a single case of Coronavirus since April. North Korea is the only other country that has not provided data. Back in June, the President spoke of the power of prayer in eliminating the virus at a Church Service. "Corona in our country has been removed by the powers of God," said Magufuli. Since the beginning of the virus, the President has fired health officials who issued warnings, suggested against the use of masks. Furthermore, he has supported an unproven herbal drink from Madagascar as a cure. The International community was quick to criticize the Tanzanian Government for denying the spread of the virus.
In July, journalist Ruud Elmendorp reported from inside the city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Elmendorp spoke with multiple locals who believed that there was no virus in Tanzania. He even visited graveyards, surprised to see there was no surge of activity for new gravesites. According to Elmendorp, the city was conducting business as usual. "The shops are open, there are street markets and there are men seated on the street having their conversations. There are the people with sewing machines, the street food kiosks, all connected by the hooting of passing cars and tuk-tuks," Elmendorp reported.
Magufuli Re-Elected
A week after Senator Mendez issued S.Res. 756, President Magulifi was re-elected with a landslide vote of 84% in his favor. His opponent, Tundu Lissu, said his party's agents were prevented from entering polling stations. The United States will now look at the question of election fraud. The Senate bill will task lawmakers with considering a review of the U.S. assistance to Tanzania "for the purposes of reprioritizing such assistance should neutral observers determine that the October 2020 polls do not meet internationally accepted standards for credible elections." Among considerations, would be targeted sanctions and visa restrictions on actors involved in humans rights abuses.
The situation in Tanzania faces disputes over handling the virus, the role of the media and the vitality of electoral systems. The Tanzanian Government will be under further scrutiny if S.Res. 756 passes.
– Miska Salemann
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg 0 0 Kim Thelwell https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg Kim Thelwell2020-11-16 11:58:472021-01-25 12:00:40Tanzanian Government Re-Elects President Magufuli | slim_pajama |
according to oslo 's definition in 2013 , celiac disease is a chronic small intestinal immune - mediated enteropathy precipitated by exposure to dietary gluten in genetically predisposed individuals .
a definite diagnosis of celiac disease is based on histological changes , including intraepithelial lymphocytosis , crypt hyperplasia , and varying degrees of villous atrophy , graded according to a classification system proposed by marsh ( marsh i - iiic ) .
recently developed screening tests such as antiendomysial ( aea ) and specially tissue transglutaminase ( ttg ) antibodies have remarkably improved the diagnosis rate and screening programs for celiac disease .
broad utilization of these tests have helped indicate that celiac disease is more prevalent than what we previously thought and it is not an exclusively gastrointestinal disease and can be presented by a variety of clinical presentations .
the tendency towards using non - invasive and less expensive methods for the diagnosis of celiac disease , especially in children , has prompted researchers to check if there is any correlation between ttg levels and mucosal damage and whether it has sufficient positive predictive value ( ppv ) to be solely used for the diagnosis of celiac disease .
recent evidence has shown that histological duodenal changes are correlated with ttg titers , and proposed that duodenal biopsy can even be ignored in strongly positive ttg levels with some additional symptoms and history .
the prevalence of celiac disease in iran has been reported to be high ( 1 out of every 104 healthy subjects ) and ttg test is wildly available and used in our setting for celiac disease screening .
therefore , using the serologic tests for diagnosis of celiac disease , at least in a specific group of patients , can be cost effective .
we aimed to check whether degrees of mucosal damage to the small bowel correlate with clinical presentation and serum markers of iranian patients with celiac disease .
by reviewing records of the outpatient gastrointestinal clinic of firoozgar hospital , affiliated to iran university of medical sciences , tehran , iran , documents of 159 patients who had been evaluated for celiac disease for any reason and had ttg titer and pathology reports of duodenum were enrolled .
endoscopy procedure and pathology review had been performed by experienced gastroenterologists and a single trained pathologist .
anti - ttg iga antibody along with serum iga antibody were tested for all patients in our hospital 's laboratory using an enzyme - linked immunosorbent assay ( elisa ) technique by a commercially available kit ( org540 a , orgentec diagnostica gmbh ) .
antibody levels above 10 au / ml were considered positive , as per the manufacturers recommended ttg cut - off value .
laboratory data including complete blood count ( cbc ) , liver , and thyroid function tests , ferritin , iron , tibc , and calcium levels along with demographic data , clinical symptoms , and medical history of all the patients were extracted from their hospital records . if any information was missed , the patients were contacted by phone and were asked for any available data .
the study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of iran university of medical sciences and informed consent was obtained from all the patients after explaining the aims and protocol of the study .
statistical analysis was done using stata package and p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant .
the study population included 59 ( 37.1% ) men and 100 ( 62.9% ) women .
the meansd age of the patients was 35.615.2 years ( range : 3.5 - 78 years ) .
as shown in table 1 , the overall prevalence of anemia in patients with villous atrophy was 72.9% and anemia was the most common non - gastrointestinal ( gi ) sign
. however we could not find any significant association between marsh grading and hemoglobin levels ( p for trend=0.55 ) .
although the frequency of most gi symptoms was higher in " marsh iiic " than other marsh grading , there were no statistically significance differences in gi symptoms between different marsh grading .
our results showed that while there was no significant differences in ttg levels in patients with villous atrophy , mean ttg titers were significantly lower in marsh i and ii grades than the other three grades ( p for trend= 0.33 and 0.003 respectively ) .
figure 1 shows the increasing trend of mean ttg antibody titers from normal duodenal histology to complete atrophy .
tissue transglutaminase ( ttg ) antibody titers in various levels of duodenal damage
receiver - operator curve ( roc ) analysis was used to find a cut - off point for ttg antibody to discriminate a : absence ( marshii ) vs presence ( marsh iiia - c ) of villous atrophy and b : marsh 0-i vs marsh ii_iii .
figure 2 represents these two roc curve graphs . while area under curve ( auc ) for graph a was poor ; auc=0.67 ( std .
error 0.068 and 95% ci 0.53 - 0.80 ) ; for graph b it is almost acceptable ; auc= 0.76 ( std .
optimal cut - off points and corresponding sensitivity and specificities were calculated according to youden index ( j ) = maximum { sensitivity specificity - 1}.
roc curve analysis to find out cut - off point for ttg ab to discriminate two different standard a : marsh < = 1 vs marsh=>2 ; b : marsh < = 2 vs marsh iiia - c .
our study showed that there was a correlation between ttg levels and degrees of duodenal damage . and
ttg levels more than 9 times the manufacturers recommended cut - off value ( ttga90 u / ml ) was about 97.2% sensitive for marsh ii and more duodenal damage .
these results are in agreement with recent findings .
prior to the adventure of tissue transglutaminase ( ttg ) antibody , antigliadin antibody and endomysial antibody ( ema ) have been used as serologic tests for diagnosis and screening of celiac disease .
although the specificity of ema was very high but inadequate sensitivity of these tests resulted in some seronegative celiac cases , making them undesirable in clinical practice ttg antibody was recognized by dieterich and colleagues in 1997 as the major endomysial autoantigen and has been used as a sensitive and specific elisa based test in celiac disease following this identification , during the previous decade , studies have shown that ttg levels are different in various degrees of intestinal damage and there is a correlation between titers of ttg antibody and marsh grading .
in 2005 , when ttg had still not broadly been used in clinical settings , barker and co - workers proposed that for subgroup of pediatric patients with celiac disease with very high ttg titers small - bowel biopsy was not necessary to make the diagnosis later vivas and colleagues showed that duodenal biopsy might be avoided in children with strongly positive ttg antibody titers .
european society for pediatric gastroenterology , hepatology , and nutrition ( espghan ) for diagnosis of celiac disease have updated their guideline on the diagnosis of celiac disease after 20 years, and have mentioned that duodenal biopsy can be omitted from the diagnostic process of celiac disease in patients with anti - tg2 titers more than ten times the uln and confirmatory positive ema and hla testing .
this diagnostic approach has been confirmed by mubarak and co - workers , that small intestinal biopsy can be avoided in symptomatic patients with ttga100 u / ml recently allesio and colleagues , have concluded that , in both adults and children , there is a high probability of duodenal damage in patients with positive anti - ttg serology 7 times the cut - off , along with positive ema , and under specific conditions duodenal biopsy could be avoided for the diagnosis of celiac disease zanini and co - workers have even proposed that more than 5 times the upper limit of the normal level is 100% specific for duodenal atrophy and can be used as cut - off , which could help avoid biopsy in one third of adult patients with celiac disease as mentioned earlier , we found that ttg levels more than 90 u / ml were about 97.2% sensitive for marsh ii and more duodenal damage .
moreover , it has also been shown that ttg antibody levels were significantly lower in patients who strictly adhered to a gluten free diet than those who did not initial evaluation of celiac disease ( cd ) was based on a combination of positive cd - specific serological tests and histological findings in the intestinal biopsy .
ttg antibody is used to initially screen suspected , including symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals for celiac disease and to monitor adherence and response to gluten free diet .
results of our study also showed that anemia was the most common sign and bloating , abdominal pain , and diarrhea were the first three common symptoms in patients with celiac .
the small number of patients with marsh i and ii grading was one of main limitations of our study .
furthermore , the ema results of most of our patients were not available and we could not use these data in our analysis .
considering the high prevalence of celiac disease in iran , which has been reported to be 1:104 similar to western countries , 1 ,
26 it seems that ttg test can be applied for diagnosis of celiac disease , without duodenal biopsy , at least in patients with very high titers of serum antibody , between 5 to 10 folds than normal values .
confirmatory ema and supporting clinical evidence should also be considered . in spite of this finding , small intestinal biopsy
should always be considered in case of high clinical suspicion , regardless of the results of serologic testing .
| pubmed |
Anime X-overs, Naruto line of reincarnation
Yo this is a one shot on a thought I had and I'm sure other fans had too. this is just a break from the 'cross of insanity' story line.
So I don't own naruto, bleach, inuyasha,yu yu hakasho, kekaishi ,or death note
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((ready,set,...shatter kyoka suigetsu!))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
there is a reason that naruto looks so closely like obito. Though the story doesn't start there. No this story starts in a feudal japan age the first of a long line of reincarnations the man's name was han'ya of the void he was known throughout japan for his ruthless style a mixture of both samurai and ninja styles. He swept through the land killing millions spreading his ruthless tyranny across the land. His vile deeds soon caught the attention of the gods who opposed his reign of terror. He had battled them and won against all but 2 of the gods kami and shinigami together they put an end to his evil by separating his yang from his yin creating two han'yas the two gods then killed the two entities but when smote the 2 did not re-intertwine in fact they refused to. Kami then proceeded to notice how when they first battled after their separate rebirths that good hardly ever won kami then smote their memories so the evil of han'ya would never be seen again
however they would always meet to battle no matter what happened in each life.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((death note)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
his name was L, he was the only one who went by that name actually. He was a genius, an IQ of over 170, top notch martial arts skills, an addiction to any thing sweet, yet out of all things he was the embodied yang of han'ya of the void. Thanks to kami he had no idea as to what he really was all he knew was that he was a Japanese detective with a penchant for sweets and blue hair. he had just been assigned to the kira case. Mysterious killings with no known perp. That is until he met light yagami. The two engaged in mental war neither giving the other an inch the suspicion that light was kira ended when light was locked away and the killings continued. L began developing a friend ship with light neither knowing they were parts of the same person. Then it happened L had died and for that breif moment han'ya of the void had won.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((kekaishi)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
it was an anticlimactic end the yin of han'ya had become a simple ayakashi and the yang became a kekaishi the rest is history and yang won but yin had some how managed to retain the power.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((yu yu hakasho)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
he was yusuke he won every trial he had faced the dark tournament, faced shinobu, and the two kings all in all a hero...koenma was a fool to save his life. yusuke was the yin of han'ya only a rare occurrence had happened. This in point was that the incarnation did not take the personality of the original. The only reason it resurfaced was because of yusuke's heightened spirit power and his second death and his soul being stuffed into the same body multiple times. When he awoke yusuke was pure evil in disguise. The yang was already dying of a disease his name was sensui and he was split in to multiple personalities. Sensui was dying but he had found out the secret working with koenma. He knew who yin was and he needed to make sure it died, anything else was nonsequential. Though yusuke appeared angered at his death he could see the malevolence shining beneath them.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((inuyasha))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Yang Was reborn as a half dog demon named inuyasha he was unaware as was his other incarnation. however a major shift occured the world was brought back into the past all in the present were killed. But that's beside the point inuyasha was a wily man he had slain countless demons, made fouls of full blood ones, nearly killed his older brother, got sealed to a tree, got freed by the one who sealed him's reincarnation(irony),gained a bad-ass sword, reunited with dead love, turned full demon for all of 5 seconds, oh and was killed by yin who happened to be a dude named naraku the battle was fierce nearly ending in inuyasha's favor until naraku over charging the wind tunnel in miroku' hand causing it to explode the explosian carried both of them away to their deaths.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((realese)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
by now I'm sure you realized the pattern by now the very reason that naruto uzumaki and obito uchiha were so similar was because they were the same person both were the yang of han'ya of the void. They never met yin until naruto was born the yin had some how retained the powers of his past lives combining them into one. the kyuubi no kitsune was the yin of han'ya of the void. Through the cunning of the very two that had defeated him han'ya had become whole only with the good qualities the most dominate.
((((((((((((((((((((end?))))))))))))))))
End file.
| fanfiction |
Syritta is a genus of hoverflies, family Syrphidae.
The genus probably originated in the Afrotropical region. 13 of the 18 recognized species groups are found south of the Sahara. 15 species inhabit the Oriental and Australian-Pacific regions, and only six species are described from the Palearctic region. The two species that occur in North America as far south as Mexico, S. flaviventris and S. pipiens, were probably introduced by humans.
One of the most common species of this genus is Syritta pipiens, a hoverfly from Europe, currently distributed across Eurasia and North America.
Species
References
Australian/Oceanian Diptera Catalog: Syrphidae
2005: The Genus Syritta: A World Revision of the Genus Syritta Le Peletier & Serville, 1828 Diptera: Syrphidae. Entomonograph Volume 15. Apollo Books Review
BugGuide.net: Syritta pipiens
Nearctica.com: Syrphidae
Category:Eristalinae
Category:Hoverfly genera
Category:Diptera of Europe
Category:Diptera of North America
Category:Taxa named by Amédée Louis Michel le Peletier
Category:Taxa named by Jean Guillaume Audinet-Serville | wikipedia |
Soft Silicone Gasket & Strap.
100% UV Proof Protection & Anti-fog for maximum eye protection.
Put the goggle inside upward and hang headstrap on themiddle of underneath.
Press goggle to your eyes.
Headstrap around the back head with both hands, then take off hands.
Separate the middle of headstrap, then around the back head to finish fixing.
Rinse with cold fresh water after every use. Dry in shaded area and avoid direct sunlight. Store in cool dry place. The inner lenses are treated with anti-fog coating to give excellent vision. DO NOT wipe or rub inner lenses.
Cautions : Please note the following cautions before using the goggle.
A treatment has been donw to make the lenses vapor-free, please wash the goggle gently in clean water after use, shak off water-drop and then dry the goggle with a drier.
Please keep the goggle in a dry place for a better and longer vapor-free life.
DO NOT wipe the lenses with a towel which may hurt the lenses.
Please keep the goggle away from heat or hor water, which may deform the goggle.
Please allow only sight motions with your facial muscles while wearing the goggle or the water may leak in. Please adjust properly the nose-belt and the head-strap before getting into water.
Please stop using the goggle if it causes discomfor to your eyes. | slim_pajama |
Sidique, Idris L. (2013) Evaluation of skeletal muscle satellite cell activity in rodent models depicting muscle hypertrophy and atrophy. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.
Satellite cells are muscle-specific progenitor cells involved in the routine maintenance of skeletal muscle homeostasis, growth and regeneration. They are activated by various stimuli (myotrauma, growth factors etc), undergo rounds of proliferation as skeletal muscle myoblasts, to differentiate and fuse with each other to generate new myotubes or onto existing myofibres to augment growth or repair damaged fibres. Satellite cells contribute to hypertrophy by facilitating nuclear addition, which maintains contractile protein synthetic capacity. Conversely, during atrophy the dysregulation of satellite cells (e.g., via myogenic suppression), causes an opposing deficit in nuclear supplementation/contractile protein synthesis. The 'activity status' of satellite cells, an important determinant of muscle regenerative capacity is not routinely addressed in studies characterising mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy and atrophy. Therefore, the investigations described within this thesis examined the satellite cell specific signalling events that contribute to muscle loss or gain, in rodent models experiencing non-mechanically-induced muscle hypertrophy or atrophy.
Chronic administration of an anabolic agent (BRL-47672, the pro-drug of clenbuterol) increased the expression of early components of satellite cell myogenesis (pax7, ki-67, myoD) but caused no alteration in myogenin expression, relative to control in rat soleus muscle. Pro-drug administration increased myostatin expression, with no concomitant change in follistation mRNA; this is likely a compensatory mechanism to check excessive muscle growth. These results provided evidence of increase satellite cell activity in hypertrophying muscle. In a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-infusion model of muscle atrophy, satellite cells were inhibited in an inflammatory-dependent manner. LPS infusion caused early (<2hr) elevations inflammatory cytokines TNF-, IL-6 and NF-B. LPS-induced elevation in cytokine transcript levels paralleled increased myostatin and decreased pax7 and myoD mRNA and protein expression. The differential increase in cytokines also paralleled the reduction in the number of pax7+ and myoD+ satellite cells. These results suggest that alterations in satellite cell activity may contribute to the progression of muscle atrophy, due to the suppression of muscle compensatory mechanisms, which include satellite cell activation, differentiation and fusion for nuclear supplementation. Co-infusion with an anti-inflammatory agent, dexamethasone (Dex), blunted LPS-induced increase in inflammatory cytokines but had an additive effect on myogenic suppression. Dex+LPS infusion prevented LPS-induced increase in myogenin and resulted in an additional suppression of pax7 and myoD, greater than that elicited by either substance alone. Negative regulation of satellite cells by glucocorticoids could impede their efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory muscle disorders. | slim_pajama |
The Battle of San Juan Bautista was a battle in the Second French intervention in Mexico fought on February 27, 1864. Mexican Republicans were victorious and retook control of the city. The Republican forces consisted only of the Tabasquian militia from the surrounding areas ranging between 300 and 1,100 men, only half of whom were equipped with firearms the others fought with machetes.
San Juan Bautista, Capital of Tabasco was seized by the Imperialist forces on June 13, 1863, by General Marin Dating from December 2, 1863, the Republican forces started attacking the state capital from several points. Second Lieutenant Juan Morales with 30 men stood on the banks of Tinto, cut off all communication with San Juan Bautista and recruited soldiers, commander Narciso Sáenz positioned himself in San Juan Buenavista with his forty volunteers from Cunduacán and the national guard of Cárdenas, Colonel Lino Merino in Pueblo Nuevo de las Raices and Colonel Pedro Fuentes in Mazaltepec. From these points, Republicans began attacking the French in the state capital.
On January 1, 1864, Don Pedro Fuentes along with three dragoons broke into the Esquipulas church and rang its bells in defiance to the enemy fire, and following a brief shootout, returned unharmed to his camp. On the 3rd he reached the plazuela del Águila driving away some French. On the 7th Commander Narciso Sáenz prepared to march 400 infantry and 60 cavalry and a
mountain cannon from Mazaltepec, and settled in Tierra Colorada on the 9th, Pedro Fuentes moved to Atasta, meanwhile Lino Merino and Juan Morales unified their forces and established headquarters in Mazaltepec.
At three in the morning on the 14th the Zaragoza section the right, waded through a forest track to arrive directly on the left flank of the main square, taking positions in the La Punta district, the companies 1st, 2nd Hidalgo and auxiliaries from Juchitan, marched to join the Valle section in Tierra Colorada, which would occupy the bottom of the street Loma de los Perez, which was at the French right flank. At five o'clock in the morning, after a cavalry reconnaissance, the Republican center was detached on the National Road, to take up positions against the French center, covered by the mountain artillery composed of three pieces, two from the 4th and one from the 3rd. The rear guard was defended by a line of siege artillery behind them. The reserve constituted of the Castillo section in the Campo Santo, at the bottom of the hill of the same name.
The Mexican scout cavalry was discovered at the gates of the city by the French vanguard commanded by the former commander Antonio Castillo. The first series of shots wounded two of the Mexican lancers. The events quickly turned against the defenders whereas the cavalry company completely disrupted the Imperialist garrison, four soldiers and commander Castillo were left dead, nine taken prisoners, including an officer, who was condemned to death by martial laws.
The Imperialists concentrated the defense of San Juan Bautista around the Principal and the Governor's House that were barricaded and perforated with loopholes from top to bottom. These buildings were adjacent to the Comercio Street, which prolonged the trenchline squarewise. These blocks was linked internally by tunnels whose exit led to the Comercio Street. The house north of the market, which had walls pierced with loopholes onto the Esquipulas Street was occupied by the Republican center.
The first defense line was formed by buildings and trenches, with the exception of the Romano tradehouse on the Aurora street, which was equipped by light weapons. The second line were trenches, comprising four blocks immediately to the river, and besides that, the last line followed the flow of the Grijalva and Jícaro rivulets, connecting all together by ditches and exterior walls defended by loopholes. The Republican Army fully sealed the siege on the town starting from January 18 and installed five of the smaller culverins and two 24 pounder cannon around San Juan Bautista. The besieged were entrenched in the streets, along the coast, under the covering protection of two French steam gunships La Tourmente and La Pique; the Pailebot Pizarro, the steamboats Corina, Aurora and Diana and the steam gunships Conservador and Guaraguso, from the Mexican side.
Eduardo González Arévalo's troops counted 350 Mexican riflemen, and about 250 French marines. On the first days of the siege the beleaguered Imperialists made some breakout attempts, without any significant egress. It is worth to note that during the siege more Imperialist soldiers were wounded by machete cuts than gunshots. On January 19, General Manuel Diaz de la Vega as the newly appointed Imperial Governor of the Regency and surrogate of Arévalo was transported to San Juan Bautista from la Frontera by Conservador and Guaraguso on the river. His convoy was attacked by a band of 30 liberals whereas some Imperialist were injured among them was their Captain Gabriel Escoffié. Immediately, on the 20th, the new imperial governor requested the surrender of the Republicans by offering guarantees and compensations. He was declined and subsequently a clash broke out between the Republican center and the besieged ones. Commander Francisco Ramírez repelled the sneak attack and took 18-20 prisoners who were deported to Atasta. On February 5, the garrison received a reinforcement of 280 creole soldiers from Martinique, while on 12th about 50-60 retreating Imperialist soldiers from Palenque led by Pedro Pocurrul sought refuge at Vega's camp.
The Republicans advanced forward house by house in close fights as the French was tearing down the buildings while retreating. The Republicans, with a 24 pounder bombard hit the Tourmente nine times until they ran out of ammunition. They collected the cannonballs of the enemy fire from the ground to recharge their own battery. When the Republicans reached the fortified houses and barricades of the defenders, the French considered to give up the city. On February 11, 1864, Tabasco forces begin an assault on The Principal where there were entrenched French troops. From three o'clock the Zaragoza section was ordered to advance in order to cut the enemy from the casa de Paillet. While this was taking place, two sections of Cardenás raided the house. Under the covering fire by the Zaragoza section the Castillo guerrillas attacked the French guardpost at the entrance. The assault lasted over an hour, but the result was the occupation of the Principal.
As the Casa Fuerte remained the last resort of the defenders right at the river, the Republicans decided to attack with heavy artillery from the hill of the Encarnación. Having seen the shelling the French auxiliaries and General Vegas' Mexicans thus evacuated themselves to the ships and sailed to Laguna. The fleeing garrison left big amount of supplies behind among these were two pieces of 68-pound artillery, one 12-pound and 4-pounder culverins, an 8 pounder cannon and its rotating platform, three small 2-pounder pieces, 90 firearms with bayonets, 8 lances, 77 cans of shrapnel, a barrel of grenades and five horses.
Mexican order of battle
Reorganized Mexican divisions after the extraordinary general order of Felipe J. Serra of January 14, 1864.
First command
Colonel-in-chief Gregorio Mendez
Commander Eusebio Castillo
Colonel Lino Merino
Lieutenant Colonel Andres Sanchez
Battalion Commander Pedro Fuentes
Secretary to Battalion Commander Francisco Vídaña
Commissioner of war captain Miguel Payan Ortiz
Assistant to Colonel-in-chief captain Francisco Chapuz
1st Center coloumn
Companies of Cárdenas and Huimanguillo Francisco Ramírez
2nd Right coloumn
Zaragoza section Juan R. de la Rosa
3rd Left coloumn
Companies of Hidalgo, Valle and Juchitán Narciso Sáenz
4th Reserves
Castillo section Cornelio Castillo
5th Artillery Mateo Pimienta
6th Cavalry Mariano Alfaro
See also
List of battles of the French intervention in Mexico
References
Category:1864 in Mexico
Category:Battles involving France
Category:Battles involving Mexico
Category:Battles of the Second French intervention in Mexico
Category:Conflicts in 1864
Category:February 1864 events | wikipedia |
the genome can sustain a number of alterations to its dna without any apparent cellular functional disability , but any cell that has sustained a critical number of dna alterations , such that one or two additional alterations are likely to result in malignant change , is regarded as being transformed .
it is evident that potentially malignant oral leukoplakias arise within fields of precancerization consisting of cytogenetically altered keratinocytes [ 1 , 2 ] .
a field of precancerization in the oral cavity can be defined as an area of clinically normal - looking epithelium which is either microscopically normal or shows dysplasia , but in which some keratinocytes have undergone cytogenetic alterations [ 18 ] .
the process of progressive cytogenetic alteration ( transformation ) can confer upon the keratinocytes in such an epithelial field a growth advantage in relation to the normal surrounding keratinocytes so that within an apparently clinically normal stretch of oral mucosa there can be a pathobiological continuum from normal epithelium to precancerized epithelium where carcinoma can arise .
a field of precancerized oral epithelium comprises a large number of cytogenetically altered keratinocytes at various stages of transformation .
it is not yet clear how many genetic events are necessary to establish cellular transformation , and not all the molecular alterations associated with field precancerization of normal - looking oral epithelium have been characterized .
the initial transformational events occur in progenitor cells in the basal and/or parabasal cell layers of the oral epithelium [ 10 , 11 ] .
these progenitor cells give rise to cells that maintain the integrity of the basal and parabasal cell layers and to amplifying cells that divide frequently , producing daughter cells that enter the maturation process , and gradually progress to the surface of the epithelium .
the initial cytogenetic events leading to cell transformation are most probably characterized by molecular and subsequent functional alterations to genes maintaining the cell 's genomic stability .
such alterations precipitate sequential cytogenetic lesions driving the genetic evolution of the initially transformed progenitor cell towards a cell with a complete set of genetic alterations of a malignant phenotype [ 1317 ] . in this regard ,
the evolution of a cancerous keratinocyte is the outcome of a sufficient number of accumulated cytogenetic alterations rather than of the sequential order in which they occur [ 15 , 1820 ] .
the cytogenetic alterations in precancerous keratinocytes reflect a noncritical accumulation of molecular events , and those seen in cancerous keratinocytes are the outcome of a further critical accumulation of transforming events
. the exact sequence of the cytogenetic molecular events culminating in carcinogenesis can vary [ 14 , 21 ] .
most of the cytogenetic and transcriptional alterations occur early in the continuum from normality , to precancerization , to carcinoma .
it is probable that a greater number of such alterations are required for the transformation of a normal to a precancerous keratinocyte , than for the transformation of a precancerous keratinocyte to a keratinocyte expressing a full cancerous phenotype .
the number of sequential cytogenetic alterations necessary for a progenitor cell to become a cancer cell is imponderable , but is estimated to be between 3 and 12 .
the exact number of these singular genetic events is a function of several factors : loss of dna repair mechanisms , dysregulation of signal transduction pathways , and blocking of mechanisms leading to apoptosis [ 23 , 24 ] , which together will selectively confer an advantage upon the transformed cells with regard to competitive fitness and growth in relation to the surrounding normal cells .
this cytogenetic evolution will promote the clonal expansion of the transformed cell population and their subsequent clonal divergence to form either a single precancerized epithelial field or multiple fields that may be contiguous with or separate from each other , at the expense of the surrounding normal epithelium .
a field of precancerization may comprise a monoclonal cell population originating from one transformed progenitor basal cell that underwent clonal expansion , and spread laterally .
the molecular profile of the transformed keratinocytes in such a field may be identical if they are all part of a monoclone .
on the other hand , the molecular profile of the transformed keratinocytes may be similar to but not identical with one another ( clonally related ) if they arose from subclones related by descent from the original monoclone , but each subclone having experienced episodes of different mutations [ 1 , 2529 ] .
however , a field of precancerization may also consist of a polyclonal cell population , several transformed progenitor basal cells having undergone independent clonal expansion with subsequent independent clonal divergence .
the molecular profiles of the transformed keratinocytes in such a field will be dissimilar , but might share some cytogenetic alterations , as the polyclonal cells will have been exposed to identical carcinogens and to the same microenvironment in the mouth .
thus , the keratinocytes of a unique precancerous oral leukoplakia or of a unique oral squamous cell carcinoma can show molecular heterogeneity with similar or dissimilar cytogenetic alterations [ 1 , 2529 ] . the precancerous field may be clinically normal , whether or not there is epithelial dysplasia
. the presence of a field of precancerization may be disclosed by the development of a leukoplakia or of an erythroplakia , or the appearance of squamous cell carcinoma will make the nature of the previously unrecognized field of precancerization become all too apparent .
the cytogenetic events culminating in the development of a field of precancerization can be either spontaneous or microenvironmentally induced , or extraneously imposed , but it is possible that some ectodermal stem cells destined to become progenitor cells in the oral epithelium can actually undergo genetic and/or epigenetic alterations during organogenesis , giving rise to cytogenetically altered epithelial progenitor cells .
if during maturation these developmentally altered keratinocytes are exposed to further transforming molecular events , their clonal expansion can culminate in the formation of a precancerized field [ 1 , 10 , 11 , 25 , 30 ] .
it is possible that dysregulation of gene expression in the fibroblasts of the lamina propria , with consequent production and release of aberrant mediators , may impose upon the overlying keratinocytes that have already undergone initial transformation from whatever cause , dysregulatory inductive signals contributing to the development of the precancerized field [ 1 , 3133 ] .
there are a number of potentially malignant lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract in which the oral cavity , nasopharynx , oropharynx , hypopharynx , and the larynx , are grouped together as if premalignancies of these sites constitute a homogeneous group .
potentially malignant lesions from these various sites are , however , site specific , so such studies are of limited value in isolating molecular and cytogenetic markers of carcinomatous transformation of oral leukoplakia . furthermore , although the potentially malignant lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract have common histological features of epithelial dysplasia or hyperplasia , they certainly do not have similar clinical features or natural courses .
in addition , in several studies , oral epithelial dysplasia and hyperplasia have been chosen as the inclusion criteria for categorising oral lesions as being potentially malignant , without differentiating the clinical entities .
moreover , certain reactive and inflammatory lesions of the oral mucosa exhibiting epithelial hyperplasia or low - grade dysplasia have been erroneously included in some of the studies although these lesions will never undergo carcinomatous transformation .
the development of precancerous oral leukoplakia and its carcinomatous transformation can be brought about by dysregulation of the mechanisms controlling the cell cycle , dna repair , and apoptosis , by activation of proto - oncogenes , by loss of chromosomal regions containing candidate tumour - suppressor genes as a result of loss of heterozygosity ( loh ) , and by alterations to genomic dna and to mitochondrial dna [ 2325 , 34 , 35 ] .
while these molecular and cytogenetic markers may not be reliable predictors of carcinomatous transformation [ 1 , 34 , 3638 ] , there is a good deal of evidence that loh at specific chromosomal arms , and aneuploidy , are indeed associated with increased frequency of carcinomatous transformation of oral leukoplakia [ 35 , 3943 ] .
however , irrespective of one or more cytogenetic or molecular changes to the keratinocytes of oral leukoplakia , progression to carcinoma may never occur .
loh at the chromosome arms 3p and 9p occur frequently in keratinocytes of precancerous epithelial lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract . this pattern of loh can be associated with carcinomatous transformation of these lesions [ 18 , 35 , 40 , 44 , 45 ] . in one study , precancerous epithelial lesions with keratinocytes having loh limited to 3p and/or 9p had a 3.8-fold higher risk of carcinomatous transformation compared to precancerous lesions without loh either at 3p or at 9p ,
while those lesions with keratinocytes carrying loh at 3p and/or 9p , together with additional losses at any of the chromosomes 4q , 8p , 11q , and 17p had a 33-fold increased risk of carcinomatous transformation , compared to precancerous lesions with keratinocytes retaining these chromosomal arms , and also progressed to carcinoma more rapidly , although unpredictably [ 35 , 41 ] . for unknown reasons , keratinocytes of dysplastic oral leukoplakias on the floor of the mouth , on the ventrolateral surface of the tongue , and at the maxillary retromolar / soft palate region
have loh more frequently than do the keratinocytes of dysplastic leukoplakias affecting other regions of the oral mucosa .
this may be one of the factors putting leukoplakias at the three sites of the oral mucosa mentioned , at higher risk of carcinomatous transformation than leukoplakias at other lower - risk sites .
notwithstanding , the increased risk of carcinomatous transformation associated with loh in precancerous epithelial lesions , not all oral leukoplakias with keratinocytic loh , will progress to carcinoma , and as some oral leukoplakias without keratinocytic loh will indeed progress to carcinoma , loh is certainly not an infallible predictor of carcinomatous transformation .
it seems that the presence of dna aneuploidy in keratinocytes of oral leukoplakia may be a valuable molecular marker of carcinomatous transformation of oral leukoplakia and an indicator of poor prognosis .
the frequency of carcinomatous transformation of dysplastic oral leukoplakia is much greater for those leukoplakias with keratinocytes showing dna aneuploidy than for those with keratinocytes with normal ( diploid ) dna content , and subjects with oral carcinoma developing from dysplastic leukoplakia with keratinocytes manifesting aneuploidy have a lower rate of survival compared to subjects with oral squamous cell carcinoma evolving from dysplastic leukoplakia with keratinocytes with diploid dna content [ 43 , 46 ] .
the existence of a field or fields of precancerization can explain why oral leukoplakia may manifest at single or at multiple sites , synchronously and/or metachronously and may recur at the same site from which it was previously apparently successfully excised .
additional cytogenetic alterations superimposed upon transformed precancerous keratinocytes either within a leukoplakia or within a clinically normal - looking zone of an epithelial field of precancerization may drive the process of cancerization .
this explains why sometimes an oral leukoplakia on microscopical examination is found to have already become squamous cell carcinoma , and sometimes squamous cell carcinoma arises apparently de novo either contiguous to or separated from existing leukoplakia . if a substantial portion of a field of precancerization arises from a monoclone of cytogenetically transformed keratinocytes , then any leukoplakias , or subsequently developing carcinomas arising within that field either contiguously or separately from each other , will be cytogenetically very similar or identical . on the other hand ,
if a field of precancerization comprises a number of clones of cytogenetically dissimilarly transformed keratinocytes , then leukoplakias or carcinomas arising within this field ( if multiple lesions should occur ) will be cytogenetically dissimilar [ 1 , 30 ] .
the transformed keratinocytes in the precancerized field from which a leukoplakia had apparently been completely excised may give rise to recurrence of another leukoplakia from cytogenetically related subclones of transformed keratinocytes adjacent to the surgical excision or from adjacent cytogenetically unrelated clones .
the time of progression of oral leukoplakias with keratinocytes with molecular profiles associated with carcinomatous transformation , to squamous cell carcinoma if it occurs , unpredictably and inexplicably varies from six months to eight years [ 35 , 41 ] .
however , it may sometimes take more than 30 years for oral leukoplakia to progress to squamous cell carcinoma , and the average period for carcinomatous transformation ranges from 5 to 8 years [ 47 , 48 ] . neither the rate of progression of oral leukoplakia to carcinoma nor the mechanisms bringing about the regression of oral leukoplakia , can be explained in terms of the cytogenetic characteristics of the precancerous field . the mechanisms that bring about regression of oral leukoplakia in which the keratinocytes harbour cytogenetic changes associated with early transformational events are obscure
. however , it is possible that a continuous accumulation of cytogenetic alterations may give rise to a precancerous clone of cells that is inferior rather than superior in its competitive growth and fitness resulting in its replacement by , rather than in its replacing , the normal neighbouring keratinocytes . alternatively , or additionally
, the accumulated cytogenetic alterations may result in failure of dna replication and cell viability leading to the extinction of the precancerous clone .
despite advances in molecular genetic studies , there are no molecular markers that are reliable predictors of progression of oral leukoplakia to carcinoma .
although some oral leukoplakias arise within fields of precancerized epithelium where initial cytogenetic alterations have already occurred , their transformed keratinocytes may or may not acquire complete malignant phenotypes . | pubmed |
Gaussian integral extended to multi-dimensions
In Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell by A. Zee, the following integral
$$Z(J)=\int\_{-\infty}^{+\infty} d q e^{-\frac{1}{2} m^{2} q^{2}-\frac{\lambda}{4!} q^{4}+J q}$$
is solved perturbatively by expansion of the $\lambda$ and the $J$ term.
For example expanding the $J$ term we obtain:
$$Z(J)=\displaystyle\sum\_{s=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{s !} J^{s} \int\_{-\infty}^{+\infty} d q e^{-\frac{1}{2} m^{2} q^{2}-\left(\lambda / 4!) q^{4}\right.} q^{s} .\tag{1}$$
This method is extended to a multidimensional integral
$$Z(J)=\displaystyle\int\_{-\infty}^{+\infty} \int\_{-\infty}^{+\infty} \cdots \int\_{-\infty}^{+\infty} d q\_{1} d q\_{2} \cdots d q\_{N} e^{-\frac{1}{2} q \cdot A \cdot q-(\lambda / 4!) q^{4}+J \cdot q}$$
where $q^4\equiv\sum\_i q\_i^4$ and $A$ is an $N\times N$ matrix.
We can expand the $J$ term, obtaining the following according to A. Zee :
$$Z(J)=\displaystyle\sum\_{s=0}^{\infty} \sum\_{i\_{1}=1}^{N} \cdots \sum\_{i\_{s}=1}^{N} \frac{1}{s !} J\_{i\_{1}} \cdots J\_{i\_{s}} \int\_{-\infty}^{+\infty}\left(\prod\_{l} d q\_{l}\right) e^{-\frac{1}{2} q \cdot A \cdot q-(\lambda / 4 !) q^{4}} q\_{i\_{1}} \cdots q\_{i\_{s}}.\tag{2}$$
How is this a correct expansion of the $J$ term?
My guess would be straightforward using the exponential expansion, just like in equation $1$:
$$e^{J\cdot q}=e^{\displaystyle\sum\_iJ\_iq\_i}=1+\sum\_i J\_iq\_i+\frac{1}{2!}(\sum\_i J\_iq\_i)^2\dots=\sum\_{s=0}^{\infty}\dfrac{1}{s!}\Bigg(\sum\_iJ\_iq\_i\Bigg)^s$$
Which results in an infinite power series in $J$ and $q$ while A. Zee's equation $2$, the powers of $J$ and $q$ are finite.
Yours and his expressions are equal. Remember that the sum over $i$ in your series run from $i=1$ to $i=N$, only. The other part of the combinatorics is just
$$
e^{x+y}= e^xe^y
$$
or
$$\sum\_s \frac 1{s!} (x+y)^s= \sum\_{n=1}^\infty\sum\_{m=1}^\infty \frac 1{n!} \frac 1{m!}x^n y^m
$$
| stackexchange/physics |
Andersen's flying fox Pteropus intermedius is a species of flying fox in the family Pteropodidae found in south Burma and west Thailand. Although it is hunted for both food and as a pest, it is not known if this has a significant impact on the species. It has been seen roosting in tall, well-established trees in urban areas and will fly several kilometres to eat wild and cultivated fruits. The species was named after Knud Christian Andersen. It was last recorded in Thailand in 1970 and, presumably, there is still a small viable population in Myanmar.
Taxonomy and etymology
It was described as a new species in 1908 by Danish mammalogist Knud Andersen.
The holotype had been collected by William Ruxton Davison and presented to Andersen by Allan Octavian Hume.
There is taxonomic uncertainty regarding this species: some have published that it is likely synonymous with the Indian flying fox while other have published that it is synonymous with the large flying fox.
Its species name intermedius is Latin for intermediate; Andersen may have chosen that name because he compared it to both the Indian flying fox and the large flying fox.
Description
Andersen wrote that it was scarcely distinguishable from the Indian flying fox based on its skull morphology, dentition, and external characters.
He distinguished it as a new species based by the color of its breast and belly, which he described as seal brown.
Its forearm is approximately long.
Range and habitat
The holotype was collected in Moulmein, Myanmar.
Its range includes Myanmar and Thailand.
Conservation
It is currently evaluated as data deficient by the IUCN.
The IUCN refers to its validity as a species as dubious, citing their belief that future research will synonymize it with the Indian flying fox.
It meets the criteria for data deficient because there is a scarcity of information on its population size and trend, as well as any threats it may be facing.
References
Category:Pteropus
Category:Mammals described in 1908
Category:Taxa named by Knud Andersen
Category:Mammals of Myanmar
Category:Mammals of Thailand
Category:Bats of Southeast Asia | wikipedia |
macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion ( brvo ) is a major cause of visual loss .
macular grid laser photocoagulation , intravitreal injections of steroids , and vitrectomy have been attempted to treat the macular edema secondary to brvo [ 14 ] .
recently , we and others have reported the effectiveness of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab ( ivb ) for macular edema secondary to brvo [ 58 ] .
ivb for macular edema secondary to brvo is an effective treatment for the short term , providing immediate improvement of visual acuity and macular edema .
however , macular edema due to brvo seems to recur frequently in spite of multiple ivb [ 58 ] .
several groups have reported the effectiveness of vitrectomy surgery for macular edema due to brvo [ 1 , 4 , 9 ] .
the mechanisms of resolution of macular edema by vitrectomy have not been clarified yet . using optical coherence tomography ( oct ) , we examined the effects of pars plana vitrectomy ( ppv ) for recurrent macular edema due to brvo after multiple ivb with or without apparent vitreomacular traction and/or an epiretinal membrane .
we retrospectively examined 22 eyes of 22 consecutive patients ( 18 female and 4 male , average 72.1 6.3 years old ) with macular edema due to brvo at toyama university hospital and ishida eye clinic from february 2008 to march 2011 .
the macular edema was confirmed by oct , which revealed in all cases a central macular thickness ( cmt ) of more than 250 m .
patients who had brvo without involvement of macular edema or without a decrease in visual acuity were excluded .
the research was conducted in accordance with the institutional guidelines of university of toyama and was approved by the institutional review board .
the procedures conformed to the tenets of the world medical association 's declaration of helsinki .
written informed consent was obtained from each of the patients after they were provided sufficient information about the procedures .
all patients in this study underwent an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab ( ivb ) as a primary treatment at their first visit to toyama university hospital .
after topical anesthesia with 2% lidocaine was applied , the eye was irrigated with 10% povidone iodine .
then , from 0.1 to 0.2 ml of 2% lidocaine was injected into the subconjunctival space around the anticipated injection site . at 3.5 to 4 mm from the limbus , 1.25 mg ( 50 l ) of bevacizumab
antibiotic eye ointment was applied to the cul - de - sac at the end of the injection .
an eye drop of antibiotic was given daily for several days after the ivb .
after the first ivb , all patients were followed every 4 weeks with best - corrected visual acuity examinations , ophthalmic examinations , and oct examinations ( rtvue-100 ; optovue inc , fremont , ca , usa ) .
the oct examinations included measurements of central retinal thickness ( crt ) and average retinal thickness in a 1 mm - diameter circular region at the fovea ( mrt ) .
the decimal visual acuity was converted to units of the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution ( logmar ) for use in statistical analyses . when a recurrence of macular edema was detected by a more than 20% increase in crt compared to that in the previous examination and subjective symptoms deteriorated , another intravitreal injection of bevacizumab ( 1.25 mg ) was given in the same manner .
when the macular edema recurred after multiple ivb treatments , we performed ppv as the next treatment for the recurrent macular edema , irrespective of the presence of vitreous adhesion and/or an epiretinal membrane by oct .
all patients in the study underwent a standard 25 gauge three - port pars plana vitrectomy ( ppv ) . during vitrectomy ,
posterior vitreous detachment was created and confirmed with particles of triamcinolone acetonide , then the inner limiting membrane ( ilm ) was peeled .
the area of ilm peeling was about 2.53.0 disc diameters around the fovea . during the ppv
, laser photocoagulation was performed on the avascular area of brvo . for all phakic eyes , phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were performed .
after the ppv , all patients were followed every 4 weeks for at least 6 months with best corrected visual acuity ( bcva ) , ophthalmoscopic examinations , and oct examinations ( crt and mrt ) .
we divided the 22 eyes into two groups according to whether vitreomacular traction and/or an epiretinal membrane was observed by oct before the ppv .
the group of the eyes with apparent vitreo - macular traction included 9 eyes and that without apparent vitreo - macular traction included 13 eyes .
we compared postoperative changes in bcva and in morphologic parameters of oct between the two groups .
we analyzed the data at baseline , 1 month after first ivb , just before ppv , and 1 month , 3 months , and 6 months after ppv .
all statistical analyses were performed with jmp 9 ( sas institute , cary , nc , usa ) .
the mean age of the patients ( 4 men , 18 women ) was 72.1 6.1 years ( mean standard deviation , range 6184 years ) .
the mean bcva at baseline was 0.66 0.37 logmar units ( range 0.551.22 ) .
the parameters of oct at baseline were 474 143 m for mean crt ( range 261886 ) , 559 131 m for mean mrt ( range 333745 ) .
all 22 eyes received ivb at the first visit , at 1 month after the first ivb , and both bcva and oct parameters ( crt and mrt ) significantly improved from the baseline to 0.28 0.31 ( p < 0.05 ) , 261 73 m ( p < 0.01 ) , and 325 51 m ( p < 0.05 ) , respectively ( table 1 ) . the mean number of ivb replications was 2.45 1.56 ( range 17 ) at the time of preoperation .
the mean interval of multiple ivbs was 81 53 days ( range 34280 ) .
the mean bcva at preoperation was 0.55 0.36 logmar units ( range 01.1 ) ( table 1 ) .
the parameters of oct at preoperation were 444 160 m for mean crt ( range 251700 ) and 470 174 m for mean mrt ( range 210820 ) ( table 1 ) . because of recurrent macular edema
, all 22 patients underwent vitrectomy surgery , with a mean duration of 248 117 days ( range 60387 ) after the initial ivb .
of the 22 eyes , 18 ( 82% ) were phakic and underwent cataract surgery at the same time .
apparent epiretinal membrane and/or vitreomacular traction was observed by oct in 9 eyes ( 41% ) .
the other 13 eyes ( 59% ) showed a recurrent macular edema without apparent vitreomacular traction .
the mean bcva significantly improved from 0.66 0.37 logmar units to 0.28 0.31 at 1 month after ivb ( p < 0.05 ) . however , the mean bcva worsened to 0.55 0.36 before the ppv because of recurrent macular edema . after the ppv , the mean bcva improved to 0.52 0.29 at 1 month , 0.46 0.32 at 3 months ( p < 0.05 ) , and 0.43 0.33 at 6 months ( p < 0.05 ) . at 3 and 6 months after the ppv , the mean bcva was significantly better than the pre - operative mean bcva .
however , greater improvement of bcva was obtained at 1 month after ivb than at 6 months after ppv .
improvement or deterioration of bcva at 6 months after the ppv was defined by changes of more than 0.3 logmar units from the preoperation values .
changes less than 0.3 logmar units were considered to indicate maintained status . at 6 months after the ppv ,
bcva improved in 8 eyes ( 36% ) , was maintained in 13 eyes ( 60% ) , and deteriorated in 1 eye ( 4% ) . as shown in figure 2 ,
the mean crt of 22 eyes significantly improved from 480 144 m at baseline to 261 73 m at 1 month after ivb ( p < 0.01 ) .
however , the mean crt returned to 452 142 m before ppv with no significant difference from the baseline due to recurrent macular edema . the mean crt significantly improved to 379 122 m ( p < 0.01 ) at 1 month , 355 110 m at 3 months ( p < 0.01 ) , and 327 78 m at 6 months after the ppv ( p < 0.01 ) .
however , greater improvement of crt was obtained at 1 month after ivb than at 6 months after ppv .
as shown in figure 3 , the mean mrt of 22 eyes significantly improved from 559 131 m at baseline to 325 51 m at 1 month after ivb ( p < 0.05 )
. however , the mean mrt returned to 468 177 m before ppv with no significant difference from the baseline due to recurrent macular edema . the mean mrt significantly improved to 394 113 m ( p < 0.05 ) at 1 month , 397 99 m at 3 months ( p < 0.05 ) , and 378 88 m at 6 months after the ppv ( p < 0.05 ) .
however , greater improvement of mrt was obtained at 1 month after ivb than at 6 months after ppv .
as shown in figure 4(a ) , the mean bcva significantly improved up to 6 months after the ppv in both groups .
the mean bcva was not significantly different between the two groups at any time point .
as shown in figures 4(b ) and 4(c ) , both the mean crt and mean mrt significantly improved in these two groups until 6 months after ppv was performed ; however , mean crt and mean mrt were not significantly different between the two groups at any time point.no increase in macular edema was observed after ppv in the 22 eyes .
it is well known that vegf increases vascular permeability and is associated with macular edema due to brvo .
we and others have shown that anti - vegf therapy is effective for macular edema due to brvo [ 68 ] . however , because ivb therapy , which is an off - label use , is generally required several times due to recurrent macular edema , and because repeating ivb carries small risks of severe complications such as endophthalmitis , retinal detachment , or cerebral infarction [ 11 , 12 ] , there is a need for other effective treatments for recurrent macular edema due to brvo after multiple ivb . in this study , we treated all patients with ivb at the first visit when the visual acuity was decreased , and macular edema involving more than 250 m of the fovea was detected because we still do not have enough information to distinguish between spontaneously resolving macular edema and persistent macular edema in brvo .
since persistent macular edema is a major cause of visual acuity loss in brvo [ 2 , 13 , 14 ] , it is important to treat macular edema due to brvo in the early phase .
we employed ppv as the next treatment modality for recurrent macular edema when macular edema recurred after one or more ivb treatments , because ppv has been shown to be effective for diabetic macular edema with or without a thickened posterior hyaloid [ 1517 ] .
showed that the posterior vitreous cortex in patients with a history of brvo attached more frequently to the retina , compared with healthy age - matched controls .
we did not detect apparent vitreomacular traction by ophthalmoscopy and oct at the first visit in this series of patients .
however , we confirmed vitreomacular traction and/or an epiretinal membrane in 9 eyes ( 41% ) by oct after a couple of ivb rounds .
the mechanisms of resolution of macular edema after a vitrectomy surgery have not been clarified yet , but several mechanisms have been proposed .
one of them is the direct removal of vitreous traction on the macula by removing the attached vitreous and epiretinal membrane .
other mechanisms are improvement of the oxygenation in the ischemic retina and an increased clearance of inflammatory factors from the retinal surface by removing the vitreous gel [ 1 , 9 , 15 , 17 ] .
our results showed that the improving effects of ppv on bcva , crt , and mrt were less than those that ivb had shown in the same patients , although the simultaneous cataract surgery might contribute to the improvement of visual acuity after ppv .
several authors reported that ilm peeling was beneficial for decompression of macular edema due to brvo [ 1921 ] . in this study , there were no significant differences in mean bcva , mean crt , or mean mrt between the two groups after the ppv , irrespective of the presence of an epiretinal membrane and/or vitreomacular traction .
we speculated that detaching posterior vitreous and removing the ilm at the macula might be important for decompression of recurrent macular edema in brvo .
kriechabaum et al . showed that mrt responded slowly and less impressively after ivb administration for macular edema due to brvo in comparison with crt because the mrt reflects a larger retinal area than crt . in this study
, we showed that ppv significantly improved both crt and mrt at 1 month and after .
although the recovery of crt and mrt after ppv was slower than that after ivb , we expected that ppv resulted in long - lasting effects on improvement of visual acuity and macular edema in contrast to ivb .
we retrospectively examined the effects of ppv on recurrent macular edema due to brvo after ivb had been performed in the same patients .
although ppv similarly improved bcva and macular edema due to brvo , ppv seemed less effective than ivb and required more time to improve the bcva and macular edema .
ppv may be one of the treatment options for recurrent macular edema due to brvo , irrespective of apparent vitreomacular traction by oct . | pubmed |
the genomics revolution of the past decade has necessitated a renewed interest in diagnosis across all areas of medicine .
for example , cancer is increasingly diagnosed in terms of the tumor 's genetic signature , and both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are recognized as many different diseases at the molecular level .
deeper understanding of disease mechanisms has led to companion diagnostics that are tightly linked to specific new treatments , as exemplified by the new cystic fibrosis drug kalydeco , which is highly effective in managing symptoms for the 4% of patients with a particular polymorphism .
precision medicinehave transformed ideas about diagnosis and treatment throughout all areas of the biomedical research community .
the us institute of medicine released a report in 2011 discussing the opportunities and challenges of precision medicine , calling for an information commons that could facilitate identification of particular groups of patients and the potential for treatment on the basis of data mining .
statistical designs for clinical trials have changed markedly , with such innovations as adaptive designs to reveal optimal matching of various therapeutics to disease subtypes .
in addition , regulatory agencies have scrambled to update the regulatory pathway in a fast - changing environment in which the clinical target is often much more specific than a traditional disease , conventional clinical trials can seem out of date by the time they are completed , and treatment guidelines change quickly as outcomes from large clinical databases are updated . as in most other areas of medicine , psychiatric diagnoses
have historically been based upon presenting symptoms . however , while work in disorders such as cancer and diabetes has moved ahead rapidly to field a variety of genomic and other biological tests , psychiatric nosology remains based almost exclusively on presenting signs and symptoms .
the brain is the most difficult organ in the body to reach , and also the most complicated .
further , mental disorders ( in contrast to most neurological disorders ) affect the most complex human functions such as motivation , cognition , and social processes that are extremely difficult to conceptualize and measure .
nevertheless , the science of brain and behavior has advanced to the point where it is possible ( and indeed , necessary ) to forge new approaches that can translate advances in brain and behavioral science to assessment and treatment .
rdoc represents an attempt by nimh to create an experimental classification system that can provide a first step toward precision medicine for mental disorders . in keeping with an issue devoted to nosology
, this article is intended to outline the rationale for the rdoc program and its stance as an experimental classification approach that cuts across current disorder boundaries .
first , however , a brief summary will be provided for readers unfamiliar with the project ; more thorough descriptions of the rdoc framework are available elsewhere .
an internal workgroup of nimh staff began deliberations for the new project in early 2009 , deciding upon its overall configuration as well as the process to be followed .
neurodevelopment and environmental effects provide an important context for research conducted under the rdoc aegis , and studying these factors in a manner not constrained to any particular dsm diagnosis is of high priority .
these dimensions , termed constructs to represent their status as empirically derived functional concepts whose precise meaning is subject to change on the basis of ongoing research , are grouped into five superordinate domains ( thus , the research domain criteria ) : negative valence ( ie , those systems that coordinate response to aversive situations ) , positive valence , cognitive processes , systems for social processes , and arousal / regulatory systems ( ie , those processes that activate and regulate brain activity and behavior ) . finally , the fourth axis consists of measures that might be used to assess the constructs , as grouped into several units of analysis ranging from genes to circuits to behavioral measures . a series of workshops ( one for each domain , plus an initial test run meeting on working memory ) was held between 2010 and 2012 , with approximately 40 experts with relevant basic and clinical expertise at each workshop .
the participants were tasked with determining a list of circuit - based constructs for the domain , creating a definition for each construct , and nominating measures at the various units of analysis that had been used in prior studies to measure the construct .
( in many instances , there was a paucity of measures for one or more units of analysis , and measurement development is accordingly a high priority for the rdoc research program . )
proceedings of each workshop were posted to the rdoc page on the nimh web site . in keeping with rdoc 's status as a classification system intended for use in research ,
a series of announcements with funding set - asides ( a request for applications , or rfa ) was issued beginning in 2011 in order to generate a corpus of funded research using the rdoc criteria and to gain experience with the system in grant application reviews .
as of the current writing , over 130 grants with relevance to rdoc have been funded ( as determined by a search of the public nih reporter web site ) ; the portfolio totals over 60 million , representing nearly 15% of the institute 's translational research portfolio .
given that only about 20% of the applications have been funded through setasides , it is apparent that rdoc grant applications have been competitive in general peer review committees , and the growth of the project is on track with nimh 's goal to increase gradually the proportion of rdoc grants in the translational portfolio .
the nimh research domain criteria ( rdoc ) project marks the second time in 40 years that an experimental nosology has been developed for mental disorders .
the research diagnostic criteria ( rdc ) were created in the 1970s in response to the problems in diagnosis that psychiatry experienced as it emerged from the long era of psych odynamic domination .
the particular concern that prompted the rdc was diagnostic reliability : due largely to varying theoretical orientations among psychiatrists , agreement between diagnosticians was lamentably low , severely hampering both clinical treatment and research .
the rdc represented the first wide - scale adoption of the poly thetic criteria sets that had been piloted with the earlier feighner criteria , and provided the primary foundation for the revolutionary third edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders ( dsm - iii ) in 1980 . by providing theory - free criteria written in straightforward language and explicit rules for assigning diagnoses , dsm - iii achieved its intended goal of providing generally satisfactory diagnostic agreement .
the result ushered in the modern era of psychiatric research , leading to extensive literatures in psychopathology , epidemiology , and clinical trials , and also fostering extensions of psychiatric diagnoses into the legal system , insurance reimbursement , and disability evaluations .
this time around , the spotlight has fallen on the validity of the diagnostic system .
the decades of research since dsm - iii was published have increasingly shown that the diagnostic categories do not represent coherent disease entities , but rather are broad syndromes .
while diagnoses can be reliably established in most cases , they suffer from such problems as excessive heterogeneity , comorbidity , and overspecification .
these conceptual and operational difficulties hamper attempts to understand the pathophysiology of mental disorders and to develop novel new treatments , and are likely to be a significant part of the reason that pharmaceutical companies have turned away from psychiatric drug development . for contemporary clinical use
most treatments appear to be effective across broad ranges of clinical populations , eg , selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors , cognitive - behavioral therapy , benzodiazepines , and extinction protocols for anxiety disorders .
diagnostic uncertainties are sometimes resolved simply by trying out therapies : a psychotic patient with mixed features who responds to lithium must have bipolar disorder , and if not , the diagnosis becomes schizophrenia . even within the clinical realm , however ,
while effective treatments for mental disorders exist , they result in significant symptom remission only about half the time , and the choice of optimal treatments can not be predicted on an empirical basis for individual patients ; this results in frustrating ( and sometimes fatal ) delays in reaching effective relief .
the difficulties are more problematic , and increasingly pervasive , for research on the nature of mental disorders notwithstanding the fact that historically , the authors of the dsm have signaled their intent that the dsm should be the definitive resource for both clinical and research needs .
the preface to dsm - iv states , eg , the purpose of dsm - iv is to provide clear descriptions of diagnostic categories in order to enable clinicians and investigators to diagnose , communicate about , study , and treat people with various mental disorders
further , the role of the categories per se as the sine qua non for diagnosis seems open , as in the following comment in the introduction to the dsm - iii : a misconception is that all individuals described as having the same mental disorder are alike in all important ways .
although all the individuals described as having the same mental disorder show at least the defining features of the disorder , they may well differ in other important ways that may affect clinical management and outcome
one may puzzle somewhat at the phrase defining features of the disorder , given that the polythetic algorithms permit patients in a number of categories ( eg , major depressive episode or borderline personality disorder ) to be assigned a diagnosis with only one symptom in common .
overall , however , it seems a safe inference that the framers of the modern dsm were willing to accommodate subgroups or other individual differences within the categories that they had created .
fast - forwarding to the contemporary scene , the introduction to the dsm-5 is also quite explicit in acknowledging problems regarding heterogeneity , fluid boundaries between disorders , and other problems of diagnostic validity .
it is evident that the leaders of the dsm-5 were aware of such issues from the beginning of the revision process , and hoped to address the issues in the new edition . as an initial response , dsm-5 contains an extensive section of assessment measures designed to account for cross - cutting symptoms ; however , these remain at a relatively coarse level of symptom severity and are not likely to drive research applications that could relate such symptoms systematically to psychological or brain mechanisms . given this accommodation of heterogeneity and flexibility ,
the answer seems to be that its architecture , in providing such an exemplary degree of structure and precision ( or , as some critics have alleged , pseudo - precision)particularly compared with the diagnostic vacuum that existed before the dsm - iii resulted in a rapid reification of the disorder categories .
the diagnoses quickly shed their designation as provisional constructs and were implicitly accorded the status of genuine disease entities . as a result ,
the dsm nosology became the de facto standard for reviewing grant applications for clinical research and for publishing journal articles on psychopathology .
this led to clinical trials targeting dsm entities , and it was inevitable that the fda would recognize this approbation from the field as the set of indications in registration trials for new pharmaceutical treatments . in short , the entire biomedical machinery for mental disorders became organized around dsm categories . the disease entity
model discouraged grant applications proposing exploration of any heterogeneity or subtyping within disorders , such that the standard research design became one of disorder versus healthy controls . while a few studies compared symptoms between two categories ( such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder )
, investigators complained that efforts to examine overlap or comorbidities were typically rejected by study sections on the grounds that we have to understand each separate illness before we can explore the intersections .
this inertia in review persisted even in the face of the increasingly noted problems with the validity of the overall structure and its consequent problems for diagnosis and treatment .
this situation has created the paradox that innovations in research are needed to revise conceptions of mental disorders that can lead to precision medicine applications , but paradigm - shifting studies are largely precluded by the current constraints of grant review .
it is apparent that at the current juncture , that , the hidebound structure necessitated by the dsm 's role in clinical practice along with consequent demands such as insurance reimbursements , legal determinations , etc is simply too restrictive to permit the flexibility required for rapidly evolving research grant evaluations .
these considerations , bolstered by comments from investigators throughout the field , finally prompted the nimh to include the goal for a new , experimental classification system in its 2008 strategic plan .
given this decision , the form that such an effort might take was not necessarily clear .
it was apparent from the genetic overlaps among disorders and the transdiagnostic mechanisms observed in functional and structural pathophysiology studies ( reflected in extensive comorbidity ) that an experimental system could not simply follow the lines of the current manual .
further , the diagnostic entities are so ingrained throughout the field that major alterations could not be broached in the context of the current scheme .
this can be seen , for instance , in the composition of the various committees for the dsm-5 .
had extensive changes been contemplated , the workgroups for mood / anxiety and schizophrenia/ bipolar spectrum ( as just two examples ) might have been merged in order to facilitate potentially major revisions . instead , an informed observer could see from the outset of the dsm-5 process that the workgroup structure militated against any significant changes , and such was the outcome .
since the dsm - iii , some new disorders have been added and a few removed ( notably , the folding of asperger 's disorder into the autism spectrum in dsm-5 ) , but successive editions largely made adjustments to the criteria without attempting fundamental modifications .
these observations affected the organizing principles of the rdoc project , which differs from the dsm - iii in comprising a classification system intended purely for research purposes .
three decades of experience with the dsm criteria in peer review provided several insights into how such an experimental nosology might proceed .
first , well - defined review standards are essential to provide consistency in peer review , allowing reviewers to evaluate research grants by a common set of metrics and calibrate their scores against each other .
one of the clear strengths of the dsm in review ( no doubt helping to account for its rapid reification ) was the explicit list of criteria for defining disorders that provided reviewers with a ready yardstick for evaluating diagnostic procedures .
simply leaving applicants and reviewers to their own ( non - dsm ) devices in proposing and evaluating selection criteria for patients in clinical research would lead to a chaotic situation in review , with no common agreement about how to evaluate the options .
on the other hand , it was equally evident that an experimental classification needed to avoid the opposite problem , of a system that became overly rigid and so difficult to change that it failed to keep up with the rapidly advancing pace of scientific discoveries thus frustrating researchers ' ability to submit grant applications informed by cutting - edge developments .
this pair of scylla and charybdis hazards demanded a flexible set of guidelines that could provide consistent review standards while still accommodating fast - breaking new data .
this consideration led to the third conclusion , which involved the somewhat counterintuitive notion that the best way to create an experimental classification for disorders was to eschew any a priori definitions of disease states .
quantum gains in knowledge have been achieved over the past three decades regarding complex behaviors and the brain systems that implement them , an advance supported heavily by nimh , other nih institutes , and many other governmental and private funders . as just two examples ,
primordial ideas about a brain reward system have given way to an increasingly differentiated understanding of the brain 's systems for experiencing , learning about , and working toward reward ; and seminal studies of the role of the amygdala in fear have led to a much richer understanding of the systems that respond to different threat contexts and dynamically regulate emotional reactions in real time .
rather than starting with clinically derived definitions of mental disorders ( necessarily based upon presenting signs and symptoms ) and seeking biological or psychological correlates , rdoc reverses the process : the effort begins by creating a compendium of basic behavioral / cognitive functions and pertinent brain circuits , and then considers disorders in terms of dysregulation or dysfunction in these basic systems .
the downside to such an approach consists of the fact that the classical symptoms of mental disorders low mood , hallucinations , low self - esteem , the abnormal social behavior of autism often do not equate in any obvious way to the brain/ behavior systems so defined .
the upside , however , lies in the potential for analyzing psychopathology in terms of the explosion of knowledge about the components of brain circuits and their relationships to complex behavior .
such a genuinely translational approach can be directly informed by ground - breaking initiatives such as the human connectome project and the us brain initiative .
this translational research direction provides the framework for rdoc 's approach to providing clear , yet flexible guidelines for peer review .
as noted above , expert participants at the five rdoc domain workshops were asked to devise a list of constructs to be included in that domain ( starting with a draft list provided by the nimh workgroup ) , based upon prior evidence in the literature .
first , there had to be evidence for the validity of the construct as a functional unit of behavior or cognitive processes ; second , there had to be evidence for a neural circuit or system that played a primary role in implementing the construct 's function ; and third , the construct had to evince relevance for understanding some aspects of psychopathology .
these three criteria are critical for understanding the flexibility of the rdoc approach to peer review . by definition ,
further , the constructs defined in the workshop process serve as exemplars of how the approach operates , and also are pre - vetted for use in grant applications .
finally , and critically , the framework encourages grant applications targeting new constructs in accord with its status as an experimental classification .
the three criteria listed above provide the standard by which reviewers in study sections can evaluate the merits of proposed circuit - based functions .
new constructs for which sufficient data become available can then be added to the matrix to provide dynamic , ongoing changes to the research framework .
three other aspects of the rdoc framework also stem from the need to change the way that mental disorders are conceptualized and studied . while they are equally critical , they can be described here more briefly .
first ( as mentioned above ) , mental illnesses are increasingly understood to be disorders of neurodevelopment . just as the rdoc constructs are based on normal - range functioning ,
the study of normal development provides a basis for understanding aberrant trajectories at different points along developmental pathways .
establishing the equivalent of the classic height and weight growth charts for children could provide valuable guidelines to promote earlier identification of behavioral problems and also provide helpful information about psychopathology that may not manifest until later in development .
second , environmental events exert profound influences , not only in neurodevelopment where their precise effects may depend critically upon the developmental stages at which they occur but throughout the life course .
examination of environmental effects is hampered by the current dominance of the dsm in review , since environmental events such as stressors or trauma are known to affect many different disorders ; studying the influences one disorder at a time ( and typically excluding comorbidity ) obfuscates the ability to uncover significant relationships that cut across disorders .
while some critics have complained that rdoc ignores environmental events , in fact the framework is intended to promote a more systematic study of these critical factors .
it is for these reasons that neurodevelopment and environmental effects are considered as major axes of the rdoc framework .
finally , given a structure conceived in terms of basic functioning , the rdoc constructs are by definition dimensional an approach that is obviously consistent with increasingly propounded dimensional views of psychopathology .
all basic functions display a range of performance , often normally distributed , and one goal of rdoc is to characterize this range quantitatively for each construct .
pathology can then be defined in terms of the degree of departure from the normal range , with the obvious capability of more readily establishing cutoff points to define ( for example ) mild , moderate , or severe levels of disorder .
in addition , achieving such quantitative dimensional measures would facilitate prevention studies , which are frequently hobbled by a lack of consistent ways to connect risk states to overt psychopathology .
the rdoc framework differs from standard diagnostic approaches to such an extent that it can be difficult to discern exactly how the system is intended to function in research
first , it is important to note that the rdoc matrix was not designed to provide a multifaceted account of dsm disorders as such .
that is , the intention is not to explain such traditional categories as depression or schizophrenia in terms of rdoc constructs , as this would obviously involve the same questions about the validity of the dsm categories ( and the same problems of comorbidity , etc ) as currently exist .
however , this does not mean that various symptoms of dsm disorders are not of interest .
the symptoms represent aspects of significant clinical impairment that deserve to be the focus of treatment efforts , and often these symptoms are observed in multiple disorders .
it is the grouping of symptoms into what have turned out to be overly heterogeneous syndromes that poses the problems for research . in virtually all cases ,
second , there is a salient distinction between the first ( rdc ) and second ( rdoc ) versions of an experimental classification system , the former having given way relatively seamlessly to the current dsm architecture .
the rdc were obviously intended to define disease entities , and the diagnoses in the list determined by clinical consensus were largely accepted as
givens even if their definitions were altered somewhat on the basis of outcome data .
this trend accelerated after the release of the dsm - iii and the reification of the disorder categories .
it is natural to make the implicit assumption that rdoc follows this tradition , such that the constructs are inferred to be the
disease entities in the system ; to assume further that the function of research is to describe the pathophysiology of the constructs and seek biomarkers much as prior research using the dsm has operated ; and finally , to assume that any changes will involve relatively minor tweaks to how the constructs are defined and measured . however , these assumptions are not correct , for multiple reasons .
for one thing , the rdoc dimensions have been instantiated as experimental constructs that are expected to change rapidly over time on the basis of new data . while some concerns have been expressed that the constructs may be subject to the same reification as dsm disorders , they are intended to be subject to continual , empirically based modifications in the natural course of grant submissions , peer review , and publications a process that the rdoc workgroup at nimh is committed to maintaining .
in addition , there is no definitive or consistent relationship between rdoc constructs per se and putative definitions of disorders for which treatment is indicated .
for a few constructs , it is possible that the primary aspect of a clinical presentation may be assignable to a particular construct .
an example might be excessive fear , as in anxiety disorders such as specific or social phobia ; even here , however , there are findings of heterogeneity in threat reactivity that belie a simple excessive fear circuit activity for all patients .
more typically , complex clinical symptoms are likely to reflect the confluence of abnormalities in a number of different neural systems ; auditory verbal hallucinations , eg , are themselves heterogeneous and , across different patients , may involve a number of different neural systems that are represented in the rdoc matrix . finally ,
as mentioned above , the rdoc constructs represent basic functions with a translational extension to psychopathology , which is operationally considered as increasing deregulation in functionality that can be construed as falling at one extreme or the other of the normal distribution .
this view is consistent with prior perspectives about the dimensional nature of psychopathology and its relationship to normal - range functioning .
thus , there is no simple mapping of disease/ no - disease states onto the constructs . given these caveats , what would typical rdoc studies comprise ?
investigators new to the framework sometimes suppose that a sufficient research design involves simply recruiting a transdiagnostic sample and gathering a multisystem set of measurements about one or another construct to see what falls out of an exploratory analysis .
the intent rather is to use the matrix to pursue specific , hypothesis - driven research questions that are related to clinically significant symptoms or impairments .
generally speaking , there are four broad classes of phenomena that investigators might choose to investigate .
first , relatively circumscribed clinical problems offer an opportunity to study a single construct with a focused research question ; examples might include fear , working memory , or facial expression identification .
second , more complex problems such as hallucinations ( as noted above ) , anhedonia , or complex social function deficits are likely to be heterogeneous in their own right , and require thoughtful attention both to specific aspects of the symptoms under study and also to the potential intersection of two or more constructs from multiple domains .
third , a similar but yet more complicated class might include symptom clusters that are observed to co - occur in current dsm disorders or disorder spectra , such as positive symptoms in psychotic disorders or vegetative signs in depression .
while it seems reasonable to hypothesize that such clusters will have some common genetic and pathophysiological elements , a precision medicine approach will persist toward the ultimate goal of accounting for the significant heterogeneity of these clusters as well .
finally , broad temperament - related traits that are continuously distributed in the population and possess clear relevance for multiple disorders present opportune rdoc targets .
while community and epidemiological studies have clearly shown that externalizing cuts across multiple disorders , effective integration in this broad area has been constrained by the usual tendency of clinical research to focus upon only one disorder in any given study .
the kinds of samples and research designs that might be used in rdoc studies are quite diverse , again reflecting the desideratum to leave the system as open as possible for researchers to craft studies that optimally address their research questions .
the minimal requirements for an rdoc research design would include a focused hypothesis about particular clinical impairments or risk factors ( as above ) , measurements from multiple units of analysis , and the inclusion of at least some subjects exhibiting ( or at risk for ) clinically significant symptoms .
elements that contribute to stronger rdoc designs would typically include studies with samples from multiple diagnostic categories as appropriate to the research question ; control groups that contribute to an analysis of the dimensional nature of the problem under study ; and consideration of the developmental aspects ( at all stages of the life course ) of the research question , although this can be addressed in various ways and does not necessitate a longitudinal design in each case . while rdoc emphasizes transdiagnostic designs , it is acceptable for studies to focus upon deconstructing a single dsm disorder in terms of a dimensional and rdoc - informed approach , particularly if the investigator indicates the potential future expansion to other relevant disorders .
the most critical factor is to consider the kind of sampling strategy that will power the study for analysis of the experimental hypotheses , which ( as in all applications ) is an essential component of peer review . while it is admittedly difficult for investigators steeped in traditional clinical research to reorient toward such different study designs , the growing number of funded grants in the nimh translational portfolio and the accelerating literature in this area demonstrate the importance of new perspectives about the relationships of brain and behavior with respect to mental illness .
this review has attempted to outline the major aspects of rdoc as an experimental classification for mental disorders , and to differentiate the approach from prior versions of research and clinical nosologies .
the overall goal of the rdoc framework for research is to liberate investigators to pursue research questions in psychopathology that take advantage of burgeoning knowledge about complex behaviors and how these relate to specified aspects of brain activity .
the tactic by which this strategy is pursued is to create standards for the review of research grant applications that provide not a fixed set of items for diagnosis , but rather a set of guidelines for evaluating the strength of hypotheses relating clinical symptoms or impairments to dimensions of behavioral functioning and neural systems . as these systems are largely orthogonal to current disorder classifications ,
the hope is that the research literature developed via the rdoc framework will lead to future revisions of the international classification of diseases ( icd ) and dsm that can foster precision medicine approaches to more effective diagnosis , treatment , and , ultimately , prevention and cures for mental disorders .
the exact shape that future rdoc - informed nosologies might take is not yet possible to discern , but just as with the current systems , the ultimate clinical utility will depend upon how well the diagnostic system can direct clinicians to rapid and effective treatment or prevention strategies for each individual patient . | pubmed |
Difference between oscillation and radiation?
Im doing this specifically in terms of the Zeeman effect, but in general I have read some stuff about osciallations and orientations that is confusing me. If we have a magnetic dipole, propagating a field in all 3 spatial directions, and then we apply an external magnetic field in one direction, the external field would apply torque to the dipoles such that they align with the field - effectively giving them energy. which means we have 3 different energies, hence 3 different angular frequencies. in terms of the zeeman effect, this corresponds to the 3 spectral lines. we can detect these energies as light. if observed perpendicular to the field, we get 3 lines, and if viewed parallel we get 2 (transverse and longitudinal zeeman effect). but why? I really dont understand this logic. and this is where my question above comes into play...i read in a few places that for the longitudinal zeeman effect, with the field and observational direction parallel, the magnetic dipole along that direction is $\textit{oscillating}$ but not $\textit{radiating}$ - hence it is not detected, and only 2 lines are observed. what is the difference between oscillation and radiation? i can intuitivey `see' how oscialltion conserves the energy, and radiation by definition radiates it out, but in this context I cannot distinguish between the 2. why does it radiate when observed perpendicular, but not radiate when observed parallel to the field?
I know this is messy, i'm quite confused. Any help is appreciated!
An oscillating electric charge emits electro-magnetic radiation. However, the spatial distribution of this radiation is not uniform, but has a strong preference angle [](https://i.stack.imgur.com/rQv0W.png)
copied from [here](https://www.bnl.gov/ps/userguide/lectures/Lecture-2-Shaftan.pdf). Thus, the dipole does not radiate in the direction of its oscillation.
| stackexchange/physics |
Which affects acidity more, in relation to induction? (Distance vs. quantity)
[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/M3BkR.png)
I already know that the answer is III. I'm just looking for further explanation on how the others compare to each other, mainly IV vs V.
I know that iodine is less electronegative than chlorine, making I the least acidic.
Only having one chlorine atom, while the rest have two, puts II next in line.
III is the most acidic, due to the two chlorine atoms being on the same carbon, and closest to the sulfur group.
My question comes in for the comparison of IV and V. While V has two chlorine atoms on the same carbon, they are both 3 carbons away from the sulfur group. Meanwhile, IV has one chlorine atom closer to the sulfur group, but the other isn't on the same carbon atom.
Which one of these is more effected by induction? Proximity to the sulfur group (IV) or being grouped together on a single carbon (V)?
Inductive effects decrease strongly with increasing distance. Thus, the further away an inductively acting group is, the lower its influence will be. For practical intents and purposes, the otherwise very comprehensive [Brodwell $\mathrm{p}K\_\mathrm{a}$ database](http://www.chem.wisc.edu/areas/reich/pkatable/index.htm) does not even list any β-halo compounds; only the difference between α-hydrogen, carbon and halogen is typically given.
Thus, we can expect compound IV to have practically the same acidity as compound II, and that compound V’s acidity is comparable to the unhalogenated pentan-4-thiol. Considering that *all* chlorines are very far away from the acidic proton, the effects would be smaller still.
| stackexchange/chemistry |
Circulation of Vector Field versus Work done by Vector Field
According to [wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circulation_(physics)), the circulation of a vector field along a curve is defined as:
$$\oint V \cdot dl$$
where $V$ is the vector field, and $dl$ is the infinitesimal component along the boundary of the curve.
Isn't this analogous to work? Where work is defined as:
$$ \oint F \cdot dr $$
Where $F$ is the vector force field and $dr$ is the infinitesimal path component? And if so, why is there a distinction in the naming?
Question makes sense. In the most general case, it is analogous to work only it in that it is a continuous sum of the infinitesimal direction component of displacement across another vector. In some specific cases they are very similar, and in some cases that are the same exact thing.
A circulation is a path integral in a vector field around a closed curve. Work is a path integral of force around a curve. Just those sentences themselves tell what is different - first sentence has “vector field” and “closed”, whereas second sentence does not. Second sentence has “force” and first doesn’t.
So those three differences, which do not always apply:
1.In a vector field, $V$ is unchanging. No matter how we move about in that field, the $V$ magnitude **and** direction will be only a function of position. That’s what a vector field is.
This does not have to be true about work. The path taken may be part of what determines the force. Or there may be a time component. The vector may change through time. In a vector field it’s unaffected by time, path, everything except position.
In some cases, forces are a vector field. A spring, or in an electric or magnetic field, or slowly in a fluid pressure field. Many situations.
2.In a circulation, the vector field isn’t always force. It is as often as not something else. Electric field for example. But your question assumes and implies this already, as you are only asking if it is analogous. If it isn’t force, then the integral of the vector dot displacement has a different meaning, but is otherwise a similar thing (how youve moved in direction of the vector and its magnitude).
3.If you had asked about a path integral in a vector field and how that might be analogous to work, then the question would be simpler, because we could stop there. But the link goes to a circulation, which is a path integral *around a closed loop*. So the circulation only applies to a loop where you end-up where you started. There are situations where work is calculated over a closed loop in a vector field, and that would be exactly “a circulation”, but they are less common.
If that was the question, then we’d be comparing “a path integral in a vector field”, and “a path integral over force”. So if we were moving around in a force field that was characterized by location, like the ones mentioned earlier, our situation would qualify as both.
| stackexchange/physics |
the hf - o system has been considered as one of the most important systems in various industrial fields , such as nuclear materials and high temperature / pressure materials .
hafnium dioxide is known as the least volatile of all the oxides and its high melting point , extreme chemical inertness , and high thermal neutron capture cross section make it suitable for use as control rods or neutron shielding .
all of these reasons can make hfo@xmath3 a promising refractory material for future nuclear applications@xcite .
recently , the hf - o system has even attracted considerable attention for semi - conductor materials . the current gate oxide material ( sio@xmath3
in general ) thickness in advanced complementary metal - oxide semiconductor ( cmos ) integrated circuits has continuously decreased and has reached the current process limit@xcite .
one solution to further improve their performance is to use alternative materials with higher dielectric constants ( _ k _ ) , such as zro@xmath3 and hfo@xmath3@xcite . in this
regard , thermodynamic stability calculations results showed that the interface between hfo@xmath3 and si is found to be stable with respect to the formation of silicides whereas the zro@xmath3/si interface is not@xcite .
the stability of the hfo@xmath3/si interface make the use of this oxide even more promising .
the other important group iva transition metals , such as ti and zr , which show very similar behavior as hf , with oxygen are modeled recently by @xcite and @xcite respectively .
all these systems commonly have a wide oxygen solubility ranges in the hcp phase , up to 33 at.%(ti - o ) , 29 at.%(zr - o ) , and 20 at.%(hf - o ) at room temperature , as derived from higher temperature measurements . in the present work
, the hf - o system has been modeled with the existing experimental data and first - principles calculations results .
afterwards , combining with the thermodynamic parameters of the hf - si and the si - o binary systems , the thermodynamic description of the hf - si - o ternary system is obtained , and the stability diagrams pertinent to thin film processing , such as the hfo@xmath3-sio@xmath3 pseudo - binary , the isopleth of hfo@xmath3-si , and isothermal sections are calculated .
many investigations have been conducted to clarify the phase diagram of the hf - o system@xcite .
the main issues regarding the phase diagram of the hf - o system include : the extent of the @xmath0-hf solid solution , the congruent melting of hfo@xmath3 , and the allotropic transformations of hfo@xmath3 .
the phase diagrams suggested by @xcite and @xcite are quite similar to each other , except the formation of the @xmath1-hf phase and the eutectic reaction around 37 at.% oxygen of liquid . for the hafnium rich - side , @xcite proposed a eutectic reaction at 2273k , while @xcite suggested a peritectic reaction around 2523k .
similar to other group iva transition metals , such as ti , and zr , it is strongly believed that hf also has a peritectic reaction at the hf - rich side .
another minor disagreement between these two phase diagram determinations is the eutectic reaction , liquid @xmath4 @xmath0 + hfo@xmath3 .
rudy and stecher suggested composition of oxygen in the liquid as 40 at.% o and 2453@xmath540k , while domgala and ruh proposed 37 at.% o and @xmath62473k . for the @xmath0-hf solid solution ,
these two works@xcite are in quite good agreement with each other .
rudy and stecher found that @xmath0-hf dissolves up to 20.5 at.% oxygen at 1623k and that the solubility range is almost independent of temperature ; this shows consistency with observations by domagala and ruh and they quoted a solubility of oxygen in @xmath0-hf of 18.6 at.% at 1273k .
@xcite proposed a tentative phase diagram for the @xmath7-rich portion of the hf - hfo@xmath3 system on the basis of metallographic data .
they suggested the existence of solid solution regions for both cubic and tetragonal phases deviated from the stoichiometric composition of hfo@xmath3 .
since the important phases in the hf - o system are the polymorphs of the @xmath7 phases , i.e. monoclinic , tetragonal , and cubic , they have been studied extensively@xcite .
allotropic transformations of the hfo@xmath3 phase have been well summarized by @xcite .
the suggested phase diagram of the hf - o system by @xcite is shown in fig .
[ fig : hfom ] .
not many studies have been conducted regarding the phase stabilities of the hf - si - o ternary system .
@xcite reported a ternary compound , hafnon , with the chemical formula of hfsio@xmath2 and the crystal structure as @xmath8 .
one of the most important phase diagrams of the hf - si - o system is the hfo@xmath3-sio@xmath3 pseudo - binary that includes hfsio@xmath2 since the phase stabilities of this pseudo - binary are pertinent to the processing of the dielectric thin film .
@xcite determined the melting of hfsio@xmath2 at 2023@xmath515k . as discussed in the introduction
, the hf - o system has a wide range of oxygen solubility in the hcp phase .
_ studied order / disorder transformation of interstitial oxygen in hafnium@xcite around 10 @xmath6 20at.% by electron microscopy and neutron and x - ray diffractions .
this work revealed that two types of interstitial superstructures are formed in the hypo- and hyper - stoichiometric compositions near @xmath9 below 700k which have @xmath10 and @xmath11 symmetries , respectively .
for the completely disordered hcp phase at high temperature , @xcite measured the partial molar enthalpy of solution of oxygen in @xmath0-hf solid solution at 1323k as a function of oxygen content using a tian - calvet - type microcalorimeter .
previously , it was almost impossible to measure the extremely low oxygen pressure in equilibrium with hafnium - oxygen solutions
. therefore derivation from the second law of thermodynamics was the only way to acquire thermodynamic information of solid solution phases@xcite .
the major difficulty of direct measurement is making sure that all the hafnium surface is accessible at the same time to oxygen .
boureau and gerdanian improved the accuracy of measurement by solving the geometrical effect of specimen and oxygen contact .
the observed phase boundary of @xmath0-hf in this work is consistent with that of previous phase diagram studies@xcite as o / hf=0.255 .
the vienna _ ab initio _ simulation package ( vasp)@xcite was used to perform the density functional theory ( dft ) electronic structure calculations .
the projector augmented wave ( paw ) method@xcite was chosen and the general gradient approximation ( gga)@xcite was used to take into account exchange and correlation contributions to the hamiltonian of the ion - electron system .
an energy cutoff of 500 ev was used to calculate the electronic structures of all the compounds .
5,000 _ k_-points per reciprocal atom based on the monkhorst - pack scheme for the brillouin - zone sampling was used .
the @xmath12-point meshes were centered at the @xmath13 point for the hcp calculations .
the ordered structures of the hf - si - o system calculated in this work can be categorized into three groups .
first , pure elements , i.e. hcp hafnium and diamond silicon are calculated for the reference states .
second , hypothetical compounds , the end - members of the @xmath0 , @xmath1 solid solutions ( hfo@xmath14 and hfo@xmath15 ) , are also calculated .
the stable compounds , monoclinic hfo@xmath3 , quartz sio@xmath3 , and the ternary compounds , hfsio@xmath2 are calculated as well . the calculated results of the ordered structures are listed in table [ tbl : abinitio ] .
the enthalpy of those compounds are calculated from eqn .
[ eqn : hfsio ] : @xmath16 where @xmath17 corresponds to the enthalpies of the compound and reference structures .
the reference states for hf and si were the hcp and diamond structures , respectively . in the case of condensed phases , the effects of lattice vibrations and other degrees of freedom ( i.e. electronic , magnetic ) can be neglected at low temperatures . moreover , due to their rather small molar volumes , the @xmath18 contributions to their enthalpies ( @xmath19 ) can also be neglected .
thus their enthalpies @xmath17 , can be replaced by the calculated first - principles total energies at 0k in eqn .
[ eqn : hfsio ] . for the oxygen gas ,
the selected reference state was diatomic oxygen , o@xmath3 . in this case
, the contributions due to vibrational and translational degrees of freedom , as well as the @xmath18 work term , the molar volume of o@xmath3 is much larger than that of the condensed phases and can not be neglected . in the following section , the determination of the correct reference state for o@xmath3 will be briefly discussed . [ cols="<,<,<,<,<,^,^ " , ]
the complete thermodynamic description of the hf - si - o ternary system is developed via the hybrid approach of first - principles calculations and calphad modeling in the present work . in the hf - o system ,
special quasirandom structures have been generated to calculate the enthalpies of mixing of oxygen and vacancies in the @xmath0 and @xmath1 solid solutions .
calculated enthalpies of mixing of @xmath0-hf are almost identical to the model - calculated value whereas those of @xmath1-hf show significant discrepancy . in the @xmath1 phase
, first - principles calculations could not retain its original symmetry as bcc due to the strong interaction between the atoms in the structure .
the calculated enthalpies of mixing from sqs s results are combined with the enthalpies of formations of those hypothetical compounds calculated from the electronic structure calculations to derive the gibbs energy of solid solutions in the hf - o system . in the total energy calculation of oxygen gas ,
vibrational , rotational and translational degrees of freedom are considered . with the adjusted total energy of oxygen molecule ,
the enthalpies of formation from first - principles calculations for both ordered and disordered phases showed good agreement with evaluated values .
the hf - o system has been combined with the hf - si and the si - o systems to calculate the hf - si - o ternary system with the ternary compound hfsio@xmath2 introduced from the first - principles calculations . from the hf - si - o thermodynamic database ,
phase stabilities pertinent to thin film processing such as hfo@xmath3-sio@xmath3 pseudo - binary , isothermal sections , and isopleth have been calculated .
the thermodynamic calculation results show that the hfo@xmath3/si interface is stable above 543.53k , which agrees with previous experimental results .
however , due to the uncertainty of hfsio@xmath2 formation energy from first - principles , the stability of hfsi@xmath3 in the hfo@xmath3/si interface is still in question and further experimental investigation is required . it can be concluded that the thermodynamic properties of solid phases can be obtained from first - principles calculations not only for the ordered structures but also for the solution phases as long as one can find appropriate geometrical input for phases of interest .
special quasirandom structures for a substitutional solution phase is one example .
however , one should notice that such a supercell only mimics short - ranged interaction as in metallic alloy systems . as shown in the present work
, sqs s can successfully describe the mixing behavior between oxygen and vacancies in the @xmath0 solid solution where oxygen concentrations are relatively low , but for the oxygen - rich @xmath1 phase such interactions between the electrons at the longer distance become important and lead to the collapse of its original structure as bcc when the structure has been fully relaxed .
this work is funded by the national science foundation ( nsf ) through grants dmr-0205232/0510180 .
first - principles calculations were carried out on the lion clusters at the pennsylvania state university supported in part by the nsf grants ( dmr-9983532 , dmr-0122638 , and dmr-0205232 ) and in part by the materials simulation center and the graduate education and research services at the pennsylvania state university .
k. l. komarek , p. j. spencer , and international atomic energy agency .
_ hafnium : physico - chemical properties of its compounds and alloys_. atomic energy review special issue ; no 8 .
international atomic energy agency , vienna , 1981 . | arxiv |
a 55-year - old man with hypertension , diabetes mellitus , coronary artery disease , pulmonary hypertension , and congestive heart failure presented with syncope . in the emergency department , the patient was alert and oriented with a blood pressure of 90/44 mmhg and a heart rate of 44 beats / minute . on examination , lungs were clear on auscultation , jugular venous distension was present , prominent s2 heart sound with a systolic ejection murmur 2/6 gradient auscultated loudest at the second left intercostal space , and bilateral pitting edema of the lower extremities reaching the knees was seen .
laboratory studies were significant for creatinine of 1.87 mg / dl , brain natriuretic peptide of 504 pg / ml , and troponin i of 0.06 ng / ml .
transthoracic echocardiography showed severe right ventricular dilation decreasing the size of the left ventricle with left ventricular hypertrophy , dilated right and left atria , and severe tricuspid regurgitation with pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 85 mmhg .
ejection fraction was noted to be 55% with no evidence of atrial septal defect ( asd ) .
cardiac catheterization and computed tomography angiogram revealed severe pulmonary hypertension and drainage of the right pulmonary vein into the svc ( figs . 1 and 2 ) . computed tomography with contrast demonstrating engorged pulmonary vasculature .
cardiac catheterization illustrating drainage from the right pulmonary vein anomalously into the superior vena cava .
medications were titrated during hospital stay as patient was on a high dose of beta - blockers prior to presentation .
patient was discharged with bumetanide 2 mg bid and metoprolol 25 mg bid with options for elective pulmonary venous surgery .
anomalous of pulmonary venous connection is a rare congenital defect of the pulmonary veins which are drained into the right atrium instead of the normal return to the left atrium .
papvc is characterized by abnormal return of one or more , but not all , of the pulmonary veins directly to the right atrium , or indirectly through venous connections from the anomalous pulmonary vein .
total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is a more severe form that differs from papvc in that all pulmonary venous vessels connect to the right atrium , and it is one of the cyanotic heart defects .
the incidence of papvc is found to be around 0.7% of all population , as it has been reported in autopsy data studies ( 1 ) .
four variants of papvc have been reported ; supra - cardiac , cardiac , infra - cardiac , and mixed .
the most common form of papvc is supra - cardiac where there is a right upper pulmonary vein connecting to the right atrium or the svc . in most patients with papvc
however , papvc occurs in approximately 10% of patients with an asd . in isolated papvc with intact atrial septum , patients are asymptomatic and generally are not diagnosed unless more than 50% of the pulmonary blood flow is recirculated back to the pulmonary flow ( 2 ) our patient has isolated papvc that remains silent and diagnosed in his sixth decade .
magnetic resonance imaging is now considered the procedure of choice for further investigation of papvc ( 3 ) .
the authors have not received any funding or benefits from industry or elsewhere to conduct this study . | pubmed |
Wesley College is a secondary school in Paerata, at the northern edge of Pukekohe, Auckland Region, New Zealand. The school provides education from year 9 to 13.
The school was founded by members of the Methodist Church in 1844, making it one of the country's oldest schools. Initially located in Grafton and then the Three Kings area of Auckland, it closed in 1868 before reopening in 1876 in Three Kings again. From the beginning there was an emphasis on educating Maori boys, and also played a prominent role in educating students from countries of the South Pacific. In 1924 the school was moved to its current location of Paerata, near Pukekohe. In 1985 it was one of the first boys schools in New Zealand to admit girls at the senior level.
Prince Albert College
Wesley College was located in Upper Queen Street when it closed in 1868; the building and land was donated to the Methodist Church for education purposes. In 1895, a new school with Methodist links started in that building, known as Prince Albert College. The school closed on 31 December 1906 due to financial pressures. The building was later used by Auckland Girls' Grammar School.
Principals
The following have been principals of the school:
Rev. J H Simmonds 18951923
R. C. Clark, MA Melb, Dip Ed 19241944
Rev. E. M. Marshall, BA, Dip Ed 19441964
C. A. Neate, MA, Dip Tchg 19651967
E. Te R. Tauroa, B AgricSc, Dip Ed, Dip Tchg 19681973 Believed to be the first Māori principal of a secondary school, later Race Relations Conciliator.
J. B. McDougall, E.D., B Agric Sc, Dip Tchg 19741988
G. V. Cowley, MSc Hons, Dip Tchg, JP 19892002
I. F. Faulkner, JP, MA Hons, Dip Tchg 2003present
Notable alumni
The arts
Temuera Morrison Actor Head Prefect, 1977
Ian Mune Actor and Film Director
Richard Taylor Multiple Academy Award Winner Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Arnold Manaaki Wilson Artist and Sculptor, Father of Contemporary Maori Art, First Maori to gain a Diploma in Fine Arts
Public service
Koro Dewes Ngāti Porou kaumatua and Māori language advocate
Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō Prime Minister of Tonga Voted in 2011 Known as Siale Kaho while at College
Jim Peters Politician
Sir Peter Kenilorea First Prime Minister and Current Speaker of Solomon Islands
Roger McClay Politician and Children's Commissioner
Todd McClay Member of Parliament for Rotorua, former Cook Islands diplomat Ambassador to European Union
Rob Storey Politician
Malietoa Tanumafili II Former Head of State of Samoa
George Tupou II King of Tonga
Baron Vaea former Prime Minister of Tonga Vaea attended between 1938 and 1941
Science
Walter Buller lawyer, naturalist and ornithologist
Sport
Rugby Union
Uini Atonio - Counties Manukau, La Rochelle, France
Stephen Donald New Zealand Secondary Schools, New Zealand u19s, New Zealand u21s, Counties, Waikato, Chiefs, Bath, New Zealand All Black
Rhys Duggan New Zealand Secondary Schools, New Zealand u19s, New Zealand u21s Waikato, Chiefs, New Zealand All Black
Epalahame Faiva - Wakato, New Zealand u20s
Malakai Fekitoa Auckland, Highlanders, New Zealand All Black
Frank Halai Waikato, NZ Sevens, Counties Manukau, Blues, New Zealand All Black
Sekope Kepu New Zealand U17's, New Zealand Secondary Schools, New Zealand u19s, New Zealand u21s, Counties, NSW Waratahs, Australia Wallabies
Casey Laulala New Zealand u19s, New Zealand u21s, Counties, Canterbury, Crusaders, Cardiff Blues, New Zealand All Black
Nepo Laulala Canterbury, Crusaders, New Zealand All Blacks
Jonah Lomu New Zealand U16's, New Zealand U17's, New Zealand Secondary Schools, New Zealand u19s, New Zealand u21s, Counties, Wellington, North Harbour, Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Cardiff Blues, NZ Sevens, New Zealand All Black
Tevita Mailau New Zealand Secondary Schools, New Zealand u19s, New Zealand u21s, Northland, Auckland, Blues, Tonga Ikale Tahi
Seilala Mapusua New Zealand Secondary Schools, New Zealand u19s, New Zealand u21s, Otago, Highlanders, London Irish, Kubota Spears, Manu Samoa
Charles Piutau New Zealand Secondary Schools, New Zealand u20s, Auckland, NZ Sevens, Blues, New Zealand All Black
Siale Piutau Counties, Highlanders, Tonga Ikale Tahi
Augustine Pulu Counties, Chiefs, New Zealand All Black, NZ Sevens
David Raikuna Counties, North Harbour, Blues, NZ Sevens
Doug Rollerson Manawatu, New Zealand All Black
Sitiveni Sivivatu Counties, Waikato, Chiefs, ASM Clermont Auvergne, Pacific Islanders, New Zealand All Black
George Stowers New Zealand Secondary Schools, NZ u21s, Counties, Chiefs, Ospreys, Pacific Islanders, Manu Samoa
Niva Ta'auso Counties, Connacht, New Zealand Divisional XV, Junior All Blacks
Michael Tagicakibau Taranaki, London Welsh, Saracens, Fiji
Sailosi Tagicakibau Chiefs, London Irish, Pacific Islanders, Manu Samoa
Jonathan Taumateine - Counties Manukau, Manu Samoa u20s, New Zealand u20s, Chiefs
Ezra Taylor Otago, Highlanders, Reds, Connacht, Manu Samoa
Hale T-Pole New Zealand Secondary Schools, New Zealand u19s, New Zealand u21s, Southland, Highlanders, Pacific Islanders, Tonga Ikale Tahi
Viliame Veikoso Otago, Fiji
Rugby League
Glen Fisiiahi New Zealand Warriors player
Fetuli Talanoa Tonga Rugby League International/South Sydney Rabbitohs
Tame Tupou Kiwis/Brisbane Broncos/Bradford Bulls
Further reading
See also
Lists of schools in New Zealand
References
External links
Wesley College website
Old Friends NZ Wesley College Schools, Auckland
Category:Educational institutions established in 1844
Category:Boarding schools in New Zealand
Category:Methodist schools in New Zealand
Category:Secondary schools in Auckland
Category:Christianity in Auckland | wikipedia |
zygomycosis is an uncommon invasive mycotic infection which disproportionately affects
poorly controlled diabetics particularly during episodes of ketoacidosis ( 1 ) . in children with diabetes
we present here a child with type
1 diabetes ( t1d ) who had concomitant pleural and pulmonary involvement requiring surgical
intervention twice .
the patient , a 12 yr - old girl was diagnosed elsewhere with type 1 diabetes 3 yr back .
she
came from a hilly terrain with limited access to specialized medical facilities . because of
family dynamics ( father works in national army and visits his family once in an year and
mother is primary school educated housewife ) and child s rebellious nature , her adherence to
insulin therapy and consequently diabetic control were poor .
blood sugar monitoring was once
or twice in a month and reportedly ranged between 400600 mg / dl .
she was admitted to our hospital with fast breathing and a low - grade
fever for 4 d and drowsiness for last few hours .
physical examination revealed thin built
( weight 19 kg and height 125 cm ; both below 3 centiles ) .
laboratory investigations revealed blood glucose of 340 mg / dl , ph 6.90 and large ketones in
urine .
hemogram showed hemoglobin of 11.5 g / dl and wbc count of 11,200/mm
( neutrophils 78% , lymphocytes 17% , monocytes 2% , eosinophils 3% ) .
serum na and
k were 143 and 3.6 mmol / l respectively and urea and creatinine 40 and 0.6
mg / dl respectively .
she received intravenous fluids , insulin infusion and mannitol along with broad
spectrum antibiotics and her ketoacidosis improved over 12 h of hospitalization .
thereafter
she was switched over to 6 hourly subcutaneous short acting insulin and subsequently to
premixed ( 30:70 ) insulin twice a day with short acting insulin before lunch .
because of her diabetic status , lung infection with zygomycosis
was strongly suspected and a contrast enhanced computed tomography ( cect ) revealed
cavitatory pneumonia of left lower lobe and left empyema ( fig .
cect chest ( lung & mediastinal windows ) showing cavitatory pneumonia and empyema
on left side . ) .
needle
aspiration from left lower lobe and pleural cavity were done separately as an initial
attempt to obtain tissue diagnosis pending a transbronchial biopsy .
lung aspirate was
negative but thoracocentasis fluid showed broad aseptate hyphae with right - angled branching
conforming to the morphology of mucormycosis .
cect chest ( lung & mediastinal windows ) showing cavitatory pneumonia and empyema
on left side .
surgical resection of left lower lobe and lingula was done on 12 day of
hospital admission and left intercostal tube was placed .
the histopathological examination
of the resected lung specimen revealed large areas of bland necrosis and many broad aseptate
hyphae consistent with mucormycosis ( fig .
photomicrograph of the lung showing variable size and shape fungal profiles which
are broad , aseptate and folded on itself on the background of necrotic lung tissue
( grocott s silver stain 1000 ) . ) .
the surrounding lung parenchyma showed reactive multinucleated giant cells and a
dense mixed inflammatory infiltrate in the interstitium .
photomicrograph of the lung showing variable size and shape fungal profiles which
are broad , aseptate and folded on itself on the background of necrotic lung tissue
( grocott s silver stain 1000 ) .
the post - operative hospital course was complicated by persistent fever and worsening
respiratory distress .
chest x - ray showed increased pleural collection and ultrasonography
revealed loculations and septations necessitating guided insertion of another intercostal
tube which also failed to relieve respiratory distress .
a cect done on 6
post - operative day showed a large empyema with mediastinal shift and collapsed left lung
( fig .
cect chest showing large empyema with mediastinal shift and collapsed left lung . ) .
cect chest showing large empyema with mediastinal shift and collapsed left lung . following this , child underwent second left thoracotomy .
a thick membrane was found around
left upper lobe and fibrinopurulent fluid in the pleural cavity . after removing the membrane
fever disappeared over the
following post - operative week and intercostal drains were removed on tenth postoperative
day .
all bacterial and fungal blood and pleural fluid cultures obtained on 4 different
occasions during 7 wk of her hospital stay were sterile .
glycated hemoglobin done during
first week of admission was 11.5% indicating a poor previous control and unstimulated
c - peptide level was 0.2 ng / ml . serial chest radiographs are shown in fig .
d : 1 yr follow up showing status post left lobectomy and normal
lung fields .. serial chest x - rays during hospitalization .
d : 1 yr follow up showing status post left lobectomy and normal
lung fields .
a final diagnosis of pleuropulmonary mucormycosis was given and child was discharged after
completing a 6-wk - course of amphotericin b deoxycholate .
she was continued on same insulin
regimen after discharge and has a fair glycemic control with glycated hemoglobin ranging
between 7.5 and 8.5% over 2 years follow - up .
zygomycosis is an uncommon , often fatal , fungal infection complicating diabetes mellitus ,
hematological malignancies and other debilitating illnesses ( 1 ) .
poorly controlled diabetes particularly predisposes to this infection due to
dysfunctions of macrophage phagocytosis , neutrophil chemotaxis and oxidative killing often
present during ketoacidosis ( 2 ) .
ketoacidosis also
induces a temporary block in binding of iron to transferrin providing free iron which is an
obligatory growth factor for zygomycoses ( 3 ) . in our
patient also poor long - term diabetic control and progression to ketoacidosis predisposed her
to develop mucormycosis .
fine
needle aspiration cytology ( fnac ) has been described as a relatively non - invasive alterative
to the standard transbronchial biopsy ( 4 ) .
since
mucormycosis is a highly fatal infection , fnac is helpful in making a timely diagnosis as in
the index case thus preventing death .
the diagnosis of mucormycosis has improved over the last few decades with more diagnoses
being made premortem now ( 1 , 5,6,7,8 ) .
better awareness , expertise and
infrastructural facilities for mycological diagnosis seem responsible for this trend ( 9 ) . extensive surgical resection along with amphotericin b
offers the best chances of survival ( 1 , 5 , 8) .
amphotericin
b alone is usually unsuccessful due to inability to achieve adequate tissue concentrations
in the affected tissue resulting from vascular invasion , thrombosis , occlusion and
infarction ( 10 ) .
recent reports suggest possibility
of cures with liposomal amphotericin b ( 11 ) and
posaconazole ( 12 ) .
mild pleural effusions may be associated with lung mucormycosis and usually represent
inflammatory process but not a contiguous spread that requires demonstration of fungus in
the pleural space . in 2 large series on pulmonary zygomycosis , such pleural effusions have
been noted to occur in 8 and 6% patients ( 1 , 5 ) . in another
recently published paper , deep extension
( defined as extension into chest wall , pulmonary artery , aorta or heart ) was noted in 7%
patients of pulmonary mucormycosis but it was not clear how many of these 15 patients
actually had pleural involvement ( 8) .
isolated cases
with documentation of actual invasion by fungus into pleural cavity have been reported
previously but massive empyemas requiring surgical drainage as seen in our patient , is
extremely rare ( 13 , 14 ) .
the organisms tend to grow inwardly and invade major lung vessels and outward
extension into the pleural cavity may not occur readily . since infection was simultaneously
demonstrated in the lung as well as pleura , our case truly represents a concomitant
pleuropulmonary involvement .
only 16% of the 157 pediatric
cases of zygomycosis that have occurred till now had pulmonary infection ( 15 ) .
although type 1 diabetes has been reported as a
common underlying condition in children with zygomycosis , pulmonary involvement appears to
have occurred very rarely in this subset of patients ; the predominant clinical form being
rhinocerebral ( 15 ) .
ours appears to be the first case
of simultaneous pulmonary and pleural zygomycosis in a diabetic child . | pubmed |
What is the "blue spirit" (or "red spirit") in mercury-free thermometers?
I surmise it's some kind of alcohol, but is there a standard chemical used for these?
One of them just exploded in my students' lab! It was the kind with blue fluid in it.
As per the Wikipedia page on [Spirit Thermometers](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_thermometer):
>
> The liquid used can be pure ethanol, toluene, kerosene or isoamyl acetate, depending on manufacturer and working temperature range. Since these are transparent, the liquid is made more visible by the addition of a red or blue dye.
>
>
>
1,4-bis(butylamino)anthraquinone - commonly known as "Oil Blue 35" - may possibly be used as the blue dye.
Another organic solvent used may be **pentane**. Perhaps the common ones contain toluene dyed with a **red aniline dye** .
Other spirit filled thermometers variants include:
* Blue fill contains **isoamyl benzoate**;
* Red fill may contain **kerosene** or **pentane** with aniline dye
---
**Aniline red**
[](https://i.stack.imgur.com/U5I65.png)
*[Credits](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bleu_d%27aniline_red.PNG)*
**Acknowledgements**
* Spirit-Filled Glass Thermometers: [Document](http://lab.ro/document/document321.pdf)
| stackexchange/chemistry |
Apple Revamps MacBook Pro Lineup With Haswell, More
Apple today boosted its MacBook Pro lineup with Intel's 4th-gen Haswell processors, as well as a few cosmetic updates.
By Chloe Albanesius
Chloe Albanesius
Executive Editor for News
I started out covering tech policy in Washington, D.C. for The National Journal's Technology Daily, where my beat included state-level tech news and all the congressional hearings and FCC meetings I could handle. After a move to New York City, I covered Wall Street trading tech at Incisive Media before switching gears to consumer tech and PCMag. I now lead PCMag's news coverage and manage our how-to content.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/apple-revamps-macbook-pro-lineup-with-haswell-more
Apple today boosted its MacBook Pro lineup with Intel's 4th-gen Haswell processors, as well as longer battery life, faster flash storage and next generation Wi-Fi.
The devices will start shipping today, pre-installed with Apple's new OS X Mavericks, which will be available to everyone else as a free upgrade.
The new MacBook Pros includes PCIe-based flash storage, which provides 60 percent faster read speeds, as well as 802.11ac Wi-Fi, which is up to three times faster when connected to an 802.11ac base station. There's also Thunderbolt 2, which is 2x faster than Thunderbolt 1.
In addition to iLife, new Macs will also include iWork, which includes Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display will be thinner and lighter than its predecessor at 3.46 pounds and 0.71 inches thin. It should provide 9 hours of battery life, Apple's Phil Schiller said during a Tuesday press event.
The 13-inch runs fourth generation dual-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 2.6GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1GHz. But there's the option for Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.8GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3GHz. Intel Iris graphics will also deliver up to 90 percent faster performance than the previous generation MacBook Pro with Retina display, Apple said.
Apple promised up to nine hours of battery life for the 13-inch, two more than the older model. It will be priced at $1,299 with a 2.4-GHz dual-core i5, 4GB of DRAM, Iris graphics, and a 128GB SSD - a $200 discount.
The 15-inch MacBook Pro is getting a similar upgrade and price drop, starting at $1,999, and should provide 8 hours of battery life, Apple said.
The new 15-inch will sport 4th-generation quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.3GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.5GHz. It can be configured with Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.6GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8GHz. There are also Iris Pro graphics, as well as GeForce GT 750M with 2GB of video memory.
At WWDC in June, Apple boosted its MacBook Air lineup with Haswell processors, and did the same for the iMac in September.
For more, check out 12 Things to Know About Intel's Haswell CPUs.
Also see PCMag's live blog from today's event, and PCMag Live in the video below, which discusses Apple's announcements.
Editor's Note: This story was updated at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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What Is CAMM? Perhaps, the Future Look of Memory in Laptops
By Matthew Buzzi
The 2023 and 2021 MacBook Pros, Compared: Apple's M2 Chips Muscle Up
The Best Battery Life Laptops for 2023
By Tom Brant & Matthew Buzzi
The Fastest Laptops for 2023
By John Burek & Matthew Buzzi
About Chloe Albanesius
Read Chloe's full bio
Read the latest from Chloe Albanesius
New Apple HomePod Speaker Features Upgraded Audio, Smart Home Sensors
Future Tech (Maybe): The Best Concepts and Prototypes From CES 2023
Gone But Not Forgotten (Yet): The Tech That Died in 2022
Twitter Deletes Tweets, Web Page About Ban on Links to Rival Social Networks
Fire TV Update Rolls Out for Amazon Echo Show 15
More from Chloe Albanesius | slim_pajama |
abfraction has been defined as microstructural loss of dental tissues caused by biomechanical loading which leads to stress concentration in the cervical region of teeth which , in turn , leads to loss of tooth structure [ 1 , 2 ] .
its clinical appearance has been described in the literature as early as 1930 's , but its association with loading became apparent much later when lee and eakle hypothesized the role of occlusal loading in formation of cervical lesions .
there are three main types of stresses that are placed on teeth during mastication and parafunction : compressive , shear , and tensile stresses .
it seems that the role of tensile stresses in the aetiology of cervical lesions started to become more evident after finite element analysis research had indicated that that these stresses were concentrated in the cervical region of teeth .
consequently , the concentration of tensile stresses was linked to the cause of cervical lesions ( abfraction ) [ 57 ] .
occlusal forces generated during oral functions , parafunction , and premature contacts give rise to significant tensile stresses in the cervical enamel [ 8 , 9 ] .
chen et al . indicated that there is proportional linear relational between occlusal forces and induced stresses both buccally and lingually .
a number of theories were put forward to justify how stresses at the buccocervical level result in lesions ; enamel at the cervical region is known to be of poorer quality as thinner layers of enamel prisms are present in the cervical areas . therefore , it is not tough enough to withstand tensile stresses , which are usually concentrated at the tooth fulcrum found near the cervical region .
in addition to that , enamel responds differently from dentine to forces causing differential flexure , which results in weakening , formation of microcracks .
once the load applied and stresses produced exceed the theoretical yield stress of enamel , the abfraction lesion is formed appearing as a wedge - shaped cervical lesion .
other theories suggest that erosive acids may also play a role , by weakening the structure of enamel and dentine in the buccocervical area , thus making the area more susceptible to fracture , aiding in the formation of the abfraction lesion .
the purpose of this study was to investigate by means of three - dimensional finite element analysis ( 3d - fea ) the biomechanics of abfraction lesions in upper canine teeth under different loading conditions .
a human upper canine tooth , which was extracted for orthodontic reasons , scanned in a microcomputed - tomography scanner ( ct ) ( skyscan , kontich , belgium ) .
the resolution ( voxel size ) of this scan was 14 14 14 . all scans were imported by scanip ( simpleware , exeter , uk ) as stack of images for masking , segmentation , and three - dimensional ( 3d ) reconstructions .
depending on pixel density three masks were generated representing enamel , dentine , and pulp tissues .
following 3d reconstruction and optimisation of the geometry surfaces , finite element ( fe ) mesh was generated on the 3d model using scanfe ( simpleware , exeter , uk ) .
subsequently , the fe model was imported by patran ( mscsoftawre , santa ana , ca , usa ) for pre- and post processing .
the details of the mechanical properties of all materials included in the fe model are included in table 1 .
boundary conditions were set out as the whole model was constrained at its base in all directions ( x = 0 , y = 0 , z = 0 , xy = 0 , xz = 0 , and yz = 0 ) .
axial loading 100 n was applied separately at the tip of incisal edge and laterally mid of the palatal surface at 45 to the long axis of the canine tooth . in a different loading scenario ,
the canine tooth was subjected to 200 n axial and non - axial loading simultaneously in both directions ( figure 1 ) .
nastran ( mscsoftware , santa ana , ca , usa ) was used to perform all fe solutions and calculate stresses within the canine tooth and its displacement under three different loading scenarios .
comparative fe stress analyses were carried out to identify maximum von mises stresses ( the equivalent stress of principal stresses in x , y , z directions ) and their distribution and :
( 1)von mises stress = 12[(12)2+(23)2+(31)2 ] ,
where 1 , 2 , and 3 are principal stresses and 1 > 2
when the canine tooth was subjected to 100 n axial loading , maximum von mises stresses generated in enamel ( 108 mpa ) was higher than the dentine ( 73 mpa ) ( figure 2 ) .
the change of the force angulation ( 45 to the long axis ) increased the level of maximum von mises stresses drastically , enamel suffered 3 times greater increase ( 389 mpa ) in stress concentration compared with dentine ( figure 3 ) .
however , the location of maximum stresses was similar , located at the buccal cervical region close to the cementoenamel junction ( cej ) .
the maximum von mises stress was much greater in enamel ( 492 mpa ) at the buccal cej , when load was applied in both directions simultaneously ( figure 4 ) .
dentine behaved similarly as stresses concentrated at a similar location , although the maximum value was reduced by 25% ( 342 mpa ) ( table 2 ) .
displacement of tooth structure in both enamel and dentine was about 55 micron under lateral loading five times higher than axial loading ( table 2 and figures 5 and 6 ) .
early detection and diagnosis of abfraction lesions are important so that lesions can be stabilized and prevented from progressing .
abfraction might take different forms , that is , hairline cracks , striations , saucer - shaped lesion , or crescent - shaped lesion .
abfraction may also occur along side other forms of tooth surface loss and these also need to be diagnosed in order to achieve appropriate treatment planning .
taking into account the size of the lesion , clinicians may decide to leave and monitor the lesion or actively treat it with or without any occlusal adjustment .
however , it is evidence - based that such lesions should be restored to prevent further progression , protect against pulp exposure and tooth fracture , and improve aesthetics [ 12 , 13 ] .
further studies have shown that any restoration placed at this site is at an increased risk of failure due to continued presence of tensile stresses , therefore treatment should only be instigated in the aforesaid situations where leaving a lesion to progress might have irreversible squeelae .
currently , there is a lack of evidence to support the trend that occlusal adjustment would alter the forces applied to tooth structure especially in the upper canine tooth which usually leads lateral excursions in canine - guided occlusion .
therefore , the disparity of stresses between enamel and dentine indicates that the aetiology of abfraction is multifactorial including occlusal forces .
this study has employed 3d - fea to investigate the influence of axial and non - axial occlusal loading in canine teeth on the development of abfraction lesions .
it was aimed to get an insight into the development of stress distribution within tooth tissues and along the enamel dentine interface under different loading conditions .
although some 3d - fea studies have indicated the role of periodontal ligament ( pdl ) as an important factor in the pattern of stress distribution within dental tissues , pdl has not been included in the 3d model of this study due to the difficulty in getting uniform thickness of pdl around the canine root based on the pixel density of the computed tomography scans .
equally important , the element distortion in some areas especially at the apical and cervical regions will result in inaccurate fe solution of the whole fe model analyses [ 18 , 19 ] .
in addition to that , canine root was not fully modeled in order to reduce model and fe mesh size and subsequently solution time .
however , this undoubtedly has increased the limitations of this 3d - fe study and its clinical inferences .
the maximum von mises stresses generated by both axial and lateral loading were located buccally at the enamel margins next to the cej .
however the maximum values of these stresses were four times higher under lateral loading compared with axial loading ( figure 6 ) . in either case , the maximum stresses exceeded the reported values of maximum tensile strength of enamel and dentine [ 20 , 21 ] .
enamel has suffered much higher stresses than dentine especially at the cervical buccal cej region under lateral loading .
the enamel tooth tissue is known to be thin , having a very weak prismatic structure and low ultimate tensile strength at the cej .
in addition , the cej is usually subject to erosion and abrasion , caused by acidic exposure and tooth brushing , respectively , which further weaken and undermine the structure of cervical enamel and dentine [ 23 , 24 ] .
therefore , tensile stresses , along with other contributing factors , concentrated at the cej seem to be most attributable aetiology for abfraction lesions .
the non - axial loading presented in parafunctional activities ( bruxism ) is more detrimental than physiological occlusal loading in initiating cracks or fracture of the marginal buccal enamel at the cej ( figure 7 ) .
the maximum stresses caused by non - axial loading , which were concentrated at the buccal cervical region exceeded the maximum tensile strength of enamel as reported in the literature < 17 mpa .
this provides further evidence for the role of bruxism in the formation of abfraction lesions .
enamel and dentine strains under different loading conditions were almost similar , however , the maximum strain values were observed at the buccal cej ( figure 8) which might have exacerbating consequence on the formation of abfraction lesion . albeit , some research findings have cast some doubt on abfraction as a prime cause for enamel and dentine breakdown at the buccal cervical region , the fe method has contributed to the prediction and biomechanical development of non - carious cervical lesions ( abfraction ) in upper canine teeth [ 2426 ] .
3d - fea has been validated by various experimental studies , and it was proved that micro - ct - based 3d - fea is a valid research method [ 27 , 28 ] . in this study 3d - fea ,
the upper canine tooth model was reconstructed from a segmented micro - ct data which is a sophisticated model representing an upper canine tooth subjected to all possible occlusal loading scenarios to estimate the actual strains of enamel and dentine tissues within acceptable accuracy limits .
the fact that both axial and non - axial loading were investigated together in order to simulate parafunctional loading ( bruxism ) which is usually pronounced with simultaneous loading in different direction .
the findings of this study clearly indicated that this scenario has resulted in the worst biomechanical outcome with marked increase in stresses and displacement in the buccal cervical area especially within the enamel layer .
this finding was also clinically proven that in bruxist patients are more prone to abfraction lesions than others , thereby ; this group of patients needs close clinical monitoring and intervention when it is required .
despite the limitations of 3d - fea , the following conclusions might be drawn : maximum stresses and crown displacement generated by lateral loading were generally higher than the vertical loading;peak stresses were concentrated at the cej in all loading scenarios;the greatest levels of stress generated within enamel and dentine were located at the cej when axial and non - axial loadings were applied simultaneously;pulp tissues sustained the minimum level of stress under all loading conditions .
maximum stresses and crown displacement generated by lateral loading were generally higher than the vertical loading ; peak stresses were concentrated at the cej in all loading scenarios ; the greatest levels of stress generated within enamel and dentine were located at the cej when axial and non - axial loadings were applied simultaneously ; pulp tissues sustained the minimum level of stress under all loading conditions . | pubmed |
recent research of astrophysical and connected optical phenomena related to possible direct observations of effects occuring in the field of black holes and naked singularities , or other strong gravity compact objects , is often concentrated in effects occuring in the modified kerr geometry implied by alternatives to the einstein gravity .
observable effects related to these modified kerr geometries could give signatures of the alternatives or extensions of the standard einstein gravity , or of the influence of non - vacuum environment of the compact objects .
the modifications of the kerr geometry can be separated into two classes . in the first class ,
modifications of the kerr ( or schwarschild ) geometry are related to a concrete modification of the standard einstein gravity .
there is a large variety of research related to the braneworld models @xcite , standard gravity combined with the non - linear electrodynamics giving regular black holes or no - horizon spacetimes @xcite , hoava quantum gravity @xcite , string theory @xcite , f(r ) gravity @xcite , kerr geometry modified by the cosmological constant @xcite , or quintessential fields @xcite , higher - dimensional spacetimes @xcite . in the second class ,
the kerr geometry is modified in the framework of the so called dirty kerr geometry @xcite , where the modifications are usually unrelated to any source term .
the kerr ( schwarzschild ) vacuum solution of the einstein equations is considered as an etalon of these studies , and its metric coefficients are correspondingly modified . in the dirty kerr geometry framework ,
the radial profiles of the metric coefficients are modified and effects of the modified metric on the optical phenomena are studied @xcite .
recently , ghasemi - nodehi and bambi proposed a new version of modified kerr geometry , where also the latitudinal profiles of the metric coefficients can be modified @xcite . in this approach ,
the geometry modifications are related to all terms of the kerr metric containing mass @xmath2 and specific angular momentum ( spin ) @xmath3 .
however , there could exist also modifications of the kerr metric that are not related to the parameters @xmath2 and @xmath3 .
here we briefly study a concrete case of such a spacetime , related to the quintessential rotating black holes . here
we concentrate attention to a special class of the quintessential kerr black holes generating modification of the kerr geometry that represents an extension of the seemingly most general class of modifications of the kerr geometry introduced in @xcite .
the considered modification of the kerr geometry occurs due to a special ( limit ) class of the quintessential field .
recently , toshmatov , stuchlik and ahmedov @xcite have found an axially symmetric stationary non - vacuum solution of the einstein equations where the energy - momentum tensor corresponds to the quintessential scalar fields .
the quintessential field is characterized by the equation - of - state parameter @xmath4 , and by the dimensionless parameter @xmath1 representing intensity of the quintessential field .
the quintessential kerr ( schwarzschild ) geometry demonstrates repulsive gravity at large distances , and implies existence of the cosmological horizon @xcite .
however , in the limit case of @xmath5 , the quintessential kerr geometry becomes the asymptotically flat kerr geometry - the geometry is modified by the quintessential field parameter @xmath1 , but the dependence of the metric coefficients on the mass and spin parameters , @xmath6 , remains to be of the standard kerr character . here
we study the black hole silhouette shape , and the profile of the spectral lines of radiation from the inner parts of the keplerian disks for the special limit ( @xmath0 ) of the quintessential kerr metric , in dependence on the parameter @xmath1 .
both these phenomena are fully governed by the geodesic structure of the quintessential kerr spacetime .
the geometry of the quintessential rotation black hole spacetime introduced in @xcite is described in the standard boyer - lindquist coordinates and the geometric units with @xmath7 by the line element @xmath8 with @xmath9 @xmath10 @xmath11 @xmath12 @xmath13 where @xmath2 and @xmath3 are the gravitational mass and the specific angular momentum @xmath14 of the black hole , @xmath15 is the quintessential scalar field equation - of - state parameter , while @xmath16 is the quintessential field parameter characterizing the field magnitude . when the quintessential field parameter @xmath17 , the rotating quintessential geometry reduces to the kerr geometry .
the related quintessential field energy - stress tensor is also determined in @xcite , but only the spacetime geometry will be relevant in our study . in the case of the special limit of the quintessential kerr black holes , determined by the equation of state parameter @xmath0 , the line element of the geometry simplifies to the form @xmath18 where @xmath19 and the mass parameter is put for simplicity to @xmath20 , i.e. , we express the spin and quintessential field parameter @xmath1 as dimensionless quantities , and we use dimensionless radial and time coordinates @xmath21 .
the special ( @xmath0 ) quintessential kerr metric clearly represents an extension of the ghasemi - nodehi bambi modification of the kerr geometry , as it modifies also the @xmath22 term in the expression @xmath23 governing the loci of the black hole event horizons .
in contrast to the quintessential black hole spacetimes with @xmath4 , having a cosmological horizon , the special case of the @xmath0 spacetimes is asymptotically flat .
the horizons are given by the relation @xmath24 now the limit on the black hole spin reads @xmath25 and it breaks the standard black hole bound of @xmath26 .
we study simple optical effects in this special quintessential rotating black hole geometry in order to demonstrate the role of this kind of the kerr geometry modifications .
it is convenient in numerical simulations to use the reciprocal radial coordinate @xmath27 and the latitudinal coordinate @xmath28 .
the line element ( [ line_element ] ) then takes the form @xmath29{\mathrm{d}}\phi^2,\end{aligned}\ ] ] where is @xmath30
the equations of geodesic motion are given by the hamiltonian @xcite @xmath31 where @xmath32 for null - geodesics , and @xmath33 for massive test particles ; and @xmath34 are covariant components of the test particle 4-momentum .
there are two constants of the motion related to the spacetime symmetries : energy @xmath35 , connected with the stationarity , axial angular momentum @xmath36 , connected with the axial symmetry . for the special quintessential rotating black hole geometry , given by the line element ( [ line_element ] )
, we obtain the set of first order differential equations @xcite @xmath37-a\left(ae\sin^2\theta - l\right),\\ \sigma p^r&=\pm\sqrt{r},\\ \sigma p^\theta&=\pm\sqrt{w},\\ \sigma p^\phi&=&\frac{a}{\delta}\left[e(r^2+a^2)-al\right]-\left(ae-\frac{l}{\sin^2\theta}\right),\end{aligned}\ ] ] where @xmath38 ^ 2-\delta\left[(ae - l)^2+mr^2+q\right],\\ w(\theta;l , q , a , c)&=&q-\left[\frac{l^2}{\sin^2\theta}+a^2(m^2-e^2)\right]\cos^2\theta;\end{aligned}\ ] ] @xmath39 is the standard fourth integral of the motion in the kerr ( and modified kerr ) spacetimes it reflects hidden symmetries of the spacetime and is related to the total angular momentum of the motion .
notice that the latitudinal motion is governed by the same equation as in the kerr geometry , but the equation of the radial motion is modified due to the presence of the quintessential field .
we illustrate the effect of the special quintessential rotating black hole geometry on the profiled spectral line of the radiation originating in the keplerian disks assumed to be composed of the test particle emitters following the stable circular orbits with so called keplerian angular frequency .
therefore , we first discuss the circular geodesics and their stability .
the circular geodesics are situated in the equatorial plane , having @xmath40 , as in the case of the kerr spacetimes @xcite .
the resulting maps of the circular geodesics are summarized in fig .
[ circ - orm - map ] .
the circular test particle orbits are determined by the conditions @xmath41 that have to be satisfied simultaneously .
the radial profiles of the specific energy @xmath42 and the specific axial angular momentum @xmath43 take the following form @xmath44}\ ] ] and @xmath45}{a^2\delta^2 r^3(-4a^2+r(3+\sigma r)^2)}\nonumber\\ & \times & [ a^4+a\delta r^{3/2}+a^2r(4+r(-3 + 4c+\sigma c r))]^2\end{aligned}\ ] ] where we have introduced @xmath46 .
the limits on the existence of the circular geodesics are given by the photon circular geodesics .
their loci are the roots of the equation @xmath47r^2\nonumber\\ & & + 4a^2(-3 + 4a^2)r-4a^2(-1+a^2).\end{aligned}\ ] ] while their impact parameters are given by @xmath48 we plot the @xmath49 and @xmath50 as function of spin @xmath3 for three representative values of parameter @xmath17 , @xmath51 , and @xmath52 in fig .
[ photon - circ - orb ] [ cols="^,^ " , ]
studies of the astrophysical phenomena in the field of black holes ( or alternative strong gravity objects ) , based on the modified geometry only , can give very important basical information , but they have to be considered very carefully , as additional effects related to the origin of the modified gravity , or the source terms hidden behind the dirty kerr geometry , could significantly alter the predictions based on the purely geometrical considerations .
here we have considered some optical phenomena around the special quintessential kerr geometry the direct influence of the quintessential field on the optical phenomena is irrelevant and it enters the play only throung the resulting geometry .
the modifications of both the black hole silhouette and the profile of the spectral line are determined by the functions @xmath53 and @xmath54 which reflect the departure of the particular quantities determined in the specific rotating quintessential metric relative to those determined in the kerr metric .
we have clearly demonstrated that in the limiting quintessential field with equation - of - state parameter @xmath0 , the resulting geometry of rotating black holes leads , in the case of the characteristic values of the quintessential field parameter @xmath17 , @xmath55 , and @xmath56 , to significant and specific modifications of the silhouette shape and the profile of the spectral lines generated in the innermost parts of keplerian disks . for the black hole silhouette we have found that the parameter @xmath57 increases with the parameter @xmath1 increasing , enlarging the silhouette .
the enlargement depends on the angle @xmath58 only slightly .
in the case of the spectral line profiles we obtained significant shift of the profiled lines to the red end , the shift increases with increasing parameter @xmath1 .
the shape of the profiled spectral lines remains unchanged for small and mediate inclination angles . only in the case of black holes with large spin and for keplerian disks observed under large inclination angles declination of the profiled spectral lines at the blue end
is dereasing with increasing parameter @xmath1 .
our results demonstrate that the special quintessential rotating black holes have clear impact on the considered optical phenomena extending the assumed variations predicted for the kerr metric modification introduced in @xcite .
the authors acknowledge the albert einstein centre for gravitation and astrophysics , supported by the czech science foundation grant no 14 - 37986 g . | arxiv |
Is the condenser for a Soxhlet extraction left open on top
My question is about the condenser used in a Soxhlet extractions. It's unusual looking compared to the rest of condensers, used in distillation for example, I've noticed it has a thin and short tube on top and my question is, do one leave it open when performing a Soxhlet extraction or should it be stopped with a stopper or something?
First thing, you should NEVER perform any heated reaction with a stoppered condenser. You shouldn't even be allowed to work independently in the lab if this rule is not coming automatic to you. I am not sure what you mean by a special condenser being used in Soxhlet extractions. You can use any condenser that fits. Since you don't do a distillation you can use a shorter condenser so your whole Soxhlet set-up has a reasonable height.
| stackexchange/chemistry |
rayer first reported renal vein thrombosis associated with nephrotic syndrome in 1837 , thrombosis is known to be one of the main complications of nephrotic syndrome with the renal vein being the most frequent site.[15 ] awareness of pathogenesis and assessment of the risk factors for arterial thrombosis are required to allow appropriate management of these patients .
there are no reliable risk factors to suggest anticoagulation therapy in patients with nephrotic syndrome and prophylactic anticoagulants remain controversial .
our case once again highlights the dilemma in managing these patients ; however it also throws some light on management .
a 68-year - old retired office manager ( male ) was admitted to the hospital with worsening epigastric pain , clay colored stools , nausea , and ankle swelling .
he also complained of weakness and tingling in left arm , slurred speech and difficulty getting words out .
his risk factor for cerebro - vascular disease included only hypertension that was well - controlled with felodipine . on examination
, there was non - pitting pedal edema , right - sided cerebellar signs ( past pointing , dysdiadochokinesia ) , left hemiparesis , and expressive dysphasia .
urine dipstick had 2 + blood , 4 + protein with urinary protein creatinine ratio of 1401 ( approx .
computed tomography ( ct ) and magnetic resonance imaging ( mri ) of the brain showed widespread cerebral infarcts in the middle cerebral and posterior cerebral artery territory [ figures 1 and 2 ] .
protein c and s levels were at lower end of normal range that was considered secondary to renal loss rather than primary deficiency .
ct of brain showing infarcts in middle cerebral artery infarcts mri of brain showing cerebellar infarct haematoxylin and eosin stain : ( a ) shows normal glomerulus .
( b ) shows vacuolated renal tubular cells suggesting heavy proteinuria and uptake of albumin by cells siver stain of glomerulus showing normal basement membrane electron microscopy of glomerulus showing flattening of podocyte foot processes other investigations for hypercoagulable state such as anti - cardiolipin antibodies , factor v leiden mutation were within normal limits .
contrast ct of chest / abdomen / pelvis looking for malignancy was within normal limits .
infarcts were considered secondary to arterial thombosis as a result of hypercoagulable state seen in nephrotic syndrome .
patient did not receive any prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulation with heparin or low molecular weight heparin during his hospital stay .
nephrotic syndrome was treated with three doses of intravenous methyl prednisone and was started on oral prednisone at 1 mg / kg that was tapered down over a period of 3 months .
there was good response to treatment with resolution of proteinuria and improvement in renal function .
nephrotic syndrome is one of the secondary causes of hypercoaguable state.[68 ] hypercoagulable state can be either primary or secondary .
primary causes are due to deficiencies of anti - thrombin iii , protein c or protein s. other secondary causes include : malignancy , pregnancy , and oral contraceptive use .
thrombotic complications in patients with nephrotic syndrome occur in both venous and arterial systems , with the most common being renal vein thrombosis . in adults , the majority of thromboses are venous and arterial thromboses are more common in children .
review of literature shows that hypercoagulable state is greater in nephrotic syndrome secondary to membranous nephropathy . in our case ,
there are no data on the absolute risk of development of thromboembolism , but an observational study shows the risk of vascular thrombosis is greatest within the first 6 months of diagnosis , with an annual incidence rate of 1.48% for arterial thromboembolism .
cerebral infarction in nephrotic syndrome is rare and has been previously reported in very few cases .
described two adult patients , 34 and 36 years of age , who presented with acute cerebral infarction and were found to have a hypercoagulable state due to nephrotic syndrome .
although it is not clear why nephrotic syndrome causes a hypercoagulable state , there have been many hypothesis for its mechanism , such as urinary loss of antithrombin iii , factor xii deficiency , protein c , and protein s deficiency , increased platelet aggregation , and increased hepatic production clotting factors.[1316 ] most authors report increased fibrinogen levels .
treatment of arterial thrombosis involves anticoagulation with either conventional heparin or low molecular weight heparin or warfarin .
prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with nephrotic syndrome and cerebral infarcts is unclear , and we did not give any prophylaxis in our patient .
treatment of nephrotic syndrome involves general measures such as treating hypertension , hyperlipidaemia , proteinuria with angiotensin inhibiters , and edema with salt restriction and diuretics .
specific treatment of nephrotic syndrome involves immunosuppression with either steroids and antimetabolites or biological agents . | pubmed |
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Walking Dead The Dead Have Risen
**A.N This is another story I started in my spare time. **
**Disclaimer - I only own people you don't recognise, Melanie, her mother. Everything else belongs to the creators of the awesome show, AMC.**
The zombies had no thoughts as they devoured the innocent deer. The meal itself wasn't filling enough for the two of them, but they were never satisfied. They always had to have the taste of fresh flesh on their decaying tongues.
Melanie grimaced at the sight, she didn't necessarily like watching them eat, but she knew she couldn't take her eyes off them, they could easily get the jump on her if she wasn't careful and alert to their position at all times. Her brothers, Daryl and Merle, were crouched next to her. Merle was smirking in glee, he positively loved killing 'walkers', which was the name the group had given them.. Daryl, armed with his trusty crossbow, aimed it at one of the wretched beasts, Merle aiming at the other with his small, but still equally effective crossbow, preparing to shoot.
Melanie was pleasantly surprised when they actually agreed for her to go along with them on one of their daily trips for food. Despite there being almost sixteen years between her and her youngest brother, and over twenty years between Melanie and Merle, they were still close, no matter how hard they were to get along with sometimes.
Melanie was the youngest, being only twenty years old. She had light brown hair, bordering on blonde, with dark brown almost black eyes. Daryl, the middle Dixon was almost thirty six years old, with medium length hair, the same shade as Melanie's and the same colour eyes too, which they regretfully received from their father. Merle, the oldest and most violent Dixon was forty five years old with head of hair that was nearly all grey (something that Melanie loved to tease him about, much to his dismay) and light blue eyes. He was the ony Dixon sibling to get their mothers eyes.
The zombie stopped suddenly, blood streaming out of its decaying mouth. Its teeth were rotted and chipped as if someone had whacked them with a hammer. The dead deer was almost all devoured, one of the zombies was still munching away on the carcass, a horrible sight, but that was what the world have terrifyingly come to. The apocalypse, who knew it would happen? Melanie sure had no clue, much like the rest of the world. She supposed that the only people who had a clue, where those paranoid people who had prepared for it years ago and were happily living even with the destroyed and decaying world all around them.
Melanie hated the sight of familiar places looking demolished and run down. Even her house was in a complete disarray, it was horrible to see. She had lived in that house with her mother since she was born. Her mother wasn't the mother of her brothers, no, Melanie's mother was forced into a relationship with the older and meaner Will Dixon when she was only twenty five, after his wife, Jolene, was mysteriously killed in a house fire before Melanie was even thought about.
Natasha Vinson was an aspiring writer, but her dreams were shattered into a million pieces when her father forced to "get to know" the awful man, due to a business proposition that he had with her father. Poor Natasha was caught in the middle of a massive business set up that didn't turn out too well. Will Dixon betrayed her father which caused Natasha to finally be able to leave him. Unfortunately she was already pregnant, but she made a deal with herself not to abort the baby, much to her father's chagrin and dismay. After her mother's horrific death, Melanie sought out her brothers, not her father as she later found out that he dies just months after her mother, leaving Merle to look after his baby brother.
'Merle?' she whispered seeing the zombie stumble to its feet.
Merle didn't grace her with a verbal answer, he just nodded, signalling that he'd heard her and aggressively pulled the trigger of the crossbow, hitting the staggering soulless corpse right in between the eyes, the arrow entering the front of its head and exiting the back in a spurt of its coagulating blood. Daryl shot the other swiftly after, not even allowing the zombified man to stand after witnessing the second death of its companion.
Merle hollered in glee as he watched, almost morbidly as the two carcasses fell beside the deer. Daryl was too busy reloading his cross bow to look at the kills him and his brother had just made. Melanie on the other hand was looking in the direction of their camp. She still couldn't believe that her brothers actually wanted to join another group; she would have thought they would have wanted it to just be the three of them. The group they had joined consisted of over twenty people, all struggling survivors in the new world that they all found themselves in. Shane Walsh was the unofficial leader and a major douche bag, always carrying around his massive automatic shotgun, thinking he was all big and tough. Lori, the woman he was sweet on was the head woman, due to the fact that she was sleeping with Shane, even though no one else knew. The Dixon clan weren't supposed to know, it wasn't their fault that they had come across them in the woods, but stayed back, not letting them know they were there. Which was for the best, they knew that if the two knew that they knew, Shane would have something to say about that. The whole group seemed to hate Melanie's brothers, they would talk to her but she wouldn't say she had many friends in the large group. Even though her brothers were the ones that caught the group food every day, they still had a mutual dislike for them. The only person seemed to talk to was Carol, a genuinely nice woman, with a daughter named Sophia, a sweet little girl and an abusive husband, Ed. Melanie loathed him with a passion. She also hated that none of the group seemed to do anything, especially Shane the "leader". She didn't know how he could call himself a leader, he did nothing for the group, Merle and Daryl did more than he did.
Armed with ten squirrells, the trio made their way back to camp, which was only about a half an hour walk from their current position. Merle took lead, closely followed by Lanie and Daryl. Even though she was twenty years old, she was still the baby of the family and always had to be with one of her overprotective brothers especially in the new harsh environment.
Chattering slowly began to get louder and louder as they made their way closer to the camp.
'Honey, I'm home!' shouted Merle sarcastically with a mean smirk, almost dancing to his tent. Lanie and her two brothers had separate tents, though small and cosy, sat next to each other.
Andrea, the pretty blonde scoffed and stood from her seat next to her sister, Amy who was a year older than Lanie, being twenty one years old. 'We were all hoping you wouldn't be back, Merle.' she snarled.
Merle gave a laugh, 'Well, blondie, I was 'opin' you wouldn' be 'ere 'anall.' With that he swaggered to his tent, dropping his portion of squirrels in the process.
Lanie and Daryl also walked to their tents, disposing of their squirrels. They got no appreciation for hunting them and that grated Lanie's nerves. Her brothers were the ones who put food on the metaphorical table, allowing them all to eat almost everyday.
Lanie couldn't help but overhear Shane's conversation with Lori and T-Dog, 'We need supplies, now. We barely have enough for another day.' Shane stressed, adjusting his shotgun over his shoulder. He always carried that thing around with him and nobody knew why.
'But, Shane, we can't risk the lives of the group.' Lori said.
Shane looked at her lovingly, 'Lori, I get what ya sayin', I do, but we need food and medicine.' he turned to face the rest of the group, 'Any volunteers?' he asked.
Lanie was surprised with how many people raised their hands. Glenn, Jacqui, Morales, Andrea and T-Dog… and Merle. What? He's goin'? Why? Lanie's thoughts were befuddled as she listen to her brother demand that he tag along.
'Dixon! Ya not goin'.' said Shane.
Merle looked at him and scoffed in disgust, 'An' who're ya to say otherwise?' he asked rhetorically.
'The man with the big-ass gun.' said Shane lifting up said gun as if to give more validation to his statement.
Merle gave a mocking laugh, 'Ya think a big gun'll scare me?' he said, turning without looking back, ending the conversation.
Shane childishly pulled faces behind his retreating back; he knew he'd just lost the argument and to be honest, it was a good plan to get rid of Merle-Freaking-Dixon once and for all.
Merle slowly, almost cautiously walked to his little sister who stood there looking at him with her hands placed firmly on her hips, ready to scold him; he suddenly felt like a child. He opened his mouth but was stopped Lanie's face.
'Merle, why're you goin'?' Ya crazy?' Lanie said, as soon as she got closer to him, away from the rest of the group.
Daryl looked up as he raised her voice but continued gutting the squirrels that they had gotten.
'Why, little sis, you worried abou' ol' Merle?' he asked cheekily even with the non too please expression on Lanie's face.
'I'm serious, Merle. Please don' go.' she implored, knowing full well that he'd go anyway, but she had to try.
Her oldest brother's face fell back to his unemotional mask; Lanie cringed, she was in for it. She closed her eyes tightly in fateful anticipation.
'Lil' Bit, I'm gunna be comin' back, I promise.' Merle said i the soft voice that he saved for Melanie to calm her down.
The light-haired girl immediately felt tears blossoming in her eyes but kept them at bay; Merle said tears were a sign of weakness, a rule he'd always stood by.
Merle took a step back, walked over to his younger brother, sat down and began to help him prepare the squirrels, which Daryl was almost finished with, 'Look, Imma' goin' on the run. Ya look after Lil' Bit, ya hear?'
Daryl glanced at his brother from over the sharp blade, as if Merle was seriously asking him something he did every waking moment.
'Ya know I will' he stated. 'Get goin' then. They're gunna leave with out ya.'
Merle turned, swore under his breath and jogged to the car, sparing one last glance at Lanie. He had a sinking feeling in his gut, deep down but he shrugged it off; maybe the squirrel was bad, he thought with a shake of his head, getting into the car.
Lanie stared after him, distraught and stormed off beyond the tree line.
Daryl shook his head; no one even attempted to go after her because of her temper, which she regretfully inherited from their father.
In the woods, Lanie's cheeks were red, a mixture between anger at Merle, and sadness, sadness she didn't know what had caused such a strong emotion.
Why would he leave me? And Daryl? He will come back, I just know it, she thought but she had an inkling feeling, deep in her stomach which she cast out rather quickly.
A twig snapped behind her and she cursed herself for not paying attention. She gripped the knife in her belt tightly, pulling out from the belt on her jeans. She swiftly turned, raising the knife above her head… and then lowered it again, 'Daryl! Jesus!'
Daryl gave her a look that said he was less than impressed with having a knife pointed his direction,though, he couldn't help but praise his sister internally; she really was getting the hang of using a knife. While Merle and Daryl had grown up around weapons and such, Lanie was completely new.
End file.
| fanfiction |
Why doesn't pressure affect the speed of sound in air? [duplicate]
**This question already has an answer here**:
[How does air pressure affect the speed of sound?](/questions/146193/how-does-air-pressure-affect-the-speed-of-sound)
(1 answer)
Closed last year.
I keep getting the answer "because density increases when pressure increases" but that doesn't really make sense to me since in denser materials - like water - sound travels faster. And if air molecules are closer together, wouldn't they interact more often. I thought it might have something to do with the elasticity of an object - i.e. sound travels rigid an object, like steel, much faster than and elastic medium, like rubber - but water is more elastic than air so that doesn't make sense either.
My understanding of physics is very basic so I may just not be able to understand this issue with my current knowledge, but if there is a simple answer it would be appreciated. Thank you.
The important thing when discussing the speed of a wave in a medium is the ratio of *something to do with elasticity* and *something to do with mass*.
Increasing the elasticity means that the restoring forces are larger and hence the accelerations are larger, hence the speed of the wave is larger whereas increasing the mass means the accelerations are smaller, hence the speed of the wave is smaller.
Now you have compared steel and air.
It might well be that the density of steel is greater than the density of air but that is outweighed by the greater difference in the elasticity of steel as compared with the elasticity of air.
(a) the general formula for the speed of sound in a gas or liquid is
$$v=\sqrt \frac {K\_s}{\rho}$$
$\rho$ is the density; $K\_s$ is the adiabatic bulk modulus, which is a measure of how hard it is to squash the fluid into a smaller volume.
• " in denser materials - like water - sound travels faster." Sound certainly does travel faster in water than in air. But water is much, much harder to squash than air. More precisely,
$$\frac {K\_s \text{for water}}{K\_s \text{for air}}>\frac {\rho \text{ for water}}{\rho \text{ for air}}$$
• "Why doesn't pressure affect the speed of sound in air? We can show that for air, $K\_s=1.4 p$ in which $p$ is the pressure. But we can also show that
$$\frac p{\rho}=\text{constant} \times T$$
The ratio of pressure to density, and therefore the speed of sound in air, depends just on the temperature. If you double the pressure you put on a sample of air (as long as you don't let its temperature change), you double its density and therefore leave the speed of sound unchanged.
Note that this applies to any *one* gas. It isn't the case that the ratio $p/\rho$ is the same for different gases even at the same temperature.
(b) There's a simple relationship that applies for diatomic gases like oxygen and nitrogen...
$$v=0.68\ c\_{rms}.$$
$v$ is the speed of sound and $c\_{rms}$ is the *root mean square speed* of the molecules, a sort of average speed of the molecules as they zip about randomly, colliding frequently with each other – whether or not sound is being propagated. The higher the temperature, the higher $c\_{rms}$ and therefore the higher $v$.
This doesn't contradict the formula in (a), indeed it is a consequence of it. But it does give a new insight into the way sound travels in a gas. A sound source, such as a vibrating loudspeaker cone, superimposes an extra velocities on molecules in contact with it. These extra velocities encode the sound. They are much smaller than the molecules' ordinary random speeds. When molecules collide with each other they pass on the extra velocities, and the speed at which the sound travels through the gas is, not surprisingly, quite close to the random speeds of the molecules.
| stackexchange/physics |
Why does my coffee creamer have titanium dioxide in it and is it safe?
From the [manufacturers website](http://sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/coconut-milk-creamers/creamer-french-vanilla) of a coconut french vanilla coffee creamer:
>
> Ingredients: ORGANIC COCONUT MILK (WATER, ORGANIC COCONUT CREAM), DRIED CANE SYRUP, NATURAL FLAVORS, **COLORED WITH TITANIUM DIOXIDE**, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, CARRAGEENAN, GUAR GUM.
>
>
>
My guess, from looking at the abstract of the report (which is behind a paywall), "[Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Food and Personal Care Products](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3288463/)" is that the the metal is simply used for the (white) coloring. Is this all it is used for?
From the paper abstract:
>
> ... human exposure analysis to $\ce{TiO2}$ through foods identified children as having the highest exposures because $\ce{TiO2}$ content of sweets is higher than other food products, and that a typical exposure for a US adult may be on the order of 1 mg Ti per kilogram body weight per day.
>
>
>
Is there any potential risk (toxicity) to consumption of $\ce{TiO2}$ at these levels?
$\ce{TiO2}$ is is the most widely used white pigment out there, and it is considered to be non toxic. You'll find it used as food coloring commonly in candies, but in this instance it's in your coconut sweetener. Aside from food, it's used as a primary pigment in paint (the more $\ce{TiO2}$ generally the higher the quality of paint, because it results in higher opacity), solar cells, toothpaste, and as you've mentioned, sunscreen.
The only health concerns I found were from inhalation
>
> Titanium dioxide dust, when inhaled, has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen, meaning it is possibly carcinogenic to humans. The findings of the IARC are based on the discovery that high concentrations of pigment-grade (powdered) and ultrafine titanium dioxide dust caused respiratory tract cancer in rats exposed by inhalation and intratracheal instillation. The series of biological events or steps that produce the rat lung cancers have also been seen in people working in dusty environments. Therefore, the observations of cancer in animals were considered, by IARC, as relevant to people doing jobs with exposures to titanium dioxide dust.
>
>
>
I just read an article\* which says that it depends on whether it contains nanoparticles or not. It seems to affect the microvilli:
>
> chronic exposure diminished the absorptive projections on the
> surface of intestinal cells called microvilli. With fewer microvilli,
> the intestinal barrier was weakened, metabolism slowed and some
> nutrients—iron, zinc, and fatty acids, specifically—were more
> difficult to absorb. Enzyme functions were negatively affected, while
> inflammation signals increased.
>
>
>
**Reference**
\*<https://phys.org/news/2017-02-food-additive-candy-gum-digestive.html>
| stackexchange/chemistry |
numerical simulations with fermions are notoriously difficult .
the reason is that the minus signs due to pauli statistics give rise to cancellation effects . in quantum field theories
the fermions are usually integrated out and the fermion determinant appears as a weight factor . even in cases where the fermion determinant is real and positive its numerical treatment is very costly
, since it essentially couples all degrees of freedom with each other and the individual contributions have changing signs .
finding alternative strategies for dealing with fermions would considerably improve the quality of numerical simulations .
such strategies could either be new algorithms ( see , e.g. , @xcite for a prominent example ) or a reformulation of the problem .
here we discuss the latter : in @xcite an alternative representation was given for a two - dimensional fermionic quantum field theory , the gross - neveu model .
the partition function was rewritten as a sum over closed loops where each contribution has a real positive weight .
this allows for a new approach to simulate the model which avoids dealing with the fermion determinant .
this paper presents the first test of the loop approach for the gross - neveu model in a numerical simulation , and we explore the prospects and limitations of using loop - type representations in a numerical simulation of a fermionic system .
our results demonstrate that the method is promising and it is worthwhile to pursue it in higher dimensions . in higher dimensions loop representations of quantum field theories
are known , but so far have exclusively been used in the strong coupling limit @xcite .
our study here , although 2-dimensional , is performed at arbitrary coupling .
we are currently exploring the generalization to higher dimensions and believe that for certain four - fermi interactions , representations similar to the one used here can be found and successfully applied in numerical simulations .
for gauge theories the situation is more complicated .
since gauge fields are oriented one has to use oriented loops dressed with the gauge links and complex phases appear .
this was seen in the schwinger model , where a loop representation exists @xcite , but a numerical simulation suffers from the fermion sign problem . upon going to the strong coupling limit , the sign problem disappears @xcite and a numerical simulation with loops again unleashes its power @xcite .
four - fermi interactions may be generated with a hubbard - stratonovich transformation using scalar fields .
these do not introduce complex phases and a loop representation without signs is possible .
we begin with discussing the gross - neveu model @xcite and its loop representation . in the continuum
the action of the gross - neveu model is given by @xmath0 with @xmath1 \ , \psi(x ) \ ; , \nonumber \\ s_s & = & \frac{1}{2 g } \int d^2 x \ , \varphi(x)^2 \ ; .\end{aligned}\ ] ] here @xmath2 and @xmath3 are grassmann valued vectors of @xmath4 flavors of 2-spinors and we use vector / matrix notation for both , spinor and flavor indices .
the euclidean partition function is defined by integrating over all fields , @xmath5 \ , ) \ ; . \label{partitionfunction}\ ] ] upon integrating out the scalar fields @xmath6 , the model turns into a purely fermionic theory with a four fermi interaction given by @xmath7 .
the gross - neveu model is well understood analytically ( see e.g. @xcite ) and has been analyzed on the lattice in various settings @xcite .
as it stands , the path integral ( [ partitionfunction ] ) is only formally defined and a cutoff needs to be introduced .
here we use lattice regularization , which replaces the euclidean space time @xmath8 by a finite regular lattice @xmath9 . the path integral ( [ partitionfunction ] ) is well defined when the measure is understood as the product over individual measures over the fields living on the lattice points .
the action is discretized using the wilson formulation such that it reads @xmath10 \ , \psi(x )
\bigg ) \ ; , \nonumber \\ s_s & = & \frac{1}{2 g } \sum_{x \in \lambda } \varphi(x)^2 \ ; . \label{latticeaction}\end{aligned}\ ] ] for the scalar field @xmath6 we use periodic boundary conditions for both directions , the fermions are periodic in the spatial direction and anti - periodic in time . using hopping expansion techniques
, the @xmath4-flavor lattice gross - neveu model ( [ latticeaction ] ) can be mapped into a model of 2@xmath4 sets of loops @xcite . for convenience
we will often refer to the loops in different sets as blue , red etc . loops . within each set
the loops are non - oriented , closed and self - avoiding . however ,
when loops belong to different sets , e.g. , a red and a blue loop , they may touch or cross each other .
the partition function of the lattice gross - neveu model is then a sum over all possible configurations of the loops in the 2@xmath4 sets .
each configuration has a positive weight computed from the loops .
although @xcite gives the partition function for arbitrary @xmath4 , we here only quote the one - flavor expression which we use in our simulation . for @xmath11
we need two sets of self - avoiding loops , red and blue , denoted by @xmath12 and @xmath13 .
the one - flavor partition function in the loop representation reads ( up to an overall normalization factor ) @xmath14 in this formula @xmath15 is the total number of corners for both red and blue loops .
thus every corner contributes a factor of @xmath16 to the weight of a configuration .
@xmath17 is the number of lattice sites which are singly occupied by either @xmath12 or @xmath13 and @xmath18 is the number of doubly occupied sites .
we remark that , since the loops in the two sets are self avoiding , double occupation can appear only when a red and a blue loop cross our run alongside each other .
the weight factors @xmath19 and @xmath20 are related to the mass @xmath21 and the coupling @xmath22 through @xmath23^{-1 } \ ; , \ ; f_2 \ ; = \ ; [ ( 2+m)^2 + g]^{-1 } \ ; . \label{f1f2}\ ] ] we stress that the mapping ( [ zloop ] ) , ( [ f1f2 ] ) is exact in the thermodynamic limit . for finite volume
different types of boundary conditions in the two representations lead to finite size effects : in the loop representation we need to have closed loops and in a finite volume the loops can wind around the compact lattice .
the loop configurations fall into three equivalence classes , @xmath24 , depending on the numbers of red and blue non - trivially winding loops ( see also @xcite ) : @xmath25 ( even - even ) : the total number of windings for both , red and blue loops is even for both directions . @xmath26
( even - odd ) : one of the colors has an odd number of windings for one of the directions .
@xmath27 ( odd - odd ) : both colors have an odd number of windings in one of the directions .
these equivalence classes can not be linked in a simple way to the boundary conditions in the standard representation which we discussed above . however , below we will demonstrate that the boundary effects vanish as @xmath28 , with @xmath29 denoting the volume .
the numerical simulation of the gross - neveu model now is performed directly in the loop representation ( [ zloop ] ) using a local metropolis update ( see e.g. @xcite ) .
we update the red and the blue loops alternately , by performing a full sweep through the lattice for one of the colors and treating the other one as a background field .
a sweep consists of visiting all plaquettes of the lattice . for each plaquette
we generate a trial configuration by inverting the occupation of the color we want to update for all the links in the plaquette .
this guarantees that all loops remain closed .
furthermore new loops may be generated when all links of the plaquette are empty .
when the trial configuration violates the self - avoiding condition it is rejected immediately and the algorithm tries the next plaquette . otherwise the trial configuration is accepted with the metropolis probability @xmath30 , where @xmath31 is the change in the number of corners and @xmath32 are the changes in the occupation numbers .
the initial configuration can either be the empty lattice ( for @xmath25 ) or has one or two winding loops ( @xmath26 and @xmath27 ) .
the observables we discuss here are all first and second derivatives of the free energy @xmath33 , and can be written as moments of the occupation numbers .
in particular for the chiral condensate and its susceptibility , which in the standard language are given by @xmath34 we quote the corresponding expressions in terms of occupation numbers and their fluctuations , @xmath35\ , \big\langle ( n_0 - \langle n_0 \rangle ) ^2 \big\rangle \nonumber \\ & & + \ ; [ f_2 ^ 2 - 2 f_1 ^ 2 f_2 ] \ , \big\langle ( n_1 - \langle n_1 \rangle ) ^2 \big\rangle \nonumber \\ & & + \ ; 2 f_1 ^ 2f_2 \ , \big \langle ( n_0 + n_1 - \langle n_0 + n_1 \rangle)^2 \big\rangle \nonumber \\ & & - \ ; [ 4f_1 ^ 4 - 2f_1 ^ 2 f_2 ] \langle n_0 \rangle - f_2 ^ 2 \ , \langle n_1
\rangle \big ) \ ; . \label{occobs}\end{aligned}\ ] ] here we have introduced @xmath36 , the total number of empty sites , i.e , sites visited by neither a red nor a blue loop .
equivalent formulas can be derived for the internal energy , the heat capacity as well as for derivatives of the free energy with respect to the coupling @xmath22 .
@xmath37-point functions may be treated as usually by introducing source fields and differentiating with respect to them .
this gives expressions involving correlators of _ local _ occupation numbers .
finally , the generalization of the above formulas to an arbitrary number of flavors is straightforward .
for @xmath38 as a function of @xmath21 for 2 different lattice sizes .
we compare the simulation in the loop representation ( symbols with error bars ) to the exact result from fourier transformation ( curves).,width=321 ] in this section we present some selected results which serve to illustrate the advantages of the loop approach , but also allow to assess its limitations . in order to compare with traditional methods
, we performed a reference simulation of the gross - neveu model using standard methods .
the fermions were integrated out giving rise to the fermion determinant in a background configuration of the scalar field @xmath6 .
these background configurations were computed according to the gaussian distribution of @xmath39 , and the determinant was used as a factor for reweighting .
this is possible , since the eigenvalues of the dirac matrix come in complex conjugate pairs , and the scalar field does not have topological modes which could give rise to zero eigenvalues .
thus the fermion determinant is always strictly positive .
we stress that the reweighting in the standard formulation works only in two dimensions due to the numerical cost of evaluating the determinant .
however , for our problem where the scalar fields are independent gaussians at each site , reweighting has the big advantage , that autocorrelation is avoided .
alternative strategies such as hybrid monte carlo , can not make use of that advantage .
another important conceptual point has to be addressed : for the free case , @xmath40 , the standard representation allows for an exact solution with the help of fourier transformation . in the loop formulation , however , the case @xmath38 is not special at all .
thus @xmath38 is the optimal point for testing the power of the loop approach to the limits because we have exact results on almost arbitrary large volumes , which we use to compare with the data of the loop simulation . since the weight factors @xmath19 and @xmath20 of eq .
( [ f1f2 ] ) are smooth functions of @xmath22 and @xmath21 it is reasonable to transfer the experience obtained with the loop approach at @xmath38 to nearby values of @xmath22 .
.,width=321 ] thus we begin our assessment of the loop approach at @xmath38 . in figs . 1 and 2 we compare the loop results in the @xmath25 sector ( symbols ) with those from fourier transformation ( curves ) .
we use two volumes for the comparison , a relatively small lattice of size @xmath41 and a considerably larger one , @xmath42 . for the simulation in the loop approach at each value of @xmath21 we typically performed @xmath43 sweeps of our local update for both colors for equilibration and used @xmath44 measurements of the observables separated by @xmath45 pairs of sweeps .
the observables were calculated using the occupation number representation ( [ occobs ] ) and the statistical error was computed with the jackknife method .
1 shows that already on the small lattice the data points are very close to the exact result .
the largest discrepancy is seen near @xmath46 , the chiral point where the fermions become massless . for the larger lattice
the data points fall exactly on top of the analytic result .
the situation is similar for the susceptibility in fig . 2 .
for the small lattice we find a clear finite size effect , a shift of the susceptibility curve . on the larger lattice
the agreement is almost perfect and only at the chiral point @xmath46 we still see a slight discrepancy .
we remark , that the decrease of the minimum of @xmath47 with increasing volume @xmath29 does not signal a phase transition ( at @xmath48 there is no discrete symmetry that could be broken spontaneously ) . the minima decrease only logarithmically with @xmath29 . for
@xmath38 it can be shown exactly that @xmath47 diverges logarithmically when removing the ir cutoff .
for @xmath49 we could fit the minimum of @xmath47 as obtained from the simulation very reliably with @xmath50 .
also the comparison with the results from the standard approach shows that the largest discrepancy is found near the chiral point , which , however , vanishes quickly with increasing volume . an important part of comparing the standard and the loop approach is to test how the different types of boundary effects scale with the volume and at what rate the perfect equivalence of the two representations is reached with increasing @xmath29 .
we assess this question directly in the loop approach : at a fixed point @xmath51 in parameter space we compute the chiral condensate @xmath52 for the three different equivalence classes @xmath24 introduced above .
this is repeated for several volumes @xmath29 and in fig .
3 we plot the discrepancy of the results as a function of @xmath53 .
the data shown in the plot are for @xmath54 and @xmath55 . in the plot @xmath56
denotes the discrepancy between the @xmath26 and @xmath25 results and @xmath57 is the splitting between @xmath27 and @xmath25 .
also a comparison of @xmath52 to the results from the standard approach with mixed boundary conditions shows a 1/@xmath53 behavior .
the splitting @xmath58 can be analyzed with the help of mean field theory .
one finds that it should behave as @xmath59 .
we performed a fit of our data to the form @xmath60 and found values of @xmath61 which are close to @xmath62 for all analyzed values of @xmath51 ( see also fig . 3 ) .
thus mean field arguments as well as our numerical findings indicate , that the finite volume effects scale as @xmath28 .
in this letter we have explored an alternative formulation for fermionic systems using the example of a 2-dimensional quantum field theory .
the representation in terms of fermion loops allows one to simulate the system without having to use fermion determinants .
an important aspect is that in the loop formulation used here we are not restricted to the case of strong coupling but can work at arbitrary @xmath22 . in this exploratory study
we simulate the model using a simple local update and compare the outcome to analytic results and the data from a simulation in the standard approach .
many observables can be expressed in terms of occupation numbers and their correlators .
we show that finite size effects decrease like @xmath28 and thus the thermodynamic limit , where the loop representation becomes exact is approached rapidly .
an important issue is of course the assessment of the gain in numerical efficiency when using the loop algorithm . already with the local algorithm used here a considerable increase of the accessible volumes
was found . using the same small cluster of pc s
the standard approach could be used on lattices with a maximum volume of @xmath63 , while in the loop formulation we were able to simulate systems up to @xmath64 , which is an increase of the volume by more than two orders of magnitude .
this enormous improvement is a strong incentive to search for loop representations also in higher dimensional fermion systems and for four - fermi interactions no principal obstacles seem to appear .
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a retrospective review was conducted of all patients who were diagnosed with csc at asan medical center in seoul , korea , from october 2010 through october 2012 .
the following inclusion criteria were used : ( 1 ) definite presence of subretinal fluid on spectral domain ( sd ) oct , ( 2 ) visual disturbance persisting 3 months , ( 3 ) evidence of diffuse and/or focal leaking on fluorescein angiography ( fa ) , ( 4 ) the use of ivb injection as a first - line treatment option for idiopathic csc , and ( 5 ) 6-month follow - up after the first intravitreal bevacizumab injection .
patients were excluded based on the presence of refractive errors < 4.0 diopters , presence of bilateral csc , choroidal neovascularization or other macular diseases that might affect vision , active intraocular inflammation and/or infection , or a history of any type of intraocular surgery ( including cataract surgery ) . patients with csc caused by systemic steroid use were also excluded .
the study was approved by the institutional review board of asan medical center and followed the tenets of the declaration of helsinki .
bevrs were defined as bevacizumab - responsive patients that had complete resolution of subretinal fluid on sd - oct after 3 ivb treatments .
bevnrs were defined as bevacizumab - nonresponsive patients if subretinal fluid did not completely resolve after a minimum of three ivb injections .
bevacizumab ( 1.25 mg , 0.05 ml ) was injected in csc eyes at 6-week intervals .
information about symptom duration , medical / medication history , and the total number of bevacizumab injections was obtained from the medical records of each study participant .
the primary objective of this study was to analyze differences in pretreatment sfcht between bevr and bevnr patients .
the secondary objectives of this study were to ( 1 ) determine changes in sfcht after administering ivb to each group , ( 2 ) determine differences in sfcht in the contralateral eye between bevr and bevnr patients , ( 3 ) determine the relationship between icga findings and bevacizumab responsiveness , and ( 4 ) determine the baseline characteristics of each group .
all patients received a complete bilateral ophthalmic examination , including pretreatment and posttreatment testing of best - corrected visual acuity ( bcva ) using the snellen eye chart .
all bcva results were converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution ( logmar ) scale .
all patients also underwent refractive error assessment , biomicroscopic examination , fundus examination , fundus photography , fa , and sd - oct .
heidelberg retina angiograph 2 ( heidelberg engineering , heidelberg , germany ) with a 30 field of view was used to assess fa and icga images .
heidelberg spectralis ( heidelberg engineering ) was used to obtain sd - oct images of the macula using a custom 25 25 volume acquisition protocol to obtain a set of high - speed scans from each eye . using this protocol ,
25 cross - sectional b - scan images were obtained , each of which was composed of 512 a - scans .
after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab , sd - oct was performed on the affected eye at each visit to the clinic .
sfcht was manually measured by two retina specialists ( dyk and sgj ) using calipers and heidelberg eye explorer software . for bevr ,
, sfcht was measured at the most recent follow - up examination or just before changes in treatment .
sfcht was vertically measured from the outer border of the retinal pigment epithelium to the inner border of the sclera ( fig .
1 ) . after the first operator ( dyk ) assessed the sfcht , the second operator ( sgj ) assessed the same parameter according to the same protocol without knowledge of the first operator 's results .
normal control data were obtained from 55 contra - lateral eyes of age - matched patients who had unilateral disease , such as idiopathic epiretinal membrane , macular hole , ocular trauma , or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment .
late - phase icga data obtained 10 to 15 minutes after dye injection was used to classify each eye according to the presence of hyperfluorescence or hypofluorescence . fig .
hyperfluorescence was defined as the presence of well - defined homogeneous spots with a higher than background fluorescence , whereas hypofluorescence was defined as no distinct fluorescence or slightly decreased fluorescence compared with background fluorescence .
the mann - whitney test was used to compare pretreatment sfcht , posttreatment sfcht , and sfcht in the contralateral eyes between the bevr and bevnr groups .
the fisher 's exact test was used to analyze the relationship between each group ( responsive or nonresponsive ) and icga findings .
clinical characteristics were compared between the bevnr and bevr groups by applying the mann - whitney test .
ibm spss ver . 21.0 ( ibm corp . , armonk , ny , usa ) was used to perform all analyses , and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant .
a retrospective review was conducted of all patients who were diagnosed with csc at asan medical center in seoul , korea , from october 2010 through october 2012 .
the following inclusion criteria were used : ( 1 ) definite presence of subretinal fluid on spectral domain ( sd ) oct , ( 2 ) visual disturbance persisting 3 months , ( 3 ) evidence of diffuse and/or focal leaking on fluorescein angiography ( fa ) , ( 4 ) the use of ivb injection as a first - line treatment option for idiopathic csc , and ( 5 ) 6-month follow - up after the first intravitreal bevacizumab injection .
patients were excluded based on the presence of refractive errors < 4.0 diopters , presence of bilateral csc , choroidal neovascularization or other macular diseases that might affect vision , active intraocular inflammation and/or infection , or a history of any type of intraocular surgery ( including cataract surgery ) . patients with csc caused by systemic steroid use were also excluded .
the study was approved by the institutional review board of asan medical center and followed the tenets of the declaration of helsinki .
bevrs were defined as bevacizumab - responsive patients that had complete resolution of subretinal fluid on sd - oct after 3 ivb treatments .
bevnrs were defined as bevacizumab - nonresponsive patients if subretinal fluid did not completely resolve after a minimum of three ivb injections .
bevacizumab ( 1.25 mg , 0.05 ml ) was injected in csc eyes at 6-week intervals .
information about symptom duration , medical / medication history , and the total number of bevacizumab injections was obtained from the medical records of each study participant .
the primary objective of this study was to analyze differences in pretreatment sfcht between bevr and bevnr patients .
the secondary objectives of this study were to ( 1 ) determine changes in sfcht after administering ivb to each group , ( 2 ) determine differences in sfcht in the contralateral eye between bevr and bevnr patients , ( 3 ) determine the relationship between icga findings and bevacizumab responsiveness , and ( 4 ) determine the baseline characteristics of each group .
all patients received a complete bilateral ophthalmic examination , including pretreatment and posttreatment testing of best - corrected visual acuity ( bcva ) using the snellen eye chart .
all bcva results were converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution ( logmar ) scale .
all patients also underwent refractive error assessment , biomicroscopic examination , fundus examination , fundus photography , fa , and sd - oct .
heidelberg retina angiograph 2 ( heidelberg engineering , heidelberg , germany ) with a 30 field of view was used to assess fa and icga images .
heidelberg spectralis ( heidelberg engineering ) was used to obtain sd - oct images of the macula using a custom 25 25 volume acquisition protocol to obtain a set of high - speed scans from each eye . using this protocol ,
25 cross - sectional b - scan images were obtained , each of which was composed of 512 a - scans .
after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab , sd - oct was performed on the affected eye at each visit to the clinic .
sfcht was manually measured by two retina specialists ( dyk and sgj ) using calipers and heidelberg eye explorer software . for bevr ,
for bevnr , sfcht was measured at the most recent follow - up examination or just before changes in treatment .
sfcht was vertically measured from the outer border of the retinal pigment epithelium to the inner border of the sclera ( fig .
1 ) . after the first operator ( dyk ) assessed the sfcht , the second operator ( sgj ) assessed the same parameter according to the same protocol without knowledge of the first operator 's results .
normal control data were obtained from 55 contra - lateral eyes of age - matched patients who had unilateral disease , such as idiopathic epiretinal membrane , macular hole , ocular trauma , or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment .
late - phase icga data obtained 10 to 15 minutes after dye injection was used to classify each eye according to the presence of hyperfluorescence or hypofluorescence .
hyperfluorescence was defined as the presence of well - defined homogeneous spots with a higher than background fluorescence , whereas hypofluorescence was defined as no distinct fluorescence or slightly decreased fluorescence compared with background fluorescence .
the mann - whitney test was used to compare pretreatment sfcht , posttreatment sfcht , and sfcht in the contralateral eyes between the bevr and bevnr groups .
the fisher 's exact test was used to analyze the relationship between each group ( responsive or nonresponsive ) and icga findings .
clinical characteristics were compared between the bevnr and bevr groups by applying the mann - whitney test .
, armonk , ny , usa ) was used to perform all analyses , and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant .
thirty patients ( n = 30 affected eyes ) satisfied the inclusion criteria for the current study among patients who were diagnosed with csc at the asan medical center between october 2010 through october 2012 . among the 30 included patients , 20 patients
/ eyes were further classified as bevrs and assigned to the bevr group ; 10 patients / eyes were classified as bevnrs and assigned to the bevnr group .
the difference between the mean pretreatment and posttreatment sfcht values ( delta sfcht ) is also shown for each group .
furthermore , the extent of subfoveal choroidal thinning after ivb injection was significantly greater in the bevr than in the bevnr group ( delta sfcht , 63.25 44.53 vs. -3.10 37.71 m , p < 0.001 ) .
3 shows the pretreatment and posttreatment sfcht values , and sfcht values in the unaffected contralateral eye , and sfcht in the healthy controls .
the mean sfcht of the bevr group was significantly reduced from 441.25 88.09 to 378.00 79.04 m after ivb injection ( p < 0.001 ) .
however , the mean sfcht value of the bevnr group was not significantly altered ( pretreatment , 364.10 61.97 m ; posttreatment , 367.20 53.45 m ; p= 0.838 ) .
moreover , the pretreatment sfcht values of the unaffected contralateral eyes in the bevnr group were significantly smaller compared with the unaffected contralateral eyes in the bevr group ( bevnr , 313.50 62.94 m ; bevr , 403.72 90.96 m ; p= 0.019 ) .
compared with sfcht of the healthy control ( 281.93 53.91 m ) , sfcht of the unaffected contralateral eye was significantly higher in the bevrs ( 403.39 90.96 m , p < 0.001 ) , but not in the bevnrs ( 319.75 65.98 m , p= 0.069 ) .
the relationship between bevacizumab responsiveness and late - phase icga is illustrated in table 2 .
the bevnr group demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between late - phase icga hypofluorescence and a lack of ivb injection responsiveness ( fisher 's exact test , 33.3% in bevnr vs. 0.0% bevr ; p= 0.049 ) .
the symptom duration was not significantly different between bevr and bevnr ( bevnr , 8.30 5.3 months ; bevr , 7.00 4.14 months ; p= 0.114 ) .
age , refractive error , and follow - up duration were not significantly different between groups .
there was no significant correlation between symptom duration and pretreatment logmar bcva according to the pearson correlation analysis ( p= 0.474 ) .
the total injection number was significantly greater in the bevnr than in the bevr group ( bevnr , 4.80 1.03 ; bevr , 2.22 0.89 ; p < 0.001 ) . in the bevr group ,
20 patients ( 100.0% ) achieved complete resolution of subretinal fluid following 3 ivb injections . in the bevnr group ,
the subretinal fluid was unchanged in 9 eyes , and increased in 1 eye , after three ivb injections .
among the 30 included patients , 20 patients / eyes were further classified as bevrs and assigned to the bevr group ; 10 patients / eyes were classified as bevnrs and assigned to the bevnr group .
the difference between the mean pretreatment and posttreatment sfcht values ( delta sfcht ) is also shown for each group .
furthermore , the extent of subfoveal choroidal thinning after ivb injection was significantly greater in the bevr than in the bevnr group ( delta sfcht , 63.25 44.53 vs. -3.10 37.71 m , p < 0.001 ) .
3 shows the pretreatment and posttreatment sfcht values , and sfcht values in the unaffected contralateral eye , and sfcht in the healthy controls .
the mean sfcht of the bevr group was significantly reduced from 441.25 88.09 to 378.00 79.04 m after ivb injection ( p < 0.001 ) . however , the mean sfcht value of the bevnr group was not significantly altered ( pretreatment , 364.10 61.97 m ; posttreatment , 367.20 53.45 m ; p= 0.838 ) .
moreover , the pretreatment sfcht values of the unaffected contralateral eyes in the bevnr group were significantly smaller compared with the unaffected contralateral eyes in the bevr group ( bevnr , 313.50 62.94 m ; bevr , 403.72 90.96 m ; p= 0.019 ) . compared with sfcht of the healthy control ( 281.93 53.91 m ) , sfcht of the unaffected contralateral eye was significantly higher in the bevrs ( 403.39 90.96 m , p < 0.001 ) , but not in the bevnrs ( 319.75 65.98 m , p= 0.069 ) .
the relationship between bevacizumab responsiveness and late - phase icga is illustrated in table 2 .
the bevnr group demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between late - phase icga hypofluorescence and a lack of ivb injection responsiveness ( fisher 's exact test , 33.3% in bevnr vs. 0.0% bevr ; p= 0.049 ) .
the symptom duration was not significantly different between bevr and bevnr ( bevnr , 8.30 5.3 months ; bevr , 7.00 4.14 months ; p= 0.114 ) .
age , refractive error , and follow - up duration were not significantly different between groups .
there was no significant correlation between symptom duration and pretreatment logmar bcva according to the pearson correlation analysis ( p= 0.474 ) .
the total injection number was significantly greater in the bevnr than in the bevr group ( bevnr , 4.80 1.03 ; bevr , 2.22 0.89 ; p < 0.001 ) . in the bevr group ,
20 patients ( 100.0% ) achieved complete resolution of subretinal fluid following 3 ivb injections . in the bevnr group ,
the subretinal fluid was unchanged in 9 eyes , and increased in 1 eye , after three ivb injections .
while ivb injection is an important therapeutic option for managing chronic csc , not all cases of chronic csc patients respond to ivb administration . in the current study
, edi - oct and icga analysis determined that ( 1 ) the thickening of the subfoveal choroidal layer was less prominent in bevnr - csc eyes in comparison with bevr - csc eyes at baseline , ( 2 ) sfcht reduction after ivb injection was significantly greater in bevrs than bevnrs , ( 3 ) bevnr eyes demonstrated a higher rate of hypof luorescence on late - phase icga , and ( 4 ) sfcht in the unaffected contralateral eye was higher in comparison with healthy controls , but was significantly thicker only in bevrs .
sfcht thickening in csc eyes has already been reported , but there are a limited number of studies on treatment response according to the amount of sfcht thickening in csc eyes .
the current study found that compared with csc eyes that responded well to ivb , non - responding eyes had significantly thinner sfcht at baseline .
the study also found that among csc eyes with increased sfcht , csc eyes with relatively smaller increases in sfcht demonstrated poor ivb response . considering the relatively thin sfcht of the unaffected contralateral eyes in the bevnr group
classically , barrier function defect in the retinal pigment epithelium is considered to be the main pathogenesis mechanism in csc eyes .
however , advances in icga indicate that abnormal choroidal vasculature might be the primary pathogenic cause of csc .
if the abnormal choroidal vasculature is the main pathogenic mechanism of csc eyes , the role of vegf might be emphasized and provide legitimacy of the anti - vegf therapy to csc eyes .
the present study found that responding eyes exhibited significantly thicker sfcht at baseline and a higher rate of hyperfluorescence on late - phase icga .
these results are consistent with jirarattanasopa et al . on the association between choroidal thickness and choroidal vascular hyperpermeability on icga .
furthermore , inoue et al . reported that the eyes of chronic csc patients without intense hyperfluorescence demonstrate inadequate response to photodynamic therapy .
although the treatment modalities differ between studies , the major finding that treatment nonresponders demonstrate hypof luorescence on late - phase icga was common to both studies . this study analyzed the total number of ivb injections per patient .
the total number of injections was significantly greater in bevnr than bevr patients ( bevr , 2.22 0.89 ; bevnr , 4.80 1.03 ; p < 0.001 ) .
because intravitreal injections inevitably lead to serious complications , such as endophthalmitis and retinal detachment , clinicians have sought guidelines that reduce and/or prevent ineffective drug administration .
our findings demonstrate that the basic characteristics of bevnr patients include : decreased sfcht , hypofluorescence on late - phase icga , and low pretreatment bcva .
therefore , by considering these characteristics in bevnrs , we could predict whether individual csc eyes will respond to ivb treatment .
choroidal thickness is potentially affected by age , axial length , refractive error , and diurnal variation . in our current analysis ,
age was not significantly different between the study groups . because of the retrospective design of our present study , axial length was not available for each patient
diurnal variation in choroidal thickness was reported previously by usui et al . and tan et al .
these authors reported that choroidal thickness is greatest in the morning and progressively decreases throughout the day . in our current analyses
, edi - oct images were obtained at an undesignated time ; therefore , diurnal variation could not be taken into account .
however , according to previous studies , the diurnal variation of choroidal thickness is 20 to 30 m . these relatively small amounts of diurnal variation would not have changed the difference in sfcht between bevnrs and bevrs .
it is possible that some bevr patients experienced spontaneous improvement or resolution that coincided with ivb treatment .
however , we minimized this possibility by excluding patients with symptom duration that was <3 months .
future studies that examine a larger number of patients and include an untreated control group may be able to define the baseline characteristics of bevnrs . in conclusion ,
the basic clinical characteristics of chronic csc patients who are unresponsive to ivb treatment include low pretreatment bcva , relatively thin sfcht , and hypofluorescence on late - phase icga .
based on the results of this study , we recommend ivb injection as the first - line therapy for chronic csc eyes with relatively thick sfcht and hyperfluorescence on late - phase icga , but not chronic csc eyes with reduced sfcht and hypofluorescence on late - phase icga . | pubmed |
Rocketman
by
Lee Hall
(Based on, the life of Elton John)
April 2014
Rocket Pictures
1 Blythe RoadLondonW14 0HG
+44 207 603 9530INT. CORRIDOR, HOSPITAL. DAY.
A voice disrupts the torpor of a few vacant patients in
endless institutional corridor.
VOICE (ELTON)
Out of my fucking way!
It is ELTON JOHN in a sequinned cat suit, a halo of coloured feathers and enormous stained-glass spectacles looking like shit.
INT. THERAPY ROOM. THE SAME.
ELTON, sweating profusely, in a circle of addicts.
NURSE
OK, guys. Shall we begin?
The NURSE turns to ELTON. Everybody stares. ELTON is clearly uncomfortable at going first.
ELTON
My name is Elton John.And I am an alcoholic.And a cocaine addict.And a sex addict.And a bulimic.And I have problems with marijuana, hashish, anger management and shopping.
The group look at ELTON incredulously. ELTON blinks nervously behind his enormous glasses. An awkward silence. Then an OLD LADY speaks:
OLD LADY
Honey, what did you say your name was?
Cue: The frantic piano break from
Pinball Wizard.
EXT. STREET, PINNER. DAY.
Endless uniform houses. A tiny child, Reggie, is pedalling down the middle of the street making the noises of a spacecraft taking off. He turns into the drive way of a drab house. His Mum shouts:
SHEILA (O.C.)
Reggie! Reggie!INT. BACK ROOM, REGGIE’S HOUSE. THE SAME.
An archetypal suburban scene. GRANDMA is in the kitchen
cooking. A depressed budgie lolls in its cage. A photo of Dad is on the top of the piano in RAF uniform. Mum is attacking the carpet with a mechanical sweeper. Reggie is following her around.
REGGIE
Mum. When is Dad coming home?
SHEILA
We don’t know dear. It could be any day now.
REGGIE
Are you sure I’ve actually met him?
SHEILA
Of course you’ve met him. You were just too young to remember.
REGGIE
But you’ll send him up if I’m in bed?
SHEILA
For godsake, Reggie, can’t you give me five minutes peace and quiet.
She picks REGGIE up and pops him on the PIANO STOOL. REGGIE’S ears perk up as the radio plays :
The Skater’s Waltz. As
REGGIE sways to the music he looks at the piano keyboard. As it lilts on in the background REGGIE tries a note - remarkably it is in tune. REGGIE plays the note again and adds two more. Again they are exactly in tune. He looks around. No one pays any attention:
REGGIE tries again and this time plays a whole section of
melody and ends with a low note with his left hand. Bong!!! Suddenly the world seems to stop. The budgie stares frozen on its perch, boggle eyed. His Grandma, IVY rushes in from the kitchen.
IVY
Reggie!? Was that you?
MUM has not noticed. She turns round to see what all the fuss is about.
REGGIE
Did I do something wrong?2.INT. REGGIE’S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
REGGIE is in bed, humming the Skater’s Waltz. We see a
picture of his father in army uniform with a gleaming
trumpet. IVY comes in, gives him a cake and kisses him.
GRANDMA
Night, night, love.
INT. BACK ROOM. NIGHT.
Late night. Sheila sits knitting with GRANDMA in front of
the fire. Suddenly, the doorbell rings.
INT. LANDING. THE SAME.
We see Elton rush out of his room and listen whilst Sheila
opens the door.
INT/EXT. FRONT DOOR. THE SAME.
Sheila opens the door. There is STANLEY, Reggie’s Dad,
dressed immaculately in his RAF uniform.
STANLEY
Do you want to buy an encyclopedia?
She kisses him. He comes in and puts his kit bag down.
STANLEY (CONT’D)
You’ve put on a bit of weight love.
We see Sheila’s disappointment.
SHEILA
Come in. Reggie’s just gone to bed.
She heads for the stairs.
STANLEY
I’ll see him in the morning. Put the kettle on, luv. I’m parched.
INT. LANDING UPSTAIRS. THE SAME.
In the shadows Reggie is standing in his pyjamas, sad and
disappointed.
INT. BACKROOM, REGGIE’S HOUSE. DAY.
STANLEY, Sheila, GRANDAD, and REGGIE sit at the table expectantly. STANLEY looks very stiff and formal. GRANDMA puts a roast chicken on the table. REGGIE smiles with glee. 3.STANLEY
Hands off the table.
This doesn’t register with Reggie who is still overawed by
the prospect of the chicken and a complete family.
STANLEY (CONT’D)
I said: “Hand’s off the table.”
Reggie withdraws his hands - the smile wiped off his face.
STANLEY (CONT'D)
And sit up whilst your having your meal, Reginald.
STANLEY proceeds to carve the bird, in silence. All the fun has been sucked out of the ocassion. REGGIE is served last with a very small amount of chicken. They eat in silence. GRANDMA sneaks REGGIE a piece of her chicken and winks at him.
INT. BACKROOM, REGGIE’S HOUSE. DAY.
REGGIE watches in awe as STANLEY carefully puts on one of his jazz records. They listen in silence.
REGGIE
Dad, is it true you can play the trumpet?
STANLEY
Reginald. I am listening to my records.
As STANLEY listens to the record Reggie, unseen by STANLEY, REGGIE goes under the sideboard and gets the trumpet from its case and proudly presents it to his Dad.
REGGIE
Please, Dad, will you play me a tune?
He leaps up snatching the trumpet from Reggie.
STANLEY
Who said you could touch that?Never. Ever. Touch anything of mine without asking.
Stanley snatches back the trumpet and wipes clean REGGIE’s finger prints then notices Reggie is looking up at him, tears in his eyes. They stare at each other. Stanley doesn’t really know what to do.
REGGIE
When you are going to hug me, Dad?
STANLEY stands frozen. Reggie turns and runs away. 4.EXT. REGGIE’S HOUSE. DAY.
REGGIE is crying. IVY arrives with a plate of fairy cakes. She sits
down and lights a cigarette. REGGIE takes a cake.
REGGIE
Why does he hate me Grandma?
IVY
He doesn’t hate you, he doesn’t know how to love people properly. It’s not something everybody knows how to do.
REGGIE
I wish I was somebody else.
IVY
How can you be somebody else? You haven’t even learnt to be yourself yet.
REGGIE
What do you mean?
EXT. PINNER HILL ROAD. DAY
REGGIE and IVY march along past privet hedge after privet hedge. They stop at a nondescript house. GRANDMA takes a coin from her pocket, gives it to REGGIE and wink. Reggie walks up the garden path.
INT. MUSIC TEACHER’S HOUSE. DAY.
REGGIE seated at the piano. He is too small to reach the pedals and his legs dangle over the edge of the stool. A little girl of Reggie’s age peeps through the doorway as the PIANO TEACHER sips a cup of tea.
PIANO TEACHER
Leave us alone, Susie.
EXT. MUSIC TEACHER’S HOUSE. DAY.
As Reggie is leaving he sees Susie in the garden.
SUSIE
Hi.
REGGIE
Hi. 5.INT. REGGIE’S HOUSE, PINNER HILL ROAD. DAY.
Reggie practising the melody line from the Warsaw Concerto.
Bum note after bum note. STANLEY, trying to read his paper, gets more and more irritated by REGGIE’s mistakes until he can take no more gets up and goes out to another room. REGGIE looks up as the door slams shut.
INT. CORRIDOR, REGGIE’S HOUSE. NIGHT.
STANLEY, in his pyjamas, walks past REGGIE’s room. He hears a murmuring sound and stops in his tracks. He peers through the crack in the door, and sees REGGIE with an expression of extreme concentration moving his hands vigorously beneath his blanket as he moans ecstatically. Dad throws open the door.
STANLEY
What the hell are you doing in there?
REGGIE
Nothing, Dad.
STANLEY
Keep your hands outside the blanket. And get to sleep.
INT. REGGIE’S BEDROOM. THE SAME.
The door closes, leaving the frightened REG alone. After a moment, REGGIE carries on quietly, we pan down to see his hands, he is miming playing the piano as he hums the Warsaw Concerto. As he becomes more and more animated the sound of a real piano accompanies his miming.
Then REGGIE stands on the bed - literally rising to the theme
he points like a conductor to bring in a string section. Miraculously we hear a string section join in - as REGGIE
plays, like the Sorcerer’s Apprentice he summons up more and more instruments to accompany him. Soon the sound of a whole orchestra is accompanying Reggie. Then Suddenly the door opens. REGGIE stops in his tracks, looking up, terrified that it is his father. But it is OK - it’s GRANDMA. She has a cake.
GRANDMA
Just in case you get hungry, lover.
She kisses him and goes out as if nothing was out of the ordinary. AS SHE LEAVES WE SEE THE ROOM IS PACKED FULL WITH A REAL LIFE ORCHESTRA IMPLAUSIBLY SQUASHED TOGETHER. FLAUTISTS ON TOP OF THE WARDROBE, A DOUBLE BASSIST BEHIND THE DOOR. THEY WAIT IN SILENCE UNTIL SHE GOES. REGGIE TAKES A BITE OF THE CAKE then raises his hands to start the orchestra again, as we cut to: 6.INT. PIANO TEACHER’S HOUSE. DAY.
REGGIE playing the Warsaw Concerto effortlessly for real. He
finishes the piece with a flourish. The little girl, Susie, is now somewhat bigger and applauds dotingly from the door. The piano teacher turns round to her.
PIANO TEACHER
You are supposed to be upstairs.
SUSIE smiles at REGGIE and then disappears. REGGIE looks up at the TEACHER.
PIANO TEACHER (CONT'D)
I know this is going to sound a bit weird but I think there’s something you should really consider....
INT. KITCHEN, REGGIE’S HOUSE. DAY.
Mum ironing.
MUM
The Royal Academy of Music!?
She burns a hole in a shirt with the shock of it all.
INT. BACK ROOM. THE SAME.
Dad listening to his records.
DAD
Is this your idea of a joke, Reginald?
REGGIE
It’s only on a Saturday.
INT. ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC. THE SAME.
Little Reggie dwarfed by the dusty surroundings. Ivy stands next to him in the doorway. A bearded student pushes past them with a double bass in a case. The place is swarming with duffle coated students. REGGIE looks around, awed and bewildered.
GRANDMA
Listen to me. You go in there and become who you want to be. You don’t want to be stuck in Pinner all your life..
REGGIE
What’s wrong with Pinner? 7.GRANDMA
Trust me, Reggie. People will like
you when they hear you play the piano.
GRANDMA gives him some change.
GRANDMA (CONT'D)
Bus fare home.
Reggie’s ears prick up as he hears the sound of a piano starting a tune.
INT. PRACTICE ROOM, ROYAL ACADEMY. THE SAME.
Reggie wanders into the room transfixed by the music. HELEN PIENA is playing a piece by Mozart unaware that he is there. Suddenly she sees him and stops.
REGGIE
Sorry.
HELEN PIENA
Ah. You must be Reginald. Please, sit down. Did you bring something to play for me?
REGGIE
I didn’t know I had to.
HELEN PIENA
Is there something you could play me so I can get a sense of where you are up to?
REGGIE
Well what about the one you were doing when I came in.
HELEN PIENA
Mozart’s Fifth Piano Concerto in C?!
He sits down, prepares, then plays the opening chord. One note is out. He blushes. He plays it again, this time correctly, then plays the Mozart piece note perfect suddenly stopping mid-phrase exactly where she left off.
HELEN PIENA (CONT’D)
Go on.
REGGIE
I can’t. That’s as far as you got up to.
HELEN looks amazed that REGGIE has played it by ear. Then he beams a very cheeky smile, but HELEN does not smile back.8.HELEN PIENA
You might have a very good memory,
Reginald, but we have an awful lot of work to do. Sit up. Hands. Now start again.
His smile drops as he realises this is going to be hard work. Helen smiles as she realises she has a real talent on her hands.
EXT. OXFORD STREET. THE SAME.
REGGIE stands at a bus stop next to a TV store. He stares at the televisions, suddenly his eye is caught by a figure playing a guitar. A small crowd has gathered to watch the singer on the TV in the shop window. Reggie stands looking at Elvis shaking his hips. Reggie cannot believe his eyes. The song finishes. Reggie is open mouthed.
REGGIE
Who is that?
REGGIE looks up and a TEDDY BOY is standing next to him.
TEDDY BOY
Elvis Presley, innit.
REGGIE
He’s amazing.
WOMAN
He should be banned.
The TEDDY BOY winks at REGGIE and saunters off down the street.
INT. BACKROOM, REGGIE’S HOUSE. DAY.
Same old scene: GRANDMA cooking in the kitchen, Sheila dusting. Reggie comes in. With great reverence he puts a record on the turntable. The record falls onto the turntable and the needle hits the groove: “Mystery Train” by Elvis Presley. The china on the shelves rattles. STANLEY and Sheila rush in to see what’s going on.
SHEILA
What the hell is this?
REGGIE
(enthusiastically)
It’s rock and roll, Mum.
Dad gets up and takes it off the turntable.
STANLEY
Where did you get this? 9.REGGIE
I bought it. With my pocket money.
STANLEY
I’m not having this rubbish in my
house.
REGGIE
Its not rubbish. It’s musical.
STANLEY
George Shearing’s musical. Glen Miller’s musical. This is just bloody noise.
REGGIE
Give me it back, Dad.
REGGIE tries to grab the record but STANLEY smashes it into the bin and storms off followed by Sheila remonstrating with him. REGGIE gets the record out of the bin, it has broken in half.
IVY
Actually, I quite liked it.
She comes up to him, wipes the flour from her hands and dips into her apron. She pulls out a few coins.
GRANDMA
There you are, son. Get yourself a new one. But for godsake play it when he’s out.
Cue: CROCODILE ROCK...
EXT. PINNER HIGH STREET. DAY.
Little Reggie walks up to a Barber’s Shop with a red and white pole. He looks up and goes in. “La, la, la, la, la...”
CUT T
Reggie comes out with a D.A. Hairstyle. “La, la, la, la, la, la,la...” A group of kids look at him.
KID
Fatso.
EXT. STREET IN PINNER. DAY.
The intro to Crocodile Rock continues as Reggie and Susie walk to school. 10.SUSIE
Is it true when you grow up you’re
going to be a concert pianist?
REGGIE
I think I’d rather be a pop star adored by millions of people, actually.
SUSIE
Like Perry Como? My Mum says you were born to be a concert pianist.
REGGIE
But I don’t want to be what I was born as. I’d rather be something else. What would you be if you had the chance?
SUSIE
Your girlfriend. I’ll promise not to kiss you.
REGGIE
OK, then.
REGGIE turns to the camera and sings:
REGGIE (CONT’D)
I remember when rock was young/ Me and Suzie had so much fun...
EXT. TOP OF A DOUBLE DECKER BUS. DAY.
REGGIE and SUSIE holding hands as they look out of the bus - possibly at the Houses of Parliament:
REGGIE
Holding hands. And playing in the sun.
REGGIE drags SUSIE and they run down the stairs of the bus.
EXT. TRAFALGAR SQUARE. THE SAME.
REGGIE is playing a grand piano by the fountain.
REGGIE
We were hopping and boppin’/ till the day was done. But the biggest kick I ever got -Was doing the thing called the crocodile rock/ while the other kids were rocking round the clock/ I was hopping and bopping to the Crocodile Rock..11.EXT. PRIMROSE HILL. THE SAME.
REGGIE and SUSIE at the top of Primrose Hill. It’s a sunny
day. People are picnicking in the sun. REGGIE sings to camera:
REGGIE
(singing)
Well, crocodile rocking is something shocking and your feet just can’t keep still...
Suddenly everyone jumps up to join in a massive choreographed dance. It’s a technicolour ‘Summer Holiday’ London:
REGGIE (CONT’D)
I never knew me a better time and I guess I never will. But oh lordy mama on Friday night when Susie wore her dresses tight/ Oh man, it was out of sight.
THE CROWD
La..la..la..la..la...Laa...etc
As everyone dances and sings, REGGIE grabs SUSIE’s hand and they run down the hill. REGGIE breaks away as he sings the “la,la,la” chorus SUSIE chases after him. Then suddenly REGGIE stops dead. The music stops with him. In front of him is a middle aged couple holding hands. Susie races up behind him, slowing down as she sees what he sees. It is Sheila and another man. Sheila turns round and sees Reggie staring.
SHEILA
Reggie!
REGGIE
Mum!?
SHEILA
Oh Reggie.
The man (FRED) breaks the embarrassment by wiping his hand and presenting it to the stunned Reggie.
FRED
Sorry. I’m Fred. Pleased to meet you, son. I’ve heard a lot about you.
INT. REGGIE’S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Crocodile Rock plays in ironic contrast to the traumatic dumbshow of Sheila and Stanley arguing. REGGIE is crouched terrified in the corner as we see Sheila delivering the bad news, STANLEY shouting. Sheila is weeping on the settee as STANLEY storms out of the room and goes upstairs. 12.Reggie is singing the “la la la” chorus to drown out the
noise of the argument.
Stanley storms out of the house. Reggie runs after him.
EXT. REGGIE’S HOUSE. THE SAME.
The ambient noise of the street brings us back to reality.
Stanley storms off. REGGIE runs after him:
REGGIE
Dad... wait...
Stanley stops and turns.
STANLEY
I wish you’d never been born.
Reggie stops dead, Dad carries on down the street. We see the hurt on REGGIE’s face. CROCODILE ROCK COMES TO A CLOSE.
INT. REGGIE’S HOUSE. THE SAME.
Reggie is in his room, miserable. Fred comes in with two cups of tea and two of Ivy’s cakes. He sits on the end of Reggie’s bed.
FRED
So what’s all this about you wanting to be a musician?
INT. NORTHFIELD’S HOTEL. DAY.
A run down hotel bar. It has seen better days. A seedy BARMAN coughs into a glass he is cleaning. FRED appears at the bar.
BARMAN
Can I help you?
FRED
Yes. I understand you have music on of a Friday.
BARMAN
Yes, very popular. Book the acts myself.
There’s a poster for the Russ Goodbody Trio in the window.
FRED
Well, I wondered if you’d be interested in the greatest musical talent ever to come out of Pinner. Rock and Roll. Country and Western. You name it. 13.BARMAN
How much?
FRED
I dunno. A pound?
BARMAN
Ten shillings and the first pint’s
on the house.
FRED
But he doesn’t drink. Do you, Reg?
Fred looks down at Reggie who has been obscured by the bar. The Barman looks down in horror.
BARMAN
Who? Billy Bunter?!
FRED
Alright, five shillings and a lemonade.
EXT. NORTHFIELD’S HOTEL. NIGHT.
A home-made sign in the window says: “tonite: Reginald Dwight and an all meat raffle.”
INT. NORTHFIELD’S HOTEL. THE SAME.
It is a noisy, smoky Friday night in the local boozer. Sheila, IVY and FRED are done up. REGGIE is wearing a blazer and tie with his quiff slicked down, looking decidedly nervous. He walks onto the little stage and sits at the piano. The microphone is too high so he lowers it. IVY winks at Reggie and puts her thumb up encouragingly. There is instant feedback through the microphone. This gets everybody’s attention.
REGGIE
Hello.
No one is impressed and they go back to their drinking.
REGGIE (CONT’D)
This first tune was made famous by an artist I have a great deal of respect for. Mr Marty Robbins.
No one takes any notice. REGGIE starts his intro underneath the clatter of beer glasses and chattering. REGGIE looks despondent. FRED signals his encouragement. But someone puts his pint down on top of the piano right and continues talking loudly to his friend. REGGIE stops.
REGGIE (CONT'D)
Excuse me. You can’t put that on there. 14.He takes the beer and hands it back to the man.
MAN
Why not?
REGGIE
Cos It’ll get knocked over.
Suddenly REGGIE bangs out the first chords of Saturday
Night’s Alright (For Fighting).
REGGIE (CONT’D)
“It’s getting late have you seen my mates...”
Suddenly REGGIE has got everybody’s attention. As somebody turns to watch REGGIE they knock over a woman’s beer. Push leads to shove. In a second a fight has broken out, people are flying across the room, glasses are smashed chairs are thrown. REGGIE keeps on singing.
REGGIE (CONT’D)
“Ma tell me when the boys get here/It’s seven o clock and I want to rock/ wanna get a belly full of beer/..”
Reggie ducks as a chair flies over the piano. Sheila and FRED are in the middle of the chaos with their gin and tonics still smiling encouragingly at REGGIE.
REGGIE (CONT’D)
“My old man’s drunker than a barrel full of monkey’s/And my old lady she don’t care/My sister looks cute in her braces and her boots/ A handful of grease in her hair”
Someone bumps into FRED and he turns round and whacks them then turns back to Sheila and puts his arm around her as if nothing was happening. Two men are now on top of the piano fighting. Ivy hits someone with her handbag. Reggie has to dive this way and that to avoid being hit but keeps on playing without missing a beat.
REGGIE (CONT’D)
“So don’t give us none of your aggravation/ We’ve had it with yer discipline/ Saturday night’s alright for fightin’/ Get a little action in”
Suddenly someone has a chair and is about to crash it down onto the piano when Reggie leaps out of the window. 15.EXT. STREET. NIGHT.
As REGGIE emerges from the pub he is in the middle of a
Quadrophenia-like pitched battle - all done in dance. He leaps onto the top of a car - he boots someone who tries to attack him, whilst, of course, singing in perfect time.
REGGIE
“Get about as oiled as a diesel train/ Gonna set this dance alight/ Cause Saturday night’s alright for fightin’/ Saturday night’s alright, alright, alright.
As REGGIE leaps from the car he sees a gang of lads who start running towards him. He turns and runs still singing:
REGGIE (CONT’D)
“A couple of sounds that I really like/ Are the sound of a switchblade and a motorbike/I’m a juvenile product of the working class..”
He out runs the mob and rushes back into the pub.
INT. PUB. NIGHT.
REGGIE dives across the bar and lands on the piano stool and starts playing without missing a beat. But time has passed we are several years on and Reggie has magically grown up during the number. The whole pub are with him, bouncing along enthusiastically to his performance.
REGGIE
“So don’t give us none of your aggravation/ We’ve had it with yer discipline/ Saturday night’s alright for fightin’/ Get a little action in”
The number finishes with a flourish. Everyone cheers at Reggie who beams back at them. REGGIE comes off stage.
FRED
Brilliant. Well done, son!
For a second we feel Sheila’s chagrin as Elton has stolen her pride of place in Fred’s attentions. Elton looks to see what his Mum thinks.
SHEILA
The middle section could do with a bit more practice. 16.INT. ROYAL ACADEMY. THE SAME.
REGGIE walks up the corridor. Somehow now it seems stuffy and
boring. The other students seem rather square. A fusty looking professor in a cardigan passes.
PROFESSOR
Morning, Reginald.
Reggie stops dead. The noise of students practising scales becomes a cacophony in his head.
INT. PRINCIPAL’S ROOM, ROYAL ACADEMY. DAY.
REGGIE sits looking sheepish at HELEN PIENA and the PRINCIPAL.
PRINCIPAL
Are you completely sure about this? You do realise you have a guaranteed place to study full time.
REGGIE
I just don’t think it’s for me.
HELEN PIENA
But Reginald, you will be throwing away an important musical career.
REGGIE
It’s not that I don’t love music. There’s nothing wrong with Mozart and Bach. It’s just if Beethoven was alive today, he’d be playing Rock and Roll. Wouldn’t he?
PRINCIPAL
Aren’t you a bit, er, “square” for Rock n Roll?
INT. REGGIE’S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Reggie looking completely depressed. Ivy is smoking a fag.
REGGIE
He’s right. I’m fat. I’m half-blind. Who wants to see anyone called Reggie Dwight?
IVY
If you don’t like your name - then change it. Life’s too short to be someone you don’t want to be. Anyway, that seems to be the point of all this Rock and Roll. 17.
(MORE)They’re all pretending to be
someone else, Reggie.
REGGIE
What would I change it to?
IVY
I don’t know. I’m your fucking granny.
INT. REGGIE’S BEDROOM. DAY.
Reggie scours the back pages of NME. We see Bernie’s ad.
EXT. DENMARK STREET. DAY.
He walks down Denmark Street - London’s Tin Pan Alley, then as it is now - with its music publishers and guitar shops. He stops at a doorway. It says Dick James Music.
INT. OFFICE RECEPTION. THE SAME.
In the reception a very Mary Quant receptionist is at the desk and ignores Reg who stands looking at the pictures of The Beatles. Gold records etc. Reggie tries to look very cool and important.
MARY QUANT GIRL
Can I help you?
REGGIE
Reginald Dwight. I’ve, erm, come to see Mr Williams. About the ad in the NME.
MARY QUANT GIRL
Sorry. What did you say your name was?
INT. RAY WILLIAM’S OFFICE, MAYFAIR. DAY.
Ray Williams a blonde Adonis of 21, has his feet on the desk.
RAY
So you play the piano. And sing.
REGGIE
I have a regular gig at the Northfield’s hotel.
RAY
What sort of stuff are we talking? 18.
IVY (CONT'D)REGGIE
A bit of pop, standards, a bit of
country and western.
RAY
Country and Western?
REGGIE
I’m a very big fan of Marty Robins.
RAY
Really.
REGGIE
I know all the verses to the Streets of Laredo. I could play it if you want.
RAY
No. Thank you. Well, it’s very nice of you to pop in. What did you say your name was?
REGGIE
Re..
Suddenly Reggie stops himself. He looks at the photos on the wall. He sees one of Elton Dean, the sax player.
REGGIE (CONT’D)
Elton.
RAY
Elton!?
Reggie has surprised himself he looks round the room and sees a photo of Ray shaking hands with John Lennon.
REGGIE
John. Elton John.
RAY
Cool name. Elton. It’s been really good to meet you but...
REGGIE
You haven’t asked me about songwriting.
RAY
You write songs?
REGGIE
Well, not exactly. But I’d like to.I’m very good at tunes. I just can’t seem to get the words right. 19.RAY
If anything comes up we’ll give you
a call.
REGGIE
It said you wanted talent. Please give me a chance.
It’s clear Elton is not going to give up, so thinking quickly Ray reaches for something to palm him off with.
RAY
Look, here’s something we got sent from a kid in Lincoln. Why don’t you practice by setting them to music.
Ray stuffs a bunch of papers into Elton’s hand with a covering letter which says “I saw your ad in the NME..” and ushers Reggie out. Ray is clearly just getting rid of Elton.
ELTON
Really. I don’t know how to thank you.
RAY
Don’t worry. It’s my pleasure. Goodbye.
EXT. DENMARK STREET, LONDON. DAY.
Reggie looks at the pile of handwritten lyrics: The Year of the Teddy Bear, The Swan Queen of Laughing Lake, Tartan Coloured Lady and A Dandelion Dies in the Wind. He finds the covering letter. He sees the name and address: “Bernie Taupin, Matkin Farm, Owmby-by-Spital, Lincolnshire”.
INT. LANCASTER GRILL, LONDON. DAY.
An inauspicious cafe off Tottenham Court Road. Elton is there early. He looks at his watch. He is wearing a Sixties t-shirt, a fur jacket, tight pants and his hair is long. He has the lyrics with him. He sits with a cup of tea. Elton watches the people coming in. Various young men walk by and he looks expectantly, but it is quickly evident that they are meeting other people.
WAITRESS
Anything else?
ELTON
I think I better have the bill, please. 20.Then through the door comes someone in exactly the same t-
shirt and fur jacket and tight pants, carrying a copy of the NME. Someone who could almost be a mirror image of Elton. They look at each other.
BERNIE
Elton? Elton John.
Elton is instantly smitten.
ELTON
Actually - well my real name is Reginald Dwight but I’m trying this one out.
BERNIE
I think on balance I prefer Elton John.Sorry I’m late, the train got stuck in Grantham.
Elton and Bernie sit in a booth seat opposite each other. Neither knows what to say but they have instantly connected.
BOTH
I, erm..
ELTON
Sorry..
BERNIE
No, go ahead..
ELTON
No you go ahead.
BOTH
I was just going to..
ELTON
Well, I like your lyrics.
BERNIE
I’m really glad you answered the ad.
ELTON
I really loved the lyrics.
BERNIE
I liked the tape. I think we could make a real go of this. I mean to be quite honest. All I ever wanted to do was to write lyrics. Well, and be a cowboy. I know it’s a bit embarrassing but I’m a bit of a fan of Country and Western. 21.ELTON
Serious?
BERNIE
‘Fraid so.
ELTON
Me too. I know all the words to
Streets of Laredo. And you’re serious about moving down here.
BERNIE
Yeah, I wouldn’t exactly say I fitted in where I come from. But I always thought I’d find someone who understands me. That’s what I like about your tape. Something just clicked. Anyway, fuck it, I’m not gonna get famous sitting on a farm.
ELTON
But where will you live?
BERNIE
I dunno. Perhaps we can get a place together. Somewhere we can write.
ELTON
Wow that would be fantastic.
BERNIE
Maybe we could write something this afternoon.
ELTON
I can’t. I’ve got a gig. I make a bit of money doing gigs out of town. Tonight I’m playing for Long John Baldry. I suppose you could come if you want.
BERNIE
I’m in. Goodbye: cow sheds. Hello: the highlife, glamour, sophistication. Where you playing exactly?
ELTON
Leeds.
EXT. DINGY STREET IN LEEDS. DAY.
A dirty run down street in a dark Northern town. Elton and Bernie see a sign outside a very run down club. “Tonight, one night only, Long John Baldry”.22.INT. HORRIBLE CLUB, LEEDS. THE SAME.
Elton and Bernie look around.
BERNIE
What a fucking dump.
Suddenly a very tall man in an immaculate suit appears at his
shoulder.
LONG JOHN BALDRY
“Squalor is the only true glamour”. Baudelaire.
BERNIE
What?
LONG JOHN BALDRY
You must be Elton John. I hear you’re very good with your organ.
BERNIE
No, he’s Elton John. I’m a lyricist, actually.
LONG JOHN BALDRY
Well, we can’t all be Liberace. Long John Baldry. And they do not call me that because I’m bald. I think you look like a Nancy.
BERNIE
I beg your pardon?
LONG JOHN BALDRY
Oh, you all get woman’s names, dear. You’re definitely a Nancy and he’s a Phyllis. We’re wasted on Leeds sugarbears. Drink anybody.
Long John brandishes a bottle of wine. He fills a glass for Elton then LONG JOHN BALDRY whispers to the lead guitarist.
LONG JOHN BALDRY (CONT’D)
Stick him behind a speaker. We don’t want to scare the horses.
CUT TO:
The club is now full. Elton is behind a speaker but manages to look out at Bernie who is eyeing up a very tall woman in a very short skirt. The rest of the band start to play “Let the Heartaches Begin” but we are on Elton peeking out at Bernie.23.LONG JOHN BALDRY
(SINGS) (CONT'D)
“I can hear the guitars start to play and very soon they say I was a fool to turn my love away and with each glass of wine I feel a glow and very soon I know I was a fool to let my baby go.”
As Long John sings off camera Elton sees Bernie now chatting to the girl, she is laughing, he is smiling and being very charming. Elton is getting increasingly jealous. Elton tries to concentrate on his playing but is drawn back again and again to the dumbshow of Bernie and the girl. The song is like a running commentary on his heartbreak.
LONG JOHN BALDRY (CONT’D)
“So let the heartaches begin.....”
CUT TO:
The end of the set. Elton comes off stage and goes over to Bernie who is now talking very intimately to the girl.
ELTON
Hi. Bernie.
BERNIE
Oh hi. This is Linda. Linda, this is Elton John.
LINDA
Wow. You’re the one on the organ.I just loved your playing. I have a thing about keyboard players.
She has turned her entire attention from Bernie to Elton, much to Bernie’s instant chagrin. She twists a finger in Elton’s hair.
LINDA (CONT’D)
And you have such beautiful hair.
Elton is completely surprised anyone is interested in him.
ELTON
Thank you. Actually, I’m going a bit bald on top ...
Suddenly, a midget arrives.
MIDGET
Hey, Fats, you realise she’s with me.
LINDA
Oh go away Arthur, we’re talking about art.24.Linda, once again turns her full attention to Elton.
LINDA (CONT’D)
And I think we’re going to get
along very, very well.
Elton looks terrified for his very life.
ELTON
But what about Arthur?
Linda knocks back her drink.
LINDA
Fuck him, Elton. Believe me, darling, it’s definitely not true what they say...
INT. TOILETS. THE SAME.
Bernie and Elton argue as they both take a piss.
BERNIE
I saw her first.
ELTON
Look, it isn’t my fault. I didn’t have any choice in the matter.
BERNIE
But you didn’t have to agree to move into a flat together.
ELTON
I thought it was a good idea. It’s alright she said you can come too. How else are we going to afford it.
BERNIE
And she’s really going to pay for it all?
ELTON
Apparently she’s some sort of heiress.
Arthur appears in high dudgeon.
ARTHUR
Her Dad made a fortune in pickled onions, you fucking bastard.
Elton and Bernie turn round and see Arthur, completely drunk, standing with a broken bottle ready to cause trouble. Long John Baldy throws open the door knocking Arthur over. 25.LONG JOHN BALDRY
Darling you were marvellous.
EXT. FURLONG ROAD, ISLINGTON. DAY.
Bernie and Elton with their suitcases, sleeping bags and
boxes of records. They look at the run down street in Islington.
BERNIE
Is this it?
ELTON
Apparently, it’s going to be the new Chelsea.
Linda pulls up in cab. She gets out in an elaborate outfit with two small dogs on leads. Elton and Bernie look in horror at the dogs.
ELTON (CONT'D)
You never mentioned anything about dogs.
LINDA
I don’t go anywhere without Livia and Bertie.
INT. FURLONG ROAD, ISLINGTON. NIGHT.
They pour champagne into mugs.
LINDA
Here’s to us.
BERNIE
And the dogs.
LINDA
I had included them anyway. Chin, chin.
ELTON
So this is it. The swinging sixties.
BERNIE
Come on then, let’s get our records out.
LINDA
Oh, god. You can’t play music in the flat. Livvy has sensitive ears.
Bernie looks in horror at Elton. 26.LINDA (CONT’D)
Anyway, I had some other activities
in mind.
ELTON
But we have to be able to play our records.
LINDA
Elton! Come on my sweet-pea, time for beddie-byes. You can show me your intricate finger-work.
ELTON
But it’s only nine thirty.
Linda smiles a lascivious smile. She grabs Elton by his collar and pulls him towards the bedroom. Elton looks back in horror as Bernie is left with the champagne. Livvy licks Bernie’s face.
LINDA
(off)
Livvy. Bertie.
The dogs leave Bernie and run off to Elton’s room.
INT. FURLONG ROAD, ISLINGTON. DAY.
Bernie and Elton. In the kitchen. Elton is setting his organ up.
BERNIE
So come on, what’s she like?
ELTON
What’s what like?
BERNIE
In the sack. Spill the beans.
ELTON
To be quite honest, I’m not exactly sure if I’m doing it properly.
BERNIE
What do you mean. Not doing it properly?
ELTON
Look, the important thing is we’re together. Being here with the space to write without any distractions?
Just as Elton has spoken we hear Linda scream from down the corridor. 27.LINDA
Livvy!!! Livvy!!!
Suddenly, Linda runs into the room dressed only in a towel,
curlers in her hair.
LINDA (CONT’D)
Oh my god.
She looks down at Livvy, Elton and Bernie do likewise. They stare at Livia who is taking a piss onto Elton’s amplifier.
LINDA (CONT’D)
What are you thinking? She could have been electrocuted.
Linda picks the dog up, kisses it and walks away in a huff. Bernie and Elton are left to survey the puddle of piss.
INT. A CLUB. NIGHT.
Close up of Bernie.
BERNIE
Married!?
Close up of Long John Baldry.
LONG JOHN BALDRY
Married!? You must be joking, Elton.
BERNIE
You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. What about rock and roll? What about the hot chicks? And cocaine orgies? What about me and you, Elton?
ELTON
Oh it’s alright, she says you can stay for the time being.
LONG JOHN BALDRY
You can’t get married. You’re a fat raving queen, sugarbear.
ELTON
No, I’m not.
LONG JOHN BALDRY
Of course you are.
ELTON
How can I be I’ve got a girlfriend. 28.LONG JOHN BALDRY
Darling, that never stopped
anybody.
ELTON
But I’ve promised now. It’ll break her heart.
LONG JOHN BALDRY
A. I am not convinced she has one. And B. You will ruin both your lives if you go through with this.
ELTON
So what am I going to do? She’ll bloody well kill me.
LONG JOHN BALDRY
My advice is to get completely and irredeemably shitfaced.
EXT. FURLONG ROAD, ISLINGTON. NIGHT.
Elton and Bernie completely “shitfaced”. They are singing a tune remarkably similar to the start of Bennie and the Jets. Bernie says “Shhh” as they reach the house. Elton hiccups and they think this is the funniest thing ever to happen to humanity. They stagger to the door. Elton and Bernie have become Laurel and Hardy. Just as they are about to make a concerted attempt to put the key in the lock, Elton hiccups again. Bernie chastises Elton:
BERNIE
Ssssssshhhhh!
ELTON
Shhhhhhhhhh!
Elton holds the key in a stealthy manner approaches the lock and falls over the bin. Bernie tries to help him up but Elton pulls Bernie down, they both laugh hysterically. They cannot get up. They are laughing more and more till they both can’t speak and tears are rolling down their cheeks. Suddenly a wave of clarity comes over ELTON.
ELTON (CONT’D)
I love you, Bernie.
BERNIE
I love you too, man.
Bernie stops laughing and looks in Elton’s eyes. We are almost half expecting Elton to kiss Bernie. But Bernie goes into his pocket and hands Elton something. Elton looks. It is the lyrics to Your Song. 29.BERNIE (CONT’D)
Something I wrote you. You are going
to tell her. Aren’t you?
Suddenly the door opens. Linda is in her nightdress she grabs
ELTON.
LINDA
Inside!
INT. CORRIDOR, FURLONG ROAD. DAY.
Bernie staggers along the corridor, passing the kitchen, and into the bathroom. He takes a piss without closing the door, we can hear a sharp hiss coming from the kitchen but Bernie is too hungover to notice. He flushes the loo and heads back up the corridor glancing into the kitchen then walks on, then realises what he has just seen and does a double take.
INT. KITCHEN. DAY.
Bernie’s POV: Elton is lying on the floor with his head in the gas oven, on a pillow, with the gas on. The window is wide open.
BERNIE
What are you doing?
ELTON
Go away. I’m trying to kill myself.
BERNIE
(of the pillow)
What’s that?
ELTON
I didn’t want to hurt my head.
BERNIE
But the window’s open.
ELTON
I know, it absolutely stinks.
BERNIE (CONT’D)
You can’t kill yourself. What about our joint publishing deal.
ELTON
It’s alright, I’ve left everything to you.
Livvy runs in. Linda appears.
LINDA
What are you doing? 30.BERNIE
He’s going to kill himself.
LINDA
What about the wedding?
Elton sits up bumping his head.
ELTON
It’s all off. I’m never going to
marry you.
LINDA
But I’ve sent the invitations to the printers. And I’m pregnant with your baby.
ELTON
No, your not. We’ve never even had sex properly.
LINDA
Haven’t we?
ELTON
We haven’t got a proper relationship. I wouldn’t marry you if you were the last person on earth.
CLOSE UP on the shocked and horrified Linda. Then, like a dam bursting she lets out a scream of rage. The whole house seems to shake.
BERNIE
Oh shit.
EXT. REGGIE’S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Sheila opens the door to a rain bedraggled Elton and Bernie, they stand in the rain with their things.
INT. KITCHEN, REGGIE’S HOUSE. DAY.
Sheila making the breakfast.
INT. BATHROOM. THE SAME.
Bernie blearily brushing his teeth. Then he hears someone playing the piano. The opening chords to
Your Song. It is
tentative; broken. Elton sings a line, then repeats it and then starts playing it. 31.INT. DINING ROOM. DAY.
ELTON is composing Your Song. He goes slowly line by line,
but when he gets to the chorus he has gained a fluency of
expression than just allows the song to flow.
By the time he’s started the second verse, Bernie is in the
doorway half shaven, listening, stunned by what he is hearing. Elton now has the tune for the verse and sings it brilliantly, we realise that BERNIE’s lyrics are a platonic love song to ELTON but ELTON’s emotional singing is directly to Bernie.
BERNIE stands stunned. In this fragile state ‘Your Song’ is
nakedly emotional. A direct expression of ELTON’s loneliness and longing. Now he has the tune, ELTON sings the second chorus with real passion. He gets to the end and stops. He suddenly turns realising Sheila is watching from the door. ELTON looks at her embarrassed that she have witnessed such a personal moment.
SHEILA
Oh Reggie.
INT. BEDROOM. NIGHT.
Elton in pyjamas - sitting on his bed. A record is playing. He watches as Bernie takes his jeans off. He sits next to Elton on the bed. As they listen to the music Elton puts his hand on Bernie’s knee. BERNIE puts his hand on ELTON’s.
BERNIE
I love you, Elton. But I’m sorry, that’s never gonna happen.
ELTON takes his hand away.
INT. BEDROOM. NIGHT. LATER
Both Elton and Bernie lie in their bunks. Awake, but silent. Bernie tries to find a way back for them:
BERNIE
Let’s record it.
ELTON
What?
BERNIE
Your song. Our song.
ELTON
Ok. We’ll ask Ray tomor...
BERNIE
No... 32.Bernie leans over the bunk to look down at Elton.
BERNIE (CONT’D)
I mean lets record it now.
Elton looks back at Bernie. Smiles.
INT. RECEPTION, DICK JAMES MUSIC. NIGHT.
Elton and Bernie creep past a sleeping security guard and
disappear into the shadows of a corridor. They crawl along the floor in order not to be spotted.
INT. RECORDING STUDIO. NIGHT.
Darkness. Suddenly a light turns on. Elton and Bernie are in the studio together.
ELTON
Are you sure you know how to work it?
BERNIE
Yeah. I had to give the engineer my Leon Russell album to get lessons. For godsake shut the door.
Bernie fiddles on at the desk, as Elton shuts the door.
ELTON
Look. He’s left this tape for us. Let’s get this down before anybody comes.
CUT TO:
Elton in the studio. He sings the end of “
Your Song”. Then
picks up a piece of paper and holds it up. It says: “Press Stop!”. Bernie, in the booth, presses “stop”.
ELTON (CONT’D)
That’s it. We’ve done it.
Elton dances around the room and kisses Bernie just as the door comes open. It is the Security Guard.
SECURITY GUARD
What’s going on here then?
INT. OFFICE OF DICK JAMES. DAY.
Dick James sits at his desk. Elton and Bernie stand like two errant school boys. Surrounding Dick are pictures of him with the Beatles, him with the Queen. Gold Records up the Wazoo. 33.DICK JAMES
Bloody brilliant. You’ve just
written the best goddam song I’ve heard since Maxwell’s Silver Hammer. So on behalf of Dick James Music Incorporated I hereby offer you an exclusive world wide deal for which you keep a full fifty percent of the publishing. Plus ten pounds a week advance.
ELTON
Ten pounds!
DICK JAMES
And Ray’s organised a couple of gigs for you.
ELTON
Of our own.
RAY
Yes, your headlining the The Troubadour.
ELTON
The Troubadour?
RAY
Yeah. It’s a really cool folk club.
ELTON
A folk club! I’ve played the Civic Hall, Bradford with Major Lance.
RAY
In LA.
ELTON
LA!
INT. TROUBADOUR. DAY.
Elton and Bernie look at the club.
BERNIE
It’s a bit smaller than I expected.
It looks like a real dump. A bum is panhandling outside.
ELTON
What a fucking dump.I’ve played bigger places in Pinner.
RAY WILLIAMS
Calm down. It’s all going to be cool.Let me show you guys backstage. 34.BERNIE
I’ll join you later. I’m just going
to grab a beer.
Elton et al go off. Bernie sidles up to the bar, he smiles at the chicks. The chicks smile back.
CHICK
You must be Elton John.
BERNIE
No, I’m the one who writes the lyrics.
CHICK
Oh.
Bernie’s face drops with the brush off.
INT. DRESSING ROOMS. THE SAME.
Elton and the band all squash into one tiny dressing room.
ELTON
We fly six thousand miles to play some fleapit the size of a cake tin to play for six people and a dog. We shouldn’t be here, I should be at home with Bernie, writing new material.
RAY WILLIAMS
Calm down, Elton, Neil Diamond and most of the Beach Boys are coming.
ELTON
Neil Diamond, my arse.
Bernie comes running in.
BERNIE
Jesus Christ, Elton. You won’t believe it. Neil Diamond’s at the bar.
ELTON
Are you sure?
BERNIE
He’s talking to Leon Russell and half of the fucking Beach Boys. It’s absolutely rammed, Elton. The whole of LA’s out there.
ELTON
Oh Jesus shit. 35.INT. STAGE. THE SAME.
Bernie and Elton peer from backstage at the audience. It is
absolutely jam packed. ELTON is completely terrified by stagefright.
ELTON
There is no way I’m going in front of that crowd.
BERNIE
But a minute ago you wanted to go home because there was nobody watching you.
ELTON
But these are the geniuses of American music. When they hear me they’ll tie me to a chair and break my fucking fingers.
INT. THE AUDITORIUM. THE SAME.
It’s packed. The crowd are growing restless.
INT. BATHROOM. THE SAME.
RAY WILLIAMS is standing outside a cubicle trying to coax ELTON out.
ELTON
I’m not coming out.
RAY WILLIAMS
Think of the money.
ELTON
A hundred fucking dollars!?
RAY WILLIAMS
Think of the embarrassment. I don’t know. Think of England!
Elton pops his head out.
ELTON
I can’t go out there - what if it doesn’t work. What will my life have been for?
He quickly disappears behind the door. We hear him retch. Suddenly Ray loses it and busts open the cubicle door dragging ELTON out. 36.RAY
I paid your fucking airfare - now
get out there and play you little arsehole.
INT. AUDITORIUM. THE SAME.
BERNIE smiles at the two ‘hot’ chicks. They don’t react.
INT. BACKSTAGE. THE SAME
Close up of ELTON in the half light at the side of the stage. He is sweating, ill and terrified by the ordeal.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
(OOV)
And now the person you’ve all been waiting for. All the way from England..Elton John.
Huge applause. We follow ELTON in slow motion as he goes on stage. He looks out at the audience they seem a vast blur. He sits at the piano but freezes. A few people at the front are looking at him but his eye moves to people chatting at the bar - just like in Pinner. He hears the beer glasses and the two ‘hot chicks’ chattering oblivious to him. He kicks the piano stool off the stage and launches into a maniac piano riff. All his anxiety and anger is suddenly channelled into the number.
ELTON
It seems as though/ I’ve lived my life/ on the bad side of the moon/ to stir your dregs in sickness still/ without the rustic spoon/ common people live with me/ where the light has never shone/
Elton is leaping about, almost seems to be flying in mid air as he plays with electrifying abandon. The crowd are going wild, the ‘hot chicks’ look on in wonder - Bernie sidles up to them. Elton is giving a performance of a lifetime.
ELTON (CONT'D)
and the hermits flock like hummingbirds/ to speak in a foreign tongue/ I’m a light year away/ from the people who make me stay/ sitting on the bad side of the moon.
Elton has raised the roof. He repeats a phrase again and again the whole club is bouncing as one. He encourages them to join in, driving the crowd to wilder and wilder appreciation. Finally, he ends on a huge note, then almost remembers himself again as he has been so engrossed in the number. 37.For a split second he looks out to the stunned crowd - we are
back to slow motion again. Then suddenly they start to cheer.
ELTON (CONT’D)
Good grief!
The crowd go wild. Elton is simultaneously stunned and delighted at the reaction. Staring at the crowd - almost in shock at what he was capable of and the reaction it has caused.
INT. BACKSTAGE. THE SAME
The insanity back stage after the gig. ELTON is mobbed. Fans mob him as he passes. ELTON forces his way to into the dressing room.
INT. DRESSING ROOM. THE SAME.
Elton bursts in.
ELTON
We did it! We fucking did it!
Elton looks across at Bernie and sees he’s with one of the ‘hot chicks’ drinking a beer.
BERNIE
Elton. I’d like you to meet Amy.
AMY
You were amazing. Absolutely amazing. And the words are so cool as well.
AMY grabs BERNIE’s arm.
ELTON
Thank you.
ELTON is crestfallen that their private moment of triumph has been usurped by BERNIE picking up AMY.
RAY WILLIAMS
Enough of the bullshit. Now let’s get this party started.
RAY opens the dressing room door and people team in engulfing ELTON.
INT. MOTEL CORRIDOR. NIGHT.
ELTON and BERNIE are wrecked. They stagger along the corridor and stop outside the doors to their rooms. 38.BERNIE
So I was thinking maybe tomorrow we
could all drive out to the desert. You know, take a bit of time out.
ELTON
The desert!? What the hell would we want to go there for?
BERNIE
It’s what you do. It’s space. It’s America.
ELTON
I don’t want space. I thought we were going to go to Tower records.
BERNIE hesitates.
BERNIE
Actually, I promised Amy. Ray and I have hired a car.
ELTON
‘Ray’ and you have hired a car!? What about me?
BERNIE
That’s what I’m saying. We want you to come along.
ELTON
To be the gooseberry?
BERNIE
It’s not like that.
ELTON
I don’t want to go to the desert with Ray and Amy. I thought we were a team. I thought we were going to hang out - together - like we do in London.
BERNIE
Come on, Elt. You know how it is.
ELTON
Yeah. You two fuck off and leave me as soon as you get a sniff.
BERNIE
Elton, don’t be like this.
ELTON
It’s alright. Go on go to the desert - see what it’s like. 39.
(MORE)But I’ll tell you this much. There’s
nothing fucking there!
ELTON goes into his room and slams the door.
BERNIE
Elton. Elton.
BERNIE turns and goes into his room. The first chords of Tiny
Dancer play.
EXT. MOTEL. DAY.
RAY and BERNIE meet AMY and her friend. They climb in the open topped car.
ELTON
Blue Jean baby /LA lady/Seamstress for the band.
INT. MOTEL ROOM. DAY.
Elton in the half light of the room looking through the curtains as the car drives away. He sings, alone:
ELTON
Pretty eyed, pirate smile/
EXT. DESERT. DAY.
The car racing along a desert road.
ELTON
You’ll marry a music man
EXT. DESERT. DAY.
The car parked in the desert. BERNIE and AMY running around in the sand laughing a dancing.
ELTON
Ballerina/ You must have seen her dancing in the sand.
EXT. TOWER RECORDS. DAY.
Elton alone walking into Tower Records, aimless and lonely.
EXT. DESERT. DAY.
Bernie and AMY walk hand in hand away from Ray and the other girl. 40.
ELTON (CONT'D)ELTON
And now she’s in me, always with
me, Tiny Dancer in my hand.
EXT. TOWER RECORDS. NIGHT.
Outside Tower Records hippie is shouting. ELTON walks past into the record shop alone.
ELTON
Jesus freaks/ Out in the street/ Handing tickets out for God/
EXT. JOSHUA TREE. THE SAME.
As the sun goes down BERNIE and AMY sit and watch the magnificent sunset. As in the song, AMY laughs and puts her head on BERNIE’s shoulder.
ELTON
Turning back/ she just laughs.
INT. TROUBADOUR. THE SAME.
It is empty. ELTON walks onto the stage. He takes a piece of paper from his hand. It’s the lyrics to Tiny Dancer. He starts playing. We realise he is writing the song we are hearing.
ELTON
Piano man/ He makes his stand/ in the auditorium.
EXT. DESERT. NIGHT.
BERNIE looks at AMY singing by the light of a fire.
ELTON
Looking on/ She sings the songs/ the words she knows/ the tunes she hums.
INT. MOTEL ROOM. NIGHT.
Looking down on ELTON alone in bed, he sings directly up to the camera above him.
ELTON
But oh how it feels so real lying here with no one near/ only you .. 41.EXT. DESERT. NIGHT.
BERNIE and the AMY lying naked, wrapped in a blanket.
SONG
..and you can hear me, when I say
softly, slowly.
BERNIE whispers to her.
INT. MOTEL ROOM. NIGHT.
Elton rolling uncomfortably on the bed unable to sleep. He sings:
ELTON
Hold me closer tiny dancer.
EXT. DESERT ROAD. NIGHT.
The open top car with the two couples passing other cars in the dark.
ELTON
Count the headlights on the highway.
INT. MOTEL ROOM. NIGHT.
ELTON singing alone in bed.
ELTON
Lay me down in sheets of linen
INT. MOTEL ROOM. NIGHT.
Bird’s eye view of a bed. BERNIE and AMY upon it into endless sheets which seem to envelop them. It is a fantasy image, almost magically Elton rolls onto the space they have been and stares up at the ceiling.
ELTON
You had a busy day today / Hold me closer Tiny Dancer/ You had a busy day today.
The final image is of Elton alone, he curls into a foetal position.
INT. CLUB, SAN FRANCISCO. NIGHT.
ELTON comes on stage. The crowd go wild. Elton singing wildly but w only hear the end of Tiny Dancer. Elton’s loneliness, disconnected from the frenzied world around him. 42.INT. BACKSTAGE. THE SAME.
Still in Elton’s disconnected bubble we follow ELTON being mobbed b
people. Suddenly the quiet of the fading music is exploded as the sound of people shouting at ELTON bursts in. ELTON makes his way along a corridor as people clamour.
INT. DRESSING ROOM. THE SAME.
Elton locks the door, breathes deeply relieved to be out of the mayhem. He looks at a man in a three piece suit.
JOHN REID
So, how does it feel to be this week’s messiah?
Elton looks round startled to see a man standing in his dressing room. Wearing a three piece suit and carrying confidence in his looks, he speaks in a Glaswegian accent.
ELTON
Who the hell are you?
He uncorks a bottle of Dom Perignon.
JOHN REID
John Reid. Recently of Motown Records. Very pleased to meet you.
ELTON
What are you doing in my dressing room?
John hands Elton the glass of champagne.
JOHN REID
Dom Perignon. 63. Particularly good. But something tells me you’re going to get used to it.
There is banging on the door. Bernie is calling “Elton! Elton!”
JOHN REID (CONT’D)
I predict within two years you’ll be the best selling artist in America. You just need a little help in believing in yourself. That’s where I come in. Up yer bum.
He raises his glass and knocks back the champers.
JOHN REID (CONT’D)
So to speak.
ELTON
So you like the material?
Now the banging on the door is out of control. 43.BERNIE
(off)
Elton. Open up. It’s me.
JOHN REID
Not quite as much as the singer.
Come on. Let’s get out of here.
John turns throws open the window and steps out onto the fire escape.
JOHN REID (CONT’D)
Coming?
A beat as Elton looks from the banging on the door then back to John.
EXT. ROOF TOP OF THE THEATRE. THE SAME.
ELTON and JOHN drink champagne looking over the panorama of San Francisco Bay. A Neon Sign on the roof lights their faces as it flashes on and off.
ELTON
Do you really think I’m gonna be the best selling artist in America?
JOHN REID
You could be anything you want to be. Trust me.
ELTON
Why should I do that?
JOHN REID
Do you want to be the nice little boy from Pinner all your life?
They stare at each other. ELTON grabs JOHN REID and kisses him passionately.
INT. HOTEL BEDROOM. MORNING.
Overhead shot of ELTON in bed. Elton looks over to reveal JOHN REID next to him. John’s hand rests on his side as he sleeps.
Elton gently puts his hand over John’s, being careful not to
disturb him. Elton settles back, staring upwards, amazed and enthralled that this has happened to him.
EXT. PINNER. EVENING.
A cab pulls up outside of his Mum’s house. ELTON and BERNIE get out. It’s raining. 44.INT. BEDROOM. NIGHT.
ELTON and BERNIE in their bunks.
BERNIE
Elton, who was that weird Scottish
guy you were hanging out with in San Francisco?
ELTON
Nobody. Just some bloke who works for Motown.
BERNIE
Pity. I thought maybe you might have found somebody too. Didn’t you make any plans to see him again?
ELTON
Well, no. He lives in America.
BERNIE
Don’t worry, you’ll find someone, Elton.
There is a noise at the window. ELTON gets out of bed a stone raps against the glass. He looks out of the window. There is JOHN REID
ELTON
What the hell are you doing here?
JOHN REID
Stop asking stupid fucking questions. Why do you think I’m here?
EXT. PRIMROSE HILL. NIGHT.
Elton and John share a glass of champagne as they look down over London.
ELTON
I don’t understand. You’ve come to live in London?
JOHN REID
I’ve come to be with you, fucking idiot.
ELTON
To “be” with
me?
JOHN REID
Be. Live - love - whatever you want to call it. 45.ELTON
Do you think it’s, you know,
“alright”.
JOHN REID
Who should we ask? The Pope? Your Mum? Elton, have you any idea what’s happening to you? You’re going to be a millionaire before April 17th. You’re gonna go platinum on two continents. You’re Captain Fantastic. You can do whatever you fucking well like.
John points at the City lit up against the night.
JOHN REID (CONT'D)
Look, here’s the whole of London. What do you want?
ELTON
I dunno.
JOHN REID
Anything.
ELTON
A flat off the Edgware Road.
JOHN REID
And...
ELTON
A Rolls Royce?
JOHN REID
And....
ELTON
Some modern art?
JOHN REID
And
ELTON
A football team.
JOHN REID
And...
ELTON
You.
JOHN REID
See. It’s easy as pie.46.ELTON
And it won’t, you know, affect my
career.
JOHN REID
It’s 1971. Live life like you want to. Let me deal with the rest.
INT. BACK OF A LIMO. DAY.
Cue: Honky Cat: ELTON and JOHN REID in the back of a limo.
Elton in a fantastic stage outfit.
INT. PENTHOUSE FLAT. DAY.
Honky Cat intro plays over : ELTON looking round a very posh
flat with JOHN REID.
ELTON
We’ll take it.
ESTATE AGENT
You do realise it is on the market for a hundred thousand pounds. Have you made arrangements for a mortgage for such a large amount?
ELTON
No. We thought we’d pay cash.
JOHN REID puts his briefcase on the table. They open it. It is full of money. ELTON sings to camera:
ELTON (CONT’D)
When I look back, boy I must have been crazy...
EXT. THE PITCH, WATFORD CITY. DAY.
ELTON sings as he shakes the hands of a long line introduced by manager Graham Taylor.
ELTON
boppin in the country fishin in the stream/looking for an answer trying to find a sign until I saw these city lights, honey I was blind
ELTON lines up with the team and manager for the photo-op.
GRAHAM TAYLOR
We are very proud to have Elton as chairman of the board. He’s a really straight guy.47.Elton winks into the camera.
ELTON
Get back honky cat better get back
to the wood.
INT. BATHS. THE SAME.
ELTON is in the baths with the entire team. They are all drinking champagne. Elton leads the communal singing. The whole football team join in the chorus.
WATFORD CITY FOOTBALL CLUB
You better get back Honky cat living in the city is where its at/ its like trying to find gold in a silver mine it’s like trying to drink whisky from a bottle of wine./
INT. CORK STREET GALLERY. DAY.
Elton’s head appears above a Connoiseur Magazine. He sings to us:
ELTON
Well I read some books and I read some magazines/
He looks up to see a Francis Bacon.
ELTON (CONT’D)
about those high class ladies down in New Orleans/ And all those folks back home said I was a fool/ listen leave him alone is the golden rule..
INT. PENTHOUSE FLAT. DAY.
The Francis Bacon is now on the wall of Elton’s apartment. ELTON and JOHN REID are doing choerographed housework. ELTON hoovering in one of his 70s stage suits with a pinny over the top. JOHN REID in an immaculate three piece suit also with a pinny and feather duster.
ELTON
Get back honky cat better get back to the wood but I quit those days and those red neck ways mmmmm change is gonna do me good..
The door bell rings. The song stops, abruptly. ELTON whips off his pinny.48.ELTON (CONT’D)
I ‘m not sure I can do this.
JOHN REID
Just do exactly as we said.
ELTON
You have no idea what she’s like.
JOHN REID
Elton, you’re a grown man, you’re
an international superstar. Just put it on the table. What could she do to you?
The doorbell rings again.
INT. DOOR TO PENTHOUSE. THE SAME.
ELTON answers the door. Sheila and FRED are there with a bottle of wine.
SHEILA
I thought we’d got the wrong flat for a second.
INT. MAIN ROOM, PENTHOUSE, THE SAME.
FRED looks at the flat in admiration.
FRED
Wow!
Sheila is already in having a good look round.
SHEILA
It’s a bit smaller than I imagined.
ELTON joins Sheila who is looking around the flat.
SHEILA (CONT’D)
I don’t like that.
ELTON
We had it imported, from Italy.
SHEILA
It’s very ‘modern’.
She shakes her head in disapproval.
SHEILA (CONT’D)
But if it makes you happy...
She is now sitting on the sofa lighting up a ciggie.49.SHEILA (CONT’D)
What’s that monstrosity?
ELTON
That’s a Francis Bacon.
SHEILA
It’d put me right off.
FRED is sitting in a suspended egg chair.
FRED
I quite like it.
SHEILA
Fred.
CUT T
Sheila, FRED and ELTON sat at the table. JOHN REID brings
food.
JOHN REID
Duck a l’orange.
SHEILA
None for me. Thank you.
ELTON
John cooked this himself.
SHEILA
Foreign food doesn’t agree with me.
ELTON
Just try a bit.
JOHN REID
It’s not a problem. I’ll rustle up an omlette or something.
SHEILA
Oh really, don’t got to any trouble.
JOHN REID
Not a problem at all.
JOHN smiles. He indicates to ELTON to talk to his mother as he goes to the kitchen area.
SHEILA
What a very nice young gentleman. Even if he is Scottish. Isn’t a bit unusual sharing a house with your manager, Reggie?50.ELTON
Elton. Actually, it’s working out
fine.
SHEILA
Has he got a girlfriend?
ELTON
No.
SHEILA
That’s a surprise. He’s very dishy.
JOHN REID behind Sheila indicating to ELTON to talk to her.
SHEILA (CONT’D)
Very nice hair. You’re really starting to go bald now aren’t you.
JOHN REID to the rescue.
JOHN REID
More wine?
SHEILA
Ta, love. Very nice boy. Knows how the treat the ladies.
JOHN REID
Elton has something important he’d like to tell you.
SHEILA
Really!
ELTON
No I haven’t.
SHEILA
Come on Elton, spill the beans.
ELTON
I don’t know what he meant.
JOHN REID
Elton’s supporting Liberace this evening and he thought it was a good opportunity to say something important.
ELTON
No. I’m, well, we’re thinking of getting a dog.
INT. LIMO. NIGHT.
Elton and John Reid are in the back of a limo.51.JOHN REID
Why didn’t you fucking tell them.
The whole point of the dinner was...
ELTON
I just couldn’t do it. Not after the business with the duck.
JOHN REID
Jesus Christ. You fucking Mummy’s boy.
ELTON
I don’t see what the big deal is. What does it matter?
JOHN REID
It matters because you are living a lie. It matters because - did you ever think, maybe, just maybe, that it matters to
me. But I don’t
fucking count in the wonderful, fucking zipless world of Elton John.
ELTON
Stop the car.
JOHN REID
Don’t stop the car.
ELTON
Stop the car!
JOHN REID
Do not stop the car.
ELTON
STOP THE CAR.
JOHN REID
DO NOT STOP THE CAR!
ELTON
STOP THIS FUCKING CAR.
The car stops. Elton gets out.
EXT. LONDON STREET. THE SAME.
ELTON flags down a cab.
JOHN REID
You’re due on stage in less than an hour.
ELTON marches across the road.52.ELTON
You go and play to five thousand
people.
Before JOHN REID can stop it the cab drives off.
INT. SHEILA’S HOUSE. THE SAME.
The phone rings. She answers.
SHEILA
Hello?
INT. ELTON’S FLAT. NIGHT.
Elton is crouched on the floor with the phone, a half drunk bottle of Jack Daniels in his hand. He takes a swing.
ELTON
Mum. It’s me.
SHEILA
Reggie? I can’t speak to you know. You’re about to be on the telly.
ELTON
Mum, listen to me.
SHEILA
You’ll have to hurry up. It’s already started.
ELTON
Mum.
I am ringing you.
SHEILA
We’re going to miss your bit.
ELTON
You’re not missing anything. How can you be missing me, I’m talking to you here, now. I’m not at the Palladium.
SHEILA
Oh for christsake. Turn that down Fred.
ELTON
Mum. I’m gay...
SHEILA
What did you say?
ELTON
I said I’m gay. 53.Silence.
ELTON (CONT’D)
Mum.....Mum?
Finally,
SHEILA
Is that it? For godsake, Elton, we
worked that out years ago. For a minute I thought you’d got back together with that Pickled Onion girl. Thanks for the supper but I have to say, that duck’s been rifting up on Fred something rotten.
ELTON hears the door.
JOHN REID
Elton?
ELTON
I have to go.
JOHN REID
Elton.
John Reid comes in.
ELTON
It’s done. I told them.
John Reid grabs Elton and punches him in the face.
JOHN REID
Don’t you ever do that to me again.You were a two bit nobody living with his fucking mother. You are about to do a 100 date world tour - thanks to me. You are a multi-millionaire - thanks to me. If I say fucking turn up. You fucking turn up. If I say bark. You fucking well bark. Got that, Reggie?
JOHN throws him away, turns and starts walks out.
ELTON
Where you going?
JOHN REID
To fuck somebody else. I’ll see you later.
ELTON tries to stop him as he did his father. 54.ELTON
Wait...
JOHN REID leaves slamming the door. ELTON shocked and alone.
He looks in the mirror, examining his swollen eye but notices his hairline. A hair comes out in his fingers.
INT. DRESSING ROOM. DAY.
Elton puts make up over his black eye. Then chooses some glasses. He puts some normal ones on. That is not enough. He swops them for some really outrageous ones. He looks concerned at his hairline and decides to try a hat. He’s not happy with it so tries a feather headpiece. Better.
EXT. HOUSE, SUBURBIA. DAY.
A stretch limo stops in a drab suburban street. ELTON gets out with a huge bunch of flowers. He looks completely out of place in his outlandish costume. The local kids playing on the street look at him in amazement.
KID
Hey, aren’t you Elton John?
ELTON checks the address on a bit of paper and walks down the path of the down-at-heel suburban house. He rings the doorbell and waits.
The door opens and STANLEY looks at ELTON in shock. Elton
waits for his father to say something but he just looks.
ELTON
Dad.
STANLEY
Jesus, Reggie. I suppose you better come in.
INT. STANLEY’S HOUSE. THE SAME.
ELTON sits in a small armchair whilst STANLEY sits on the sofa. We see ELTON over STANLEY’s shoulder. He is clearly very uncomfortable.
ELTON
I’m about to go on my first World Tour and I just thought it was time to see you, you know, just to say - there are no hard feelings.
STANLEY
It’s alright. You know things really worked out the second time round. 55.We see the scene from ELTON’s angle and see that STANLEY is
tucked up on the sofa with two young boys, GEOFF and STEPHEN. ELTON looks at the warm, idyllic picture of a father with his sons.
STANLEY (CONT’D)
Well, now we’ve broken the ice once your back off this tour we can all get together. One big happy family. We’ve got nothing against queers or anything, Reginald.
ELTON
Actually, I’m not Reggie anymore. Didn’t you ever think of contacting me? All those years?
STANLEY
Well, to be quite honest. I was a bit busy with the new job and everything. But we’ve got a few of your records, though. Don’t we boys. Admittedly they’re not my cup of tea. More of a jazz man, myself.
GEOFF
Are you really worth twenty-five million quid?
STANLEY
He’s a cheeky little monkey, isn’t he?
STANLEY roughs up GEOFF’s hair and kisses him affectionately. We see ELTON is almost in tears.
STANLEY (CONT’D)
Stephen’s quite a footballer, aren’t you, Stephen. And Geoff too, actually. We usually have a kick around on a Sunday. Don’t we boys.
ELTON
(standing up)
Look, I think I better be off.
STANLEY
Please - please stay for tea.
STEPHEN
I thought you said we could go to the chippy.
ELTON
No I’m on my way to the airport. It was very nice to meet you - all. 56.STANLEY
Well, at least sign an album. Boys.
The boys runs into the next room to get an album.
ELTON
Why didn’t you love me, Dad?
STANLEY is shocked. He has no answer. The two men look at
each other. ELTON almost in tears, refuses to cry. The moment is broken as STEPHEN runs in.
STEPHEN
Found one.
Stanley hands it to Elton giving him a pen from his pocket.
STANLEY
Here. Put “to Arthur” - he’s the bloke I work with. Quite a big fan.
Elton signs the album.
GEOFF
That’ll be worth a few bob, now.
ELTON walks out of the room, he slips on his outrageous high heels but limps out determined not to reveal his heartbreak.
INT. ELTON’S LIMO. THE SAME.
Elton gets in the limo and bursts into tears. He finally pulls himself together. He looks round and sees the kids in the street looking in at him, stunned to see him undone.
INT. STAGE. THE SAME.
ELTON starts a wild piano solo with the PINBALL WIZARD riff. He screams wildly into the camera.
PIANO SOLO MONTAGE: INT. VARIOUS THEATRES. DAY / NIGHT.
Another theatre, another wild costume. The piano solo continues seemlessly. Now he is in a hotel bar standing at the piano. Now he is at a soundcheck in a huge empty hall. The solo gets more and more complicated and virtuosic. He is in the Pinball Wizard enormous platform heels. Playing like a demon, grinning madly. Now he is in a dressing room, naked - still playing the solo, then it gets more and more wild and surreal. He’s playing a tiny toy piano in the middle of an empty ball room, he’s on STARSHIP ONE - his plane full of white shag pile carpets and a big piano. 57.Now he is in a TV studio, on the back of a truck on an LA
freeway, back in STARSHIP ONE - he starts to float, JOHN REID and the whole band start to float in zero gravity,bottles of Jack Daniels, globules of bourbon drift round the plane as ELTON bashes away at the piano mid-air. Finally, ELTON crashes down on the last few chords, again and again and again. Each time we cut to him at a different piano, in a different venue. It should feel like a groundhog day, a stuck, repeated record. After every beat he signs an autograph in a different city, fan after fan, the suddenly John Reid gets him to sign a contract, perhaps more than once. The one solo has taken us through a whole World Tour. He plays the final chord. In STARSHIP ONE the floating musicians fall out of shot. ELTON on stage bows to the audience. Then we jump cut to him, bowing again, and again. Finally he collapses.
EXT. HOLIDAY INN SOMEWHERE IN INDIANA. NIGHT.
A long anonymous corridor. ELTON staggers along on his own. Tired, exhausted, legless. He bounces off the walls. He tries to get the key in the door and staggers into his room.
INT. BEDROOM. THE SAME.
Elton falls onto a bed and is out cold.
INT. BEDROOM, ELTON’S HOUSE. L.A. DAY.
ELTON wakes with a start. He is sweating. Disorientated.
INT. CORRIDOR, ELTON’S HOUSE, LA. THE SAME.
ELTON walks out of his room - a maid is dusting.
ELTON
Excuse me. Where am I?
MAID
This is your house, Mr John. In LA.
EXT. POOL AREA. DAY.
Elton walks out into the bright sunlight. The maid gives him an orange juice.
ELTON
Will you put a shot of vodka in there.
He sees John Reid, slightly obscured by a pool side table.. 58.JOHN REID
Morning.
Elton sees a young man emerge and realises that John Reid has
been fucking him.
ELTON
Who’s that?
JOHN REID
The pool guy. Just a bit of ‘rock and roll’.
ELTON
Rock and Roll is playing fucking piano not screwing the cleaning staff.
JOHN REID
Rock and roll is getting you out of bed in the morning. It’s arranging 250 gigs a year, it is overseeing PRS audits in 176 different countries, it’s employment contracts for 112 people in full or part-time employment. It’s insurance, copyright indemnity, renegotiating your previously insane contracts and wiping your arse. Yeah, all you do is play the piano but in my case, Elton, Rock and Roll is a 87 million dollar a year industry, and all I’m asking is for a little bit on the side.
ELTON
Get out.
JOHN REID
What?
ELTON
This is my house. Get out of here. I want to be by myself.
JOHN REID
But what about the plane?
ELTON
What plane?
JOHN REID
You do remember you hired a plane.To bring the people from England.
ELTON
Of course I do. Which people from England? 59.EXT. ELTON’S HOUSE. THE SAME.
Two coaches pull up. People stream off the bus led by Sheila
and FRED in ‘Elton at the Dodger’s’ T Shirts.
SHEILA
You remember the Andersons from next door, don’t you.
Elton looks to see a middle aged couple he has no recollection of.
IVY
I can’t believe I’m actually in America.
INT. ELTON’S HOUSE. DAY.
Intro to “I Think I’m Gonna Kill Myself”. A Party. BERNIE arrives in his cowboy gear with a couple of blonde Californian girls in tow. The front door is open and he wanders inside. The huge party is in full swing. Everybody from the plane is there. Sheila, IVY and FRED are all by the pool in their swimming costumes, having the time of their lives. We follow BERNIE. He sees JOHN REID snogging a young man. Everyone is having the time of their lives. Old friends, and neighbours from Pinner are covorting with LA hispters and record company people. BERNIE walks through the party like a ghost. Some people are raiding the fridge. Every nook and cranny is filled with people enjoying the thrill of being in a rock star’s home.
INT. ELTON’S LIBRARY. THE SAME.
In the dark recesses of the house. ELTON on his own. He is lines up a row of 20 pill botles, he looks up to camera and sings:
ELTON
(singing)
“I’m getting bored/ being part of mankind/
He pours a beaker full of Jack Daniels.
EXT. PARTY, ELTON’S HOUSE. THE SAME.
People running round the pool having a great time.
ELTON (V.O.)
there’s not a lot to do no more, this race is a waste of time / People rushing everywhere/ 60.INT. ELTON’S LIBRARY. THE SAME.
Elton necks all the pills. Some spill out his mouth as he
sings and slurps Jack Daniels to wash them down.
ELTON
swarming round like flies/ think I’ll buy a forty four/ give em all a big surprise.
He stands up. But the room sways violently. Elton is hurled out of shot into the corridor.
INT. CORRIDOR. THE SAME.
Elton stands up and brushes himself down. He looks distinctly woozy. He tries to steady himself. As the chorus starts Elton begins to tap dance. He is absolutely brilliant.
The song becomes a number where we see ELTON in reality
smashing up the room. But in fantasy doing a soft shoe dance number. During all of which he makes his suicide attempt. We cut in and out of the party.
ELTON
(singing, to camera )
Think I’m gonna kill myself/ Cause a little suicide/ stick around for a couple of days/ what a scandal if I died.
He tap dances up the corridor towards the camera leaping onto a dresser kicking down a vase of flowers.
ELTON (CONT’D)
Yeah, I’m gonna kill myself/get a little headline news/ I’d like to see what the papers say about the state of the teenage blues.
Miraculously, he is able to dance up the walls just like Fred Astaire in “A Royal Wedding”. As he dances towards the camera
he starts to dance on the ceiling singing all the while.
ELTON (CONT’D)
Think I’m going to kill myself/ cause a little suicide/ stick around for a couple of days/ what a scandal if I died.
EXT. POOL. DAY.
Outside the music continues over everyone having a great time at the party. Then suddenly there is a crash as Elton throws open the doors to a balcony. The music stops after just a verse and chorus. Everybody looks up to see ELTON. 61.ELTON
And for my next trick - I am going
to fucking well drown myself.
He climbs onto the railings and does a magnificent swan dive into the pool. He hits the water with a massive splash and sinks like a stone.
INT. POOL. THE SAME.
ELTON in the pool, sinking slowly to the bottom. The pool is unfeasibly deep. As he sinks pills float out of his mouth like bubbles. He sinks further and further to the bottom of the pool as the intro to Rocketman plays. ELTON is now on the bottom of the pool. He is curious to find a tiny figure dressed in an astronauts spacesuit playing the introduction on a tiny toy piano. The tiny figure looks up at ELTON, it is young REGGIE - the piano keys reflecting on his helmet like a huge smile.
REGGIE
She pack my bags last night pre-flight/zero hour nine a.m.
The singing is muffled by the space helmet. But now we are inside the space helmet with REGGIE and the singing is fine.
REGGIE (CONT’D)
And I’m gonna be high as a kite by thenI miss the earth so much I miss my wifeIt’s lonely out in spaceOn such a timeless flight.
ELTON thrashes around, desperately trying to get away from REGGIE, who looks up sadly
REGGIE (CONT’D)
And I think it’s gonna be a long long time/ till touch down brings me round again to find/ i’m not the man I think I am at all/ O no no no, I’m a Rocketman/ Rocketman burning out his fuse up here along -
Suddenly ELTON is hauled upwards and shoots out of the pool. He finds himself dangling over the pool, hooked to a crane. Everybody looking up at him.
REGGIE (CONT’D)
Mars ain’t the kind of place to raise your kids/ Infact it’s cold as hell/ And there’s no one there to raise them if you did/
He is rushed through the crowds on a trolley - BERNIE is mopping his brow, JOHN REID pushing people out of the way - to an ambulance. 62.REGGIE is desperately trying to get through to ELTON but he
is getting bashed this way and that. He just jumps onto the ambulance as the doors are slammed shut and it pulls away.
INT. AMBULANCE. THE SAME.
ELTON in the ambulance wired to machinery.
REGGIE
And all this science I don’t understandIt’s just my job five days a weekA rocket man, a rocketman
Reggie desperately clutching the hand of ELTON who is lying inert.
EXT. WHAT SEEMS TO BE A HOSPITAL. THE SAME.
ELTON’s ambulance pulls up. Paramedics run to the vehicle and open the doors. As they spring open we see ELTON now fine dressed in his Dodger’s Stadium attire. He leaps out of the ambulance with his bat and runs.
EXT. STADIUM. THE SAME.
What appeared to be the entrance to the hospital turns out to be the entrance to backstage.
ELTON/ REGGIE
And I think it’s gonna be a long long time/ till touch down brings me round again to find/ i’m not the man I think I am at all/ O no no no, I’m a Rocketman/ Rocketman burning out his fuse up here along -
ELTON runs backstage as his singing on the soundtrack sings over. He runs onstage. The crowd goes wild. As he comes on someone from the crowd throws a ball. Elton swings his bat and hits it way into the crowd.
As ELTON plaintively sings the play out to Rocketman the
camera glides out over heads of the thousands and thousands of people in the crowd. Some people we pass are actually above camera level as they are sitting on each other’s shoulders. There are people singing, people crying, people talking, people enraptured, people dancing, people stoned, even some Elton look alikes. It is an endless sea of people. The camera surveys them all, flying inches above their heads, till the song dies out to silence.
We hear only the wind rush as we fly in silence towards the
back of the crowd to see FRED, IVY and Sheila. Finally, we reach her. She is in tears. 63.We cut back to ELTON staring out at the enormous crowd. When
we reverse the shot - it is night. ELTON is staring out at the vast crowd the whole stadium is lit by lighters. The camera pans up it is impossible to know where the lighters stop and the stars of the night sky start. We keep panning up to the stars in the night sky. Suddenly ELTON is floating lost in space.
As the camera pans we understand the image we are looking at.
It is ELTON now at home floating in his pool in which the starlit night sky is reflected.
INT. BED. DAY.
A darkened room. We look down on ELTON who opens one bloodshot eye.
ELTON
Oh fuck.
We are with Elton in the slow, painful process of waking with the biggest hangover of all time. He staggers out of bed.
EXT. AROUND THE POOL. THE SAME.
Elton in his robe and enormous oversize sunglasses. Fred and Sheila look on concerned as Elton pours vodka into his orange juice.
SHELIA
I don’t think you should be drinking.
ELTON
It’s my house. I’ll do what I want.
FRED
Are you alright, Elton. I mean. You seem really tired.
ELTON
I’ve just played to fifty thousand people of course I’m tired.
SHEILA
But did you really have to try to kill yourself in front of the Andersons.
ELTON
I wasn’t trying to kill myself it was just pre-concert nerves.
SHEILA
No, that’s just the kind of selfish thing you’d do. 64.
(MORE)Did you think about me? Did you
think about Bernie? No, you go an kill yourself. Just when we are getting used to a bit of security.
ELTON
Is that really all you’ve got to say?
SHEILA
Well, to be quite frank the seats weren’t very good - we could barely see you.
ELTON
Get out.
SHEILA
I beg your pardon.
ELTON
I want you to leave.
JOHN REID
Calm down, Elton.
SHEILA
Where will we go?
ELTON
I don’t fucking care.
SHEILA
You can’t do that. You invited us here, Reggie.
ELTON
I AM NOT REGINALD DWIGHT!
He stands up and takes his sunglasses off.
ELTON (CONT’D)
I AM ELTON FUCKING JOHN. Who the hell would call their son Reginald Dwight? I’m a rock and roll superstar. I don’t want to live my life in black and white. I don’t want to hate myself. I don’t accept your fucked up frigid fifties ideas about the world. There’s nothing wrong with success or sex or pleasure. I want everything and I want it now. I’m gonna have my cake and eat it - on platform heels, in day-glo pink, in front of everybody. 65.
SHEILA (CONT'D)
(MORE)I am gonna fuck everything that
moves, I’m gonna take every drug known to man and I’m gonna enjoy every fucking minute of it.
We are in close up on ELTON. He puts some outrageous spectacles on and starts to sing:
ELTON (CONT’D)
I used to be a rolling stone, you know, if the cause was right..
INT. SOUND STAGE. DAY.
When we pull out we are on a MGM like sound stage. White background. Elton is singing dressed in his white Rhinestone studded cowboy gear. Chaps, small briefs, bare-chested. He is ripped, hot and really horny. There is a chorus of identical muscle boys, all blonde and blue eyed in swimming trunks. In a nod to Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend painted men pose as statues on the stage. The chorus of dancing boys swarm round Elton and he disappears beneath them only to emerge dressed in an even more outrageous costume. They lift him into the air and spin him around as he sings.
As the number progresses he dispenses rolex watches to the
swooning boys as does Marilyn in her number. We realise Elton is in his own MGM fantasy but this being the Seventies has swopped the decorum of evening wear for the glamour of Studio 54. Elton has lost touch with reality and is in the fantastical world of Musical Film where anything is possible - and he revels doing his brilliant routine in the great tradition of Marilyn Monroe and Madonna. The clones of Hugh are just as sychophantic as the evening dressed flunkey’s who tend to every whim of Marilyn and Madge.
Half way through the number the white backcloth falls and
behind we see the Sergeant Pepper / biggest gay band in history set up. The chorus of Hugh clone disappear with their rolexes and Elton enters the Peter Blake world of gay icons. Oscar Wilde is singing backing vocals with Long John Baldry.
Michaelangelo is next to Liberace. Some are cut outs, some are actors dressed up, some may play themselves - it is a carnival celebration of gay artists from all fields.
ELTON
Oh philadelphia freedom, shine on me, I love you/ Shine a light through the eyes of the ones left behind/
Projections flash above the assembled group: “Philo= greek for
love; delphia - a temple, a place of worship” . It’s a sort of
‘gay’ LIVE AID - Close up as various historical figures sing a line each.. 66.
ELTON (CONT’D)ELTON (CONT’D)
shine a light/ shine a light/ shine
a light won’t you shine a light/ philadelphia freedom I love you/ yes, I do.
Then, for the last chorus, the stage opens up and ELTON rises on an enormous plinth which he is built into as The Statue of Liberty, his skin painted grey but with glasses which light up as he holds up the torch of liberty above his head. The projection behind him turns into a view of NYC as seen from Hudson Bay, so it’s as if ELTON was actually the Statue of Liberty.
INT. HOTEL ROOM. MORNING.
Elton blinks open a bloodshot eye. He looks across to see a young blonde blue-eyed man is looking at him.
ELTON
Who the fuck are you?
MAN
I’m Hugh. I live with you.
ELTON
Well, get me a line of coke.
HUGH
What about some orange juice.
ELTON
I don’t want orange juice.I want a line of coke.
HUGH
But it’s 9 o clock in the morning.
ELTON
Look, if I want a line of coke. I can have a line of coke. I’m a Rock and Roll icon. What’s that noise?
HUGH
What noise?
ELTON
How am I supposed to take coke with that racket going on?
ELTON gets out of bed and wraps a towel around him and heads out to the corridor.
HUGH
Elton. 67.INT. CORRIDOR. HOTEL.
ELTON comes out into the corridor. In the distance is a
cleaner hoovering the floor. ELTON races up to her.
ELTON
What are you doing?
CLEANER
Sorry?
Before the CLEANER has had a chance to understand what is going on ELTON has grabbed the hoover.
ELTON
Excuse me.
ELTON picks up the hoover,
ELTON (CONT’D)
How do you stop this thing?
He smashes it against the wall. It still goes on. This makes ELTON lose his rag. The cleaner watches as he annihilates the hoover, smashing it in to smithereens. Finally there is very little left but it is still going. The cleaner goes to the wall and switches off the plug. Finally it is silent.
ELTON (CONT’D)
Thank you.
He politely hands the fragment of vaccum to the CLEANER and walks back into his room desperate to retain some dignity.
INT. HOTEL ROOM. THE SAME.
ELTON is stood stock still in the middle of the room.
ELTON
It’s still there. Can you hear it?
HUGH
I think it’s the wind.
ELTON throws open the curtains - they are in a highrise hotel. True - it is a windy day. ELTON immediately storms to the phone.
ELTON
Hello, this is Room 701. Yes there is a problem. I can’t get any peace and quiet. It’s the wind. I don’t care. It’s your hotel. Stop the fucking wind.
He slams down the phone. He looks at HUGH. 68.HUGH
Morning.
INT. HOTEL LOBBY, LONDON. DAY.
Elton and Hugh sits opposite John Reid. Elton knocks back a
martini in one.
ELTON
What do you mean it only got to number eleven in Italy. I thought Italy was one of our strongest markets.
JOHN REID
It just didn’t work, Elton.
Without losing eye contact ELTON fills a wine glass with white wine which he does throughout the conversation so that he has drunk the entire bottle by the end of the scene.
ELTON
Well, what about France?
JOHN REID
Didn’t even chart.
ELTON
It must have charted in France. I always chart in France. Well what about Australia?
JOHN REID
Bombed.
ELTON
What the fuck have you all been doing? Do you know how much I pay you?
JOHN REID
It’s number one in Finland.
ELTON
Finland! But it’s the best thing I’ve done in years.
JOHN REID
People just don’t like the record, Elton.
ELTON
But I’m Elton fucking John! What have you been doing? 69.JOHN REID
The record is shit. It’s coked out,
MOR, braindead cack. You used to be a genius - Elton - now you’re just a fat fuck who plays the piano.
ELTON
That’s it. You’re fired. I’m going on tour without you.
JOHN REID
Go on fucking tour - Elton. I don’t care cos the legal costs and the booking fees and the seventeen fucking limosenes - all come out of your bit. Every bit of fucking tuna you stuff down your bloated throat comes out of your bit. So fire me. I’m perfectly happy to stay here and collect the royalties. Alternatively you could stay sober and write a decent fucking tune.
ELTON
That can’t be right.
JOHN REID
Read your contract. You egocentric fuck.
John Reid leaves. Hugh smiles weakly at Elton trying to make the best out of a bad situation.
ELTON
Jesus fucking Christ.
Elton pours a half pint of wine into a beaker and drinks it in one.
EXT. STAIRS, WATFORD CITY FOOTBALL CLUB. DAY.
Elton staggering up stairs on ten inch heels. He’s completely wrecked and can barely make it.
EXT. STANDS, WATFORD CITY FOOTBALL CLUB. DAY.
ELTON in his ridiculously inappropriate Rock gear stumbles his way along a row of suited football managers. The crowd notice ELTON and start to sing:
CROWD
He’s bald, he’s queer, he takes it up the rear, Elton John, Elton John... 70.Finally, ELTON reaches GRAHAM TAYLOR, the manager, who is with
Bernie and Sheila and Fred.
ELTON
Who are we playing?
ELTON looks at GRAHAM TAYLOR and disappears out of frame as his legs give way. Sheila turns to Bernie:
SHELIA
What are they singing?
INT. MANAGER’S OFFICE. DAY.
Elton alone in Taylor’s office. Taylor shuts the door and slams a bottle of brandy down in front of Elton.
GRAHAM TAYLOR
Drink it.
Elton looks at Taylor.
GRAHAM TAYLOR (CONT’D)
It’s what you want. Drink it.
Elton looks at the bottle.
GRAHAM TAYLOR (CONT’D)
If you want to act like a complete dickhead, that’s the way to do it.
He pours a glass and smashes it down on the table.
ELTON
What do you expect with everybody shouting?
GRAHAM TAYLOR
Presumably you can’t help being gay, but you can help being an arsehole.
ELTON
Before I came along we were in the fourth division. Don’t tell me what to do. I am this bloody club.
GRAHAM TAYLOR
You wouldn’t turn up drunk for a gig at the Royal Albert Hall.
ELTON
I might, actually.
GRAHAM TAYLOR
Well, you don’t bloody well do that here. 71.ELTON
Don’t dare talk to me like that.
I’m your fucking chairman, understood.
GRAHAM TAYLOR
Not anymore. You can sort your own bloody life out, cos I quit.
Graham Taylor leaves. Elton is left alone. ELTON downs the brandy Graham Taylor poured. He stares at the bottle. He tries to resist but finally cracks. He pours another, but instead grabs the bottle and starts to gulp it down. It spills down his face. He coughs, almost wretches, but carries on. He stops for breath, but gulps down some more. He finishes the entire bottle.
INT. WHITE BOX. DAY.
I WANT LOVE plays over the entire next scene. Close up of ELTON looking implacably into the camera - the song on the soundtrack starts: In one single fixed shot: Clothes are put on Elton. Hands come into frame putting on a ruffed shirt, a tie, white power, a beauty spot, a brocade jacket, then a wife. It is an iconic image - like a knight preparing for battle, solemn, ceremonial even as if he is receiving a sacrement. Then a wig is lowered on to his head. It is a Louis XIV powdered wig so big only a part of it is in frame.
EXT. LOADING BAY. DAY.
Single fixed shot. I WANT LOVE CONTINUES. A lorry. The doors open. Elton is sat on a chair in his Louis XIV costume. The hydraulic lift lowers him down. Assistants have poles to prop the wig up when he moves.
WALKY TALKY GUY
Moving. Moving.
HUGH
Try not to move your head, Elton.
ELTON
It’s too fucking high.
Elton goes out of frame with his entourage. We stay on the lorry. Off screen we hear cries of “Elton, Elton”. Then we here an altercation: Elton is saying - “ nobody told me that”.
We hear people trying to calm him down. But we are still people milling round the back of the van. We hear Elton getting more and more annoyed. “Fuck you, I’m not playing.” Suddenly the assistants panic.
Minion
He’s coming back! 72.WalkY TALKY GUY
Moving. Moving.
Elton re-appears and sits on the chair.
ElTON
Arseholes.
Hugh
Elton. Please go back. There are
ten thousand people waiting.
ELTON
Get me back in the lorry.
WalKY TALKY GUY
Can we get Elton back in the lorry?
ELTON
I don’t fucking believe it.
The hyrdraulic mechanism is employed to get ELTON back in the lorry. The doors close and the lorry drives off out of shot. Now everybody is milling around slightly shocked then suddenly the truck comes back round the corner and starts reversing back into position. The doors open again. There is Elton and Hugh.
ELTON (CONT’D)
Get me out of here.
WALKY TALKY GUY
Can we get Elton out of the lorry.
They start lowering Elton again. I WANT LOVE comes to a close.
INT. THE STAGE. THE SAME.
A mike in a blinding spotlight. Elton peers into utter darkness.
ELTON
Hello, Swindon. Or New York.Or where-ever-the-fuck-we-are. Hello Gran. My Gran is in the audience tonight. Everybody give a big round of applause for my Gran.
The audience do not think this is funny.
ELTON (CONT’D)
The problem with you lot, the problem with you lot is you think. Oh here comes Elton he’ll cheer us up. He’ll sing us a song. 73.
(MORE)But have you asked, have you really
asked what you’re doing here, listening to me when there are people starving in Africa. There are people dying with AIDS, and here we are singing fucking pop songs.
He takes a drink of brandy.
ELTON (CONT’D)
Well, I blame the Jews and the Muslims and the Christians and the Hindus and those fucking Buddhists aren’t so great either. Did I leave anyone out?
Deathly silence in the crowd. Then:
MAN IN CROWD
The hare krishnas.
ELTON
Thank you. And the Hare Krishnas. Fuck the lot of you. This ones for my Mum.
We see Bernie watching from the side of the stage.
INT. BACKSTAGE. NIGHT.
Bernie and a drunk Elton are mid-argument.
ELTON
A break? You’re whole fucking life’s a break. All you do is sit on your fat arse and write lyrics.
BERNIE
None of us can go on at this pace.
ELTON
We’ve only done one album in the last 18 months.
BERNIE
And it was fucking shit, Elton.
ELTON
It might be alright for you. You can sit and write your fucking lyrics whenever it suits. But what about me. I have to make music. This is what I do. 74.
ELTON (CONT’D)BERNIE
It’s fucked up, Elton, you’re not a
machine.
ELTON
No, I’m someone who entertains millions of people. I’m someone who is beloved all over the world because I put the fucking hours in. I’ll tell you what’s fucked up - sitting on your fat English arse in the middle of fucking nowhere pretending to be a cowboy.
BERNIE
Yes, and you’ve got your blue eye bum boy and in six months he’ll be like all the rest. Nine hundred thousand airmiles, a rolex watch and he’ll hate your fucking guts cos he doesn’t know who he is any more. I’m sorry Elton. You are on your own.
ELTON
What do you mean?
BERNIE
I’m finished, Elton. I really loved you. Why can’t you show just a little bit of love for yourself?
ELTON
Piss off to the desert. See if I care.
BERNIE
Fuck you.
BERNIE throws his book of lyrics at ELTON. It smashes against Elton and loose pages fly everywhere. BERNIE is gone.
Elton slumps to the floor. He starts to cry like a baby. Then
his attention is caught by a page of Bernie’s lyrics. ELTON picks up a page and reads: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
INT. WOODSIDE. DAY.
Elton sits down at the piano. Puts the lyrics to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road up in front of him. He starts playing different chords, finding a hook that moves him.
He is absolutely at one with the music.
ELTON
When are you going to come down?
When are you going to land? 75.
(MORE)Would have stayed on the farm.
Would have listened to my old man....
Elton amazingly finds the perfect melody. He continues to pull together the song.
INT. RESTAURANT, LONDON. NIGHT.
Fred, Sheila and Ivy sit stoney faced with Elton and Hugh. Elton is in the mad stage outfit we saw him wear in the opening to the movie.
FRED
Hello. Who are you?
HUGH
Hi. I’m Hugh. You’ve met me before.
SHEILA
OK. I have something to say. We’re going away, Reggie. We’ve decided to move to Minorca.
ELTON
Minorca. What do you want to go there for?
SHEILA
Because it’s far enough away from you.
FRED
What you don’t seem to realise is each time you hurt yourself Reggie, you’re also hurting us.
ELTON
One little slip about the Jews -
FRED
Reggie. Everytime we pick up a paper there’s something in it. Everytime we go out to the shops there’s people waiting. Everytime we try to talk to you about the drugs you ignore us. Everytime we talk to you about this drinking you tell us you’re in control.
ELTON
I am in control. It’s a controlled nosedive.
SHEILA
You’re breaking my heart, Reggie. 76.
ELTON (CONT'D)ELTON
Heart!? You haven’t got a heart.
SHEILA
Typical. I’ve given up everything
for you....
ELTON
What? What have you given up?
SHEILA
...Maybe your father had the right idea.
A frozen beat. Sheila takes a bread roll. ELTON leaps across the table and starts to strangle her.
ELTON
You monster. You fucking heartless monster.
The whole table is in chaos. HUGH and FRED try to pull ELTON off Sheila. ELTON is really trying to strangle her. The other diners are in shock. Waiters join in. Sheila is going blue. ELTON really means to murder her there and then. The rugby scrum of people, with Elton and Sheila at the centre starts to move through the restaurant. They plough a course through the whole room. ELTON demonically trying to choke his mother. They end up on the pavement outside. Eventually ELTON is pulled away. Sheila gasps for breath.
ELTON (CONT’D)
Go to fucking Minorica. See if I care.
FRED and HUGH tend to Sheila. ELTON turns round and walks back into the restaurant, through the debris to his table. He sits down as if nothing was amiss. He turns to a stunned waiter:
ELTON (CONT’D)
Another bottle of the Chateaux Petrus, if you please.
He looks around and suddenly realises IVY’s at the table.
IVY
I know you’ll take no notice but I’m gonna tell you anyway. You’re trying to fill a hole, Elton. You can’t fill it with booze it just runs out the other end. You can’t fill it with things.
ELTON
What the hell do you fill it with?
IVY
You fill it with love. 77.She leaves.
WAITER
Would you care for a sweet, sir?
ELTON
Yes, I would. I’d like a chocolate
pudding. No, make that two chocolate puddings. A raspberry fool. The cheesecake.
WAITER
What kind of ice cream would you like with the chocolate puddings?
ELTON
Just bring me everything.
WAITER
Including the sorbets?
INT. WOODSIDE. LATER.
Hugh is packing his tiny suitcase. ELTON comes in looking the worse for wear.
ELTON
What are you doing?
HUGH
I’m done. Just like every other blue eyed Blonde you pick up. Six months in I’ve got a Rolex watch, 200,000 airmiles and I don’t know who the hell I am anymore. I’m not sure you even know who you are either.
ELTON
I’m Elton John. So you’re going to fuck off? Just cos I strangled my Mum?
HUGH
I’m so tired. Elton.
ELTON
Tired. You don’t know the meaning of tired. When you’ve stayed up five nights, played a gig for seventy thousand people, flew to New York for the launch of an album and
then have to start a 50 night
tour. That is fucking tired. Life is for living. What the hell are you scared of? 78.HUGH
Becoming like you.
Hugh takes off his Rolex watch and hands his Rolex to Elton.
ELTON
I thought you said you loved me.
HUGH
I do love you. But I don’t want to
wake up next to a dead body.
ELTON
Where are you going?
HUGH
To use my airmiles.
INT. WOODSIDE. THE SAME
Hugh stomps down the stairs. ELTON shouts from the balcony.
ELTON
You can keep the Rolex. I don’t care.
But Hugh is gone. ELTON is reeling. Now he shouts for his servants.
ELTON (CONT’D)
Help. Is there anybody there?! Is there anybody there! Fucking staff.
ELTON starts to stagger through the rooms of Woodside. He is looking for something. He finally goes to a desk gets a key then goes to a safe. He is shaking. He opens the safe and takes out the most enormous bag of cocaine. He takes the cocaine out of the safe and hurries to a desk. He dumps the huge bag on the desk. He hastily cuts an enormous line with an envelope and snorts it. It’s not enough. He buries his head in the cocaine. He starts to shake. He staggers up from the desk. Shaking. He is having a fit.
ELTON (CONT’D)
Oh fuck. Oh fuck.
He staggers to the bathroom.
INT. BATHROOM, WOODSIDE. THE SAME.
He tries to find the chord to put the light on.
ELTON
Oh fuck. 79.Finally he turns the lights on. On the loo, trousers down, is
a cadaverous Elvis. Elton leaps back in horror - he recognises what he could become.
ELVIS
Hey, kid. Got any laxative?
Elton holds onto the sink, he looks at himself in the mirror, reflected into infinity. The reflections suddenly move all out of sync to reveal Elvis looking over his shoulder. The door behin d him rattles.
ELVIS (CONT’D)
You, OK, chipmunk?
Elvis falls the ground. Elton is out cold. The door finally opens as REGGIE bursts in. He shakes ELTON. More and more desperate, Reggie hits Elton.
REGGIE
Please don’t die. Please don’t die.
Reggie can’t wake Elton so he grabs his legs and starts to haul him out of the bathroom, smashing his head on the doorframe.
INT. STAIRCASE, WOODSIDE. THE SAME.
With enormous effort Reggie pulls Elton onto the stairs, then starts to pull him downstairs. Elton’s head bangs again and again on the staircase. It’s an almost impossible task for the young kid to move the body. He finally drags him all the way down the palatial staircase. Finally he gets Elton to the front door. Reggie is exhausted, terrified, in tears. Suddenly the door bursts open and paramedics run in.
CUE: Someone Saved My Life Tonight. Over the dumb show of the
paramedics desperately trying to save Elton’s life we hear the beautiful ballad. They try desperately to revive him but he’s gone. Finally after some time a stretcher arrives and they put Elton on it and leave the house. Reggie is left cowering under the stairs as the song comes to a close.
INT. HOSPITAL. THE SAME.
ELTON attached to a life support system.
ELTON
Where am I?
HUGH
You are in hospital. You had a seizure, your heart stopped beating. 80.ELTON
You didn’t leave?
HUGH
No, but it’s over. I am going to
rehab, Elton. You should think about it yourself.
ELTON
Why would I want to go to rehab?
HUGH
You’re a cocaine addict, and a alcoholic, and a bulimic, and a control freak, you have issues with food, sex, relationships and just about every narcotic known to man. You have huge problems with self esteem, anger management and intimacy; you’re also addicted to shopping, pornography and have no desire to change.
ELTON
Well, you’re not so fucking perfect either.
HUGH
OK. Hit me with it.
Elton thinks.
ELTON
You never put my records back in their sleeves.
HUGH
Is that it?
Elton thinks about this. He gets up, pulling all wires off himself.
ELTON
Thank you.
He walks out. Nurses come running.
NURSE
Mr John!
INT. CORRIDOR. PARKLANDS HOSPITAL. DAY.
Elton walking down the corridor, as in the opening shot of the movie. 81.INT. THERAPY ROOM. THE SAME.
Elton in his mad costume sits down and looks at the people.
NURSE
OK, guys. Shall we begin?
Close up of Elton. He looks round at the faces of the other
patients waiting eagerly to hear him. He seems lost for words.
INT. BEDROOM. PARKLANDS. DAY. 1990.
Elton strips off his mad clothes and throws them in the basket. He looks at himself naked in a mirror. He puts on his regulation grey uniform. He looks at himself. A nurse appears, watching him.
ELTON
I can’t do this. I’ve got to go home.
NURSE
Nobody’s making you stay.
The nurse hands him his pile of clothes.
NURSE (CONT’D)
The laundry’s down the hall.
INT. LAUNDRY ROOM. PARKLANDS. DAY.
Elton goes in to the laundry room with his basket of clothes. The old lady is there. Elton looks at the row of machines. He has never done a load of washing in his life. He looks at the coin-op thing, presses a few buttons, but is unable to get the door to open.
ELTON
It must be broken.
The old lady presses the door release button and it springs open. She takes the washing out of his hands and puts it in the machine.
OLD LADY
You ain’t never done this before.
The old lady puts a quarter into the machine for Elton. The machine whirs into action. Elton sits down humiliated. The old woman reads her book. Elton stares at the machine. The radio is playing. An Elton John song starts up. The Old Lady gets up, and changes the channel.
ELTON
So tell me, what’s your story? 82.OLD LADY
Oh, the usual. My son died when he
was twenty and I started drinking. Weren’t a problem at first but then I began with valium when my husband left me for the secretary. Then I lost the house and ended up on the street for eight years, until my liver collapsed and I ended up in here. How about you?
ELTON
Well, I’m a multi-millionaire rock star who’s adored all over the world.
OLD LADY
So you had some personal tragedy?
ELTON
No. I just started behaving like a cunt in 1975 and forgot to stop.
OLD LADY
What did you say your name was?
ELTON
Elton. Elton John.
OLD LADY
No. Never heard of you.
ELTON
You know, I think I’m starting to like it here.
INT. ELTON’S ROOM. PARKLANDS HOSPITAL. DAY.
Elton is alone. He is now really suffering the effects of withdrawal. He starts to sweat and shake. He looks very ill. He confronts himself in the mirror. He is naked. Finally he takes off his wig and confronts who he is unadorned.
INT. THERAPY ROOM. PARKLANDS HOSPITAL.
Elton faces the group. A long pause, then someone asks a question.
PATIENT
So what I don’t understand is you have everything you want in the world, right, so how come you’re so unhappy? 83.ELTON
I think somehow I was so used to
striving after the things I wanted I forgot to enjoy them.
PATIENT
But you did
get what you wanted.
ELTON
But it didn’t make me happy.
PATIENT
Go figure.
ELTON
No, no. Yes, I had an extraordinary life, but all I really wanted was to be ordinary.
A VOICE (IVY)
Rubbish, you were never ordinary.
Elton swings round to see who’s spoken and sees Ivy who is dressed in her 1950’s outfit sitting amongst the group as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
ANOTHER VOICE (SHEILA)
It’s true actually. You were always different. Really a bit of loser. Look at you - in here!
Elton swings round in the other direction to see that it’s Sheila dressed in her 60’s outfit. In the reverse angle we see from behind the circle the real patients looking at Elton. Now he scans the the room and see along with IVY and MUM are FRED, BERNIE, JOHN REID and STANLEY.
BERNIE
The basic problem with you is you’re selfish.
JOHN REID
The problem with you is you are hiding. You spent so much time trying to be somebody else - I think you forgot to be yourself.
Elton’s head is spinning from person to person.
ELTON
Wait a minute. I know exactly who I am.
JOHN REID
You haven’t a clue. You forgot who you were years ago. 84.ELTON
Bullshit. I know perfectly well who
I am. It’s just complex that’s all.
JOHN REID
Well, tell us.
ELTON
Well, technically, I am an introverted extrovert with abandonment issues.
STANLEY
You would have been fucked up regardless of what I did.
SHEILA
Yeah, come on Elton. So your father left. Big deal. He was an arsehole. You had everything you ever wanted.
BERNIE
Anyway, aren’t you a extroverted introvert?
FRED
I’m not even sure you are an introvert at all, actually.
SHEILA
See - you don’t know who the hell you are.
ELTON
I’m Elton John.
Then a young voice breaks through the surreal chaos with real emotion.
REGGIE (OOV)
I thought you were Reggie Dwight.
Elton stops dead. He turns and stares at REGGIE who is standing in the middle of the chairs.
Elton walks to him. He stands over him in an exact replica of
the moment where his Dad left him in the street. Elton falls to his knees. The boy holds out his hand and touches Elton’s cheek, as if to see that he is real.
ELTON
(whispers)
I haven’t been Reggie Dwight for years.
Behind Elton the group on chairs is made up of the real patients in therapy they watch Elton is crying. Reggie stands in front of them. 85.REGGIE
When are you going to hug me?
Slowly he puts his arms around the tiny figure and hugs him.
INT. ELTON’S ROOM. DAY.
Elton by himself. He puts on a smart white suit. He looks
transformed. Clean, healthy, clear headed.
In front of him is an envelope. He opens it - it is lyrics
from Bernie. He reads the title - ‘This Train Don’t Stop Here Anymore’. Looks back in the mirror.
ELTON
You may not believe it, but i dont believe in miracles anymore. And when i think about it, i don’t believe i ever did for sure.
INT. THERAPY ROOM. DAY.
Elton walks through the room. A goodbye gathering has been organised in the therapy room, with a home made backing band.
ELTON
(singing:)
riding on the story line/ furnace burning overtime/
The old lady is on a little drumkit behind him, the nurse is on bass.
ELTON (CONT'D)
(singing)
but this train don’t stop/ this train don’t stop/ this train don’t stop there any more/
INT. CORRIDOR. PARKLANDS HOSPITAL. DAY.
Elton walks down the corridor, still singing.
ELTON
You don’t need to hear it but I’m dried up and sick to death of love.... read them as they say and weep/
EXT. HOSPITAL. THE SAME.
A car is waiting. Bernie at the wheel. Elton gets in still singing. 86.ELTON
I never felt enough to cry/I used to
be the main express/ all steaming whistles heading west/ picking up my pain from door to door/
INT. CAR. THE SAME.
Elton and Bernie, driving.
ELTON / BERNIE
riding on the story line/ furnace burning overtime/ but this train don’t stop/ this train don’t stop/ this train don’t stop there any more./
EXT. SOUTH OF FRANCE. DAY.
The medley surges into the intro to I’m Still Standing. Elton gets out of the same limo but miraculously he is in the South of France. As he walks onto the set of a video shoot he is passed a straw boater as in the original video. Elton sings to camera surrounded by painted people.
ELTON
You can never know what it’s like/ your blood like winter freezes just like ice/ Lonely light that shines from you/ You’ll end up like the wreck you hide behind the mask you use...
Now the song continues but it is choreographed to a far more elaborate dance. It is joyous, the sun is bright and very soon the boardwalk is full of hundreds of people all dancing with Elton.
ELTON (CONT’D)
(singing)
Don’t you know that I’m still standing better than I ever did/ lookin’ like a true survivor/ feelin’ like a little kid/ I’m still standing after all this time/ Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind/ I’m still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah./ I’m still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Elton ends up being helicoptered over the beach still singing, below the crowds spell out the word ELTON and then THE END. The song finishes with Elton beaming into the camera. We freeze on his fantastic smile. 87.DIRECTOR’S VOICE
And cut - perfect - just one more
time.
ELTON
(OOV)
Fuck off.
THE END 88. | screenplays |
The July State Newsletter is a welcome contribution to our croquet community. We will all benefit from the opportunity of finding out what our sister clubs are doing and what is happening in Tasmania and on the Mainland too.
Thank you to the editor! | slim_pajama |
a 51-year - old man originally presented with an asymptomatic tumor in his left kidney revealed by a routine abdomen ultrasonography in october 2005 . his medical history was unremarkable except for 11 years of hypertension , which was controlled well with calcium antagonist .
radical nephrectomy was then undertaken and pathologic examination showed clear - cell rcc ( figure 1 ) , staged t3n0m0 .
however , in subsequent routine examinations , a computed tomographic ( ct ) scan suggested metastases to bilateral adrenal glands ( figure 2 ) , retroperitoneal lymph nodes , and multiple bones .
brain magnetic resonance imaging ( mri ) was then performed and showed diffuse enlargement of the pituitary gland ( figure 3 ) , which was considered pituitary nonfunctional adenoma or pituitary hyperplasia . in june 2006 ,
treatment was interrupted in the third week and then between the 12th and 16th week because of grade 3 hand - foot reaction syndrome and aggravated hypertension accompanied by grade 2 alopecia and arthralgia according to common terminology criteria for adverse events ( ctcae ) v3.0 .
after the interruption , the dose of sorafenib was reduced to 400 mg orally once daily . after 8 weeks of sorafenib treatment , ct scan of the abdomen showed tumor shrinkage and partial response ( figure 2 ) , which was evaluated according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors ( recist ) .
this partial response status was verified 4 weeks later . in the 20th week , the patient felt rapid deterioration with blurry vision .
physical examination revealed left - sided temporal hemianopia , ptosis of the left upper lid , left sixth nerve palsy , and diplopia .
hormonal evaluation suggested adrenocorticotropic hormone ( acth ) deficiency and hyperprolactinemia ( table 1 ) .
additional brain ct scan showed a sellar mass with suprasellar extension compressing the optic chiasm and eroding the sellar base ( figure 4 ) . in november 2006 , transsphenoidal surgery revealed a vascular tumor that invaded the sellar base and the normal pituitary gland .
only biopsy was performed , and pathologic examination showed clear - cell carcinoma consistent with pituitary metastasis of rcc ( figure 1b ) .
the patient underwent conformal radiotherapy to the pituitary tumor bed at a dose of 3,000 cgy in 10 fractions and then 600 cgy in 3 fractions .
one month later , multiple bilateral lung nodules were suggested by chest ct scan . in september 2007
survival time was 23 months from nephrectomy , 16 months from initial diagnosis of metastases and use of sorafenib , and 9 months from diagnosis of symptomatic pituitary metastasis .
tsh , thyroid stimulating hormone ; t4 , tetraiodothyronine ; t3 , triiodothyronine ; acth , adrenocorticotropic hormone ; gf , growth factor .
computed tomography shows a 2.0-cm sellar mass with suprasellar extension compressing the optic chiasm and eroding the sellar base .
only 28 cases have been reported in the literatures , among which only 3 patients received targeted drugs including sorafenib and sunitinib after pituitary surgery and/or radiotherapy , . using targeted drugs as the initial course of treatment in patients with pituitary metastasis from rcc has never been reported before . in the case
reported here , the patient was initially asymptomatic , and brain mri was performed when metastases to his extracerebral sites were identified according to the previous recommendations .
diffuse enlargement of the pituitary gland was mistaken as pituitary nonfunctional adenoma or pituitary hyperplasia , as pituitary adenoma has much higher incidence than pituitary metastasis , even in patients with known systemic malignancy .
the rapidity of symptom development and rapidly growing sellar tumor may contribute to the diagnosis of metastases to the pituitary from rcc .
there is limited information on the proper treatment for the metastases to the pituitary from rcc .
national comprehensive cancer network guidelines recommended traditional surgery , stereotactic radiotherapy , and whole brain irradiation in rcc patients with brain metastases .
as the lesions of pituitary metastases from rcc tend to be firm , diffuse , invasive , vascular , and hemorrhagic , total resection is considered impossible .
however , local radiotherapy improves symptom control and survival , but long - term local control has been poor .
targeted therapy is now widely used in metastatic rcc . as patients with brain metastases from rcc
were frequently excluded from most clinical trials , their effects on rcc patients with brain metastases are unclear . some small clinical trials and cases were reported , but these results are controversial . in the current case , extracerebral lesions showed partial response during sorafenib treatment , while pituitary metastasis progressed rapidly .
this suggests a difference in pharmacokinetic behavior and less activity of sorafenib within the brain .
data from an expanded access trial , including 321 patients with brain metastases out of 4,371 patients with rcc , revealed that sunitinib was effective and safe in subgroups of patients with brain metastases .
helgason et al . reported that sunitinib does not influence the incidence of brain metastases .
we propose that , as sole treatments , targeted drugs like sorafenib are inadequate for control of brain metastases , including metastases to the pituitary from rcc .
first , metastases to the pituitary from rcc is extremely rare , but it should be considered when rapidly developing symptoms and a rapidly growing sellar tumor occur .
also , asymptomatic abnormality in pituitary images should be monitored regularly to diagnose metastases to the pituitary at an early stage .
second , patients diagnosed with metastases to the pituitary should receive local , pituitary - specific treatment , including surgery or radiotherapy , before initiation of systematic treatment . primary treatment with targeted drugs , like sorafenib ,
studies of far more aggressive treatment strategies , like new drugs for new targets , are needed . | pubmed |
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10 @xmath2 2 ) @xmath3 produced by the conventional ( squares ) and pin - drying ( circles ) methods . ]
we are developing an aerogel ring - imaging cherenkov ( a - rich ) counter @xcite as one of the particle identification devices for the belle ii experiment @xcite .
belle ii will involve the superkekb electron positron collider , under upgrade at kek , japan . this super @xmath7-factory experiment , investigating flavor physics and precision measurements of @xmath8 violations in the intensity frontier ,
will search for physics beyond the standard model of particle physics . because the installation space of the forward end cap of the belle ii detector is limited , the a - rich system was designed as a proximity - focusing rich counter .
the a - rich system is an upgrade of threshold aerogel cherenkov counters @xcite installed in the previous belle spectrometer @xcite . to efficiently separate kaons from pions at momenta ( @xmath9 ) up to 4 gev/@xmath1 ( our goal is to exceed 4@xmath0 @xmath5/@xmath6 separation capability ) , we require a highly transparent cherenkov radiator with a refractive index @xmath10 of approximately 1.05 . to this end , we have been developing high - refractive index , high - quality hydrophobic silica aerogels since the early 2000s @xcite . together with hamamatsu photonics k.k . , japan ,
we have also been developing 144-ch multi - anode hybrid avalanche photodetectors ( hapd ) @xcite as position - sensitive cherenkov light sensors using dedicated readout electronics ( asic ) @xcite . given the limited expansion distance between the aerogel upstream surface and photodetector surface ( 20 cm in our case ) , we first proposed and demonstrated a multilayer - focusing radiator scheme using aerogels with different refractive indices @xcite .
this thick aerogel combination aimed to increase the number of detected photoelectrons without degrading the resolution of the cherenkov angle . in previous beam tests , the @xmath5/@xmath6 separation capability of a prototype a - rich counter exceeded 5@xmath0 at 4 gev/@xmath1 @xcite .
such high separation capability was achieved using highly transparent ( but small size ) aerogels developed by the pin - drying method described in the next section .
silica aerogel , an amorphous , highly porous solid of silicon dioxide ( sio@xmath11 ) , has been widely used as a cherenkov radiator because of its tunable , intermediate refractive index and optical transparency .
its refractive index is related to its bulk density , which depends on the silica
air volume ratio ( typically 1:9 ) tuned in the production process .
the typical length scale of three - dimensional networks of silica particles ( revealed by our scanning electron microscopy observations ) is on the order of 10 nm .
hence , the transmission of cherenkov photons in an aerogel is described by rayleigh scattering .
although aerogels are generally transparent , their transparency strongly depends on production technique .
our aerogels are produced in two ways : conventional and pin - drying methods .
our conventional method , developed at kek in the 1990s @xcite , was modernized in the mid-2000s by introducing a new solvent in the wet - gel synthesis process [ 5 ] .
the conventional method , which requires approximately one month , adopts a simple wet - gel synthesis procedure ( sol gel step ) .
the refractive indices of the resulting aerogels reach @xmath10 = 1.11 @xcite .
to suppress age - related degradation caused by moisture absorption , our aerogels are rendered hydrophobic @xcite . in the final step ,
the wet gels are dried by the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction method .
our recently developed pin - drying method @xcite produces more transparent aerogels ( with @xmath121.06 ) than the conventional method .
originally , this novel method was developed to yield ultrahigh - refractive - index aerogels ( up to @xmath10 = 1.26 ) at chiba university , japan @xcite . in this method ,
individual wet gels ( originally designed with @xmath121.05 ) are subjected to a special treatment , intermediate between the wet - gel synthesis and hydrophobic treatment .
specifically , to increase its silica density , the wet gel is shrunk by partial drying in a semi - sealed container punctured with pinholes to suppress cracking ( pin - drying process ) .
the refractive index of the aerogels is determined by two factors : shrinkage extent of the wet gel and the volume ratio of chemicals used in the wet - gel synthesis . by contrast , the refractive index is controlled only by the wet - gel synthesis process in the conventional method .
potential disadvantages of the pin - drying method include the time consumed in the pin - drying process ( approximately two months ) , difficulties in obtaining uniform tile density , and cracking in the supercritical drying phase . however , the method achieves long transmission length ( @xmath13 ) @xcite , as shown in fig .
when filling the large ( 3.5 m@xmath4 ) end - cap region , tile boundaries must be reduced by minimizing the total number of aerogel tiles ( i.e. , by maximizing aerogel dimensions ) .
this is important because unintended scattering at the boundaries of adjacent aerogel tiles reduces the number of detected photoelectrons .
meanwhile , the tile dimensions should also be realistic for production . considering the capacity of our autoclave used in the supercritical drying phase , installed at mohri oil mill co. , ltd .
, japan , we planned to manufacture aerogel tiles with dimensions ( 18 @xmath2 18 @xmath2 2 ) @xmath3 .
to simplify aerogel production , we propose to fill the cylindrical end - cap region with 124 segmented dual - layer - focusing aerogel combinations ( a total of 248 tiles ) with different refractive indices .
[ fig2 ] shows a cad drawing of the planned aerogel radiator tiling scheme .
each 2-cm - thick aerogel layer ( dual layer thickness = 4 cm ) is separately fabricated and will be stacked during the installation of the a - rich system .
prepared aerogel tiles are cut into fan shapes that fit their layer ( concentric layers 14 , counting from the inside of the end cap ; see fig .
[ fig2 ] ) by a water jet cutter .
water jet trimming best exploits the hydrophobic features of our aerogels .
[ fig3 ] shows water - jet - machined aerogels cut from ( 18 @xmath2 18 @xmath2 2 ) @xmath3 test production tiles fabricated by the conventional method .
the integrity of the optical parameters was preserved after cutting , and the error in the tile dimensions was below 1% . 18 @xmath2 2 ) @xmath3 tiles and stacked to form a focusing combination . ]
in addition , to increase the number of cherenkov photons that reach the photodetectors without rayleigh scattering , the aerogels should be maximally transparent . at @xmath10
= 1.045 for upstream aerogels , sufficient transparency is achieved by the conventional method ; however , transparency generally decreases with increasing refractive index . on the other hand , downstream aerogels with @xmath121.055 produced by the pin - drying method
are more transparent than those obtained from the conventional method .
therefore , the upstream aerogels will be manufactured by the conventional method , while the downstream aerogels can be produced by either method .
fabricating the downstream ( @xmath10 = 1.055 ) aerogels by the conventional method is a promising option , because large aerogels can be obtained with a crack - free yield exceeding 80% @xcite .
alternatively , the pin - drying method is suitable in cases in which the transparency of the downstream aerogels is particularly important for detector performance ; that is , where all emitted cherenkov photons must pass through the downstream layer to reach the photodetectors
. of special concern in the pin - drying method is obtaining large aerogels with low crack - free yield .
for the actual detector , we require approximately 350 large - area aerogel tiles ( including spares ) with no cracking . for large , high - refractive - index aerogels , cracking in the supercritical drying phase
is a critical issue .
the total number of wet gels that must be synthesized and processed depends on the crack - free yield in the final phase . in test productions by the conventional method
, we established a technique for fabricating large - area tiles with a sufficiently high crack - free yield .
however , cracking remains problematic in large - area aerogels test produced by the pin - drying method .
cracking is more critical in the pin - drying method than in the conventional method , even during small aerogel production .
however , in 2012 , the first intact ( 17 @xmath2 17 @xmath2 2 ) @xmath3 tile with @xmath121.059 was obtained @xcite . to date , these are the maximum crack - free tile dimensions obtainable by the pin - drying method . in 2013 , immediately prior to mass production , a two - batch ( 52 tiles ) test production of ( 19 @xmath2 19 @xmath2 2 ) @xmath3 aerogels with @xmath10 = 1.0551.060 was achieved by the pin - drying method , although all of the attained samples were cracked . from the above test production results of large - area aerogels
, we have conclusively decided to mass produce both the upstream ( @xmath10 = 1.045 ) and downstream ( @xmath10 = 1.055 ) aerogels by the conventional method .
we consider that intact aerogels are essential to ensure the safe handling of aerogels with no fragmentation at the radiator installation stage .
moreover , in the cracking plane , cherenkov photons are scattered or reflected , which measurably decreases the transmittance of the aerogels .
the optical parameters of the recently produced aerogels were measured and found to be suitable even in large tiles @xcite .
the measured transmission lengths were 40 mm50 mm and 35 mm for aerogels with @xmath10 = 1.045 and 1.055 , respectively .
an x - ray technique @xcite revealed that the density nonuniformity of the tiles in the transverse planar direction was below @xmath141% .
in may 2013 , the two above - described options for large - area aerogel combinations were evaluated in a beam test undertaken at the desy . in the test
, a prototype a - rich counter was exposed to a @xmath9 = 5 gev/@xmath1 electron beam in the t24 beam area of the synchrotron .
spatial nonuniformity in the density of pin - dried aerogels has been recognized by x - ray absorption measurements @xcite .
therefore , we were particularly interested in whether refractive index nonuniformities ( gradients ) in the transverse planar direction of monolithic aerogel tiles would degrade detector performance .
independent of refractive index nonuniformity , the laser fraunhofer method tags the aerogels with the refractive index measured at the tile corners ( @xmath15 ) . the previous test @xcite targeted pin - dried aerogels with @xmath15 = 1.054 and 1.065 in the upstream and downstream layers , respectively .
these are small aerogels with dimensions of ( 9 @xmath2 9 @xmath2 2 ) @xmath3 . unlike this study ,
the previous study paid little attention to refractive index nonuniformity .
the prototype a - rich counter ( as a component of the real - size detector ) was constructed by correctly placing the system components ( aerogel radiators , prototype hapds , and front - end electronics close to the final design ) in the 20-cm expansion distance between the aerogel surface and hapds in a light - shielded box .
the setup is shown in fig .
six hapds , separated by gaps , were arranged into a 2 @xmath2 3 array , mimicking the layout of the real detector .
the pixel size and averaged quantum efficiency of the hapds were ( 4.9 @xmath2 4.9 ) mm@xmath4 and 25% , respectively .
the charged beam was tracked by four multiwire proportional chambers affixed to the upstream and downstream sides of the light - shielded box .
trigger signals were generated by two scintillation counters placed at the upstream and downstream extremities of the beam area . in a preliminary analysis of the data obtained from aerogel study runs , we obtained @xmath16 = 6.6 and @xmath17 = 14.5 mrad , implying a @xmath5/@xmath6 separation capability of 4.1@xmath0 . here a focusing aerogel combination of @xmath10 = 1.0464 ( @xmath13= 42 mm ) and 1.0548 ( 34 mm ) was constructed from tiles produced by the conventional method .
@xmath16 is the averaged number of detected photoelectrons , and @xmath17 is the resolution of the observed cherenkov angle distribution per single photon .
the performance of the a - rich detector was navely estimated by the following equation : @xmath18 where @xmath19 ( @xmath2023 mrad ) is the difference in cherenkov angles between @xmath5 and @xmath6 at @xmath10 = 1.05 and @xmath9 = 4 gev/@xmath1 .
the aerogels incorporated into the prototype detector were the water - jet - trimmed tiles shown in fig .
[ fig3 ] . in this run ,
the electron beam impacted perpendicular to the default aerogel position ( around the center of the tiles ) .
this aerogel combination , selected for our mass production , approximately satisfied our detector performance requirements .
an alternative focusing aerogel combination , namely , @xmath10
= 1.0467 ( @xmath13 = 47 mm ) and @xmath15 = 1.0592 ( 59 mm ) , constructed from tiles produced by the conventional and pin - drying method , respectively , yielded a superior @xmath5/@xmath6 separation capability of 4.5@xmath0 . in this combination , @xmath16 = 8.6 and @xmath17 = 15.0 mrad .
accumulated clear cherenkov rings are shown in fig .
[ fig5 ] . in the pin - dried aerogels ,
the tagged refractive index at the tile corners will be larger than the refractive index averaged across the tile , possibly reflecting a density gradient @xcite .
we irradiated the tile center , corner , and midway point ( between center and corner ) with the beam .
ongoing analysis indicated that refractive index nonuniformity does not significantly affect detector performance ; i.e. , the spatial variation in the mean and resolution of the cherenkov angle distribution appears to be within our requirements and is acceptable .
we conclude that detector performance could be primarily improved by detecting more cherenkov photons using highly transparent pin - dried aerogels .
in september 2013 , collaborating with the japan fine ceramics center and mohri oil mill co. , ltd , we began the mass production of aerogels for the actual a - rich system . by the end of 2013
, 100 tiles were sequentially delivered to kek . in parallel
, we characterized the aerogels by visual checking and measurements of refractive index , transmission length , and density . thus far , our crack - free yield exceeds 90% ( outperforming our target of 80% ) , and we have measured the optimal transparency of tiles produced by the conventional method . mass production will be completed by the end of may , 2014 .
as part of the belle detector upgrade program , we are investigating an a - rich counter to be installed in the forward end cap as a particle identification system .
we introduced conventional and pin - drying methods for producing high - quality hydrophobic silica aerogels intended for use as cherenkov radiators .
we proposed an aerogel tiling scheme in the large - area end cap of the belle ii detector .
we then studied a technique for producing large aerogel tiles and examined the crack - free yield of samples produced by both the conventional and pin - drying methods .
based on the test production results , we elected to mass produce both upstream ( @xmath10 = 1.045 ) and downstream ( @xmath10 = 1.055 ) aerogels by the conventional method .
mass production and quality checking are now fully established .
we constructed a prototype a - rich counter from tiles test produced by the conventional method arrayed in a dual - layer - focusing radiator scheme and confirmed its utility in a test beam experiment at the desy .
we also confirmed the superior detector performance of a highly transparent pin - dried aerogel .
the pin - drying process will be further developed at chiba university , independent of the belle ii program .
the authors are grateful to japan fine ceramics center and mohri oil mill co. , ltd . for their contributions to large aerogel production .
we are also grateful to the venture business laboratory at chiba university for offering rooms for manufacturing aerogels .
this study was partially supported by a grant - in - aid for scientific research ( a ) ( no .
24244035 ) from the japan society for the promotion of science ( jsps ) .
m. tabata was supported in part by the space plasma laboratory at isas , jaxa .
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Parowa Falęcka is a village in the administrative district of Gmina Chełmża, within Toruń County, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, in north-central Poland. It lies approximately west of Chełmża, north of Toruń, and east of Bydgoszcz.
The village has a population of 150.
References
Category:Villages in Toruń County | wikipedia |
Doña Flor y sus dos maridos, is a Mexican telenovela produced by Eduardo Meza for Televisa that premiered on Las Estrellas on 25 March 2019 and ended on 21 June 2019. The show is based on the 1966 Brazilian novel of the same name written by Jorge Amado. Production began on 22 November 2018 in Mexico City, and it stars Ana Serradilla, Sergio Mur, and Joaquín Ferreira.
Plot
Flor Méndez has always felt different to all the women she knows and it is that her passionate temperament and independent spirit, sometimes does not go with the limited horizons of the town where she was born. Flor's greatest passion is dancing, despite Margarita, who forbade it, since the death of Narciso, Flor's father. Margarita blames Flor for this death, although the reality is different. Flor seems resigned and works as a receptionist in the dance academy of the town, but also continues to dance, in secret. Her dream opportunity comes when she is invited to audition for a major company in Mexico City. Flor decides to pursue her dream and this causes a conflict with Margarita, which leads her to leave town. During the party of Tlaxcalixtlahuacaca, Flor dances with the group of the academy, in front of all the town. At the party Valentín Hernández approaches and dances with her, the connection between both is instantaneous. Valentín is a Robin Hood type swindler, rogue and seductive, with great sensual appeal. Valentín arrives in town with his friend, El Chile. They are fleeing from Cassandra, Valentín's former lover and partner. His arrival will not only disrupt Flor's life, but also of the entire town.
The attraction between Flor and Valentín is very strong, only that she is determined to succeed and travels to Mexico City. Valentín follows her, willing to support her and she accepts it. Meanwhile, another man has been disappointed with the absence of Flor, Dr. Teodoro Hidalgo, her childhood friend, who days before, is rejected by Flor, by asking her to marry him. This causes Teodoro to decide to go to Spain to study a specialty. Flor auditions, but when she performs her test, she suffers a fall, the injury is irreversible and she is incapable of dancing professionally again. This circumstance unites her to Valentín and by mutual agreement they decide to marry, in order to pay for the surgery that Flor needs. The couple starts their life in the city and the attraction becomes a deep love. Later, they return to Tlaxcalixtlahuacaca, where Flor confronts not only her family, but the entire town, for being accustomed to judging all those who act differently. Soon, Valentín makes friends and enemies, such as Octavio and Samantha Mercader, owners of the casino.
Valentín's eagerness to give Flor everything she needs, causes him to get into trouble again, without his wife's knowledge. And when nobody expects it, Valentín dies from a heart attack on a night of partying. His death is a blow for Flor and everyone in town. Only, along with the sadness, they also discover the lies of Valentín. In the middle of all this, Teodoro reappears, who consoles Flor. What almost everyone ignores is that Valentín, turned into a ghost, will return to try to recover Flor's love and discover that she is married to Teodoro.
Cast
Main
Ana Serradilla as María Florencia Flor Méndez Canúl
Sergio Mur as Teodoro Teo Hidalgo Flores
Joaquín Ferreira as Valentín Hernández
Mariluz Bermúdez as Samantha Cabrera de Serrano
Rebecca Jones as Margarita Canúl
Alejandro Calva as Octavio Mercader Serrano
Roberto Blandón as Óscar Hidalgo
Carlos Corona as Padre Elpidio
Ximena Ayala as Rosalía Méndez Canúl
Liz Gallardo as Mariana Santos Cruz
Ianis Guerrero as Aureliano Méndez Canúl
Ricardo Polanco as Porfirio El Chile Habanero López
Vicky Araico as Itzamara Bianchi Roldán
Jorge Luis Vázquez as Joaquín Valderrábano Pech
Alejandra Ley as Micaela Navarro Robles
Fernando Robles as Nestor
Luis Curiel as Sixto Tito Bianchi Roldán
Ilse Ikeda as Elsa
Elizabeth Guindi as Tere
Gina Pedret as Jovita
Talia Marcela as Carmen
Cecilia Constantino as Gladys
Rocío de Santiago as Páris
Karla Esquivel as Lola
Susana Jiménez as Gris
Patricio José as Lalo
Miranda Goncalves as Xóchitl Méndez Santos
Alexander Tavizon as Diego
Alfredo Huereca as Bendito
Sol Madrigal as Cassandra
Lorena del Castillo as Malba
Guest stars
Eugenio Cobo as Artemio
Sylvia Pasquel as Carlota and Maximiliana
Alberto Agnesi as Atahualpa
Ratings
}}
Episodes
Notes
References
External links
Category:2019 telenovelas
Category:Mexican telenovelas
Category:2019 Mexican television series debuts
Category:2019 Mexican television series endings
Category:Televisa telenovelas
Category:Spanish-language telenovelas
Category:Television programs based on Brazilian novels
Category:Mexican LGBT-related television shows | wikipedia |
gauginos in weak scale supersymmetry could acquire dominantly dirac masses instead of majorana masses .
dirac gaugino masses have been considered long ago @xcite and have inspired more recent model building @xcite and phenomenology @xcite .
dirac masses for gauginos of the mssm requires the model to be extended to include a chiral superfields in the adjoint representation of each gauge group .
some or all of the gauginos could be dirac , majorana , or mixed states depending on the model and the mediation of supersymmetry breaking . among the dramatic consequences that have been studied include : gaugino contributions to scalar masses that are `` supersoft '' ( not log - divergent ) @xcite ; substantial relief from the supersymmetric flavor problem when the low energy model includes an approximate @xmath12-symmetry @xcite ; suppressed edms @xcite ; heavier dirac gauginos that are just as naturalness as lighter majorana gauginos @xcite ; the ( suppressed ) production cross sections of colored superpartners at lhc @xcite ; and the absence of some of the historically characteristic signals of supersymmetry ( same sign lepton searches ) .
there are many other interesting consequences of dirac ( or partially dirac ) gauginos that we do not have time or space to review , but can be found in papers cited above .
for this snowmass white paper , we delineate some ideas for searches involving dirac gauginos that provide benchmarks to understand the impact of lhc searches thus far , the gaps in the searches that persist , and the opportunities for future searches .
one of the important consequences of a dirac gluino is that it can be several times heavier than a majorana gluino with the same degree of naturalness with respect to the electroweak symmetry breaking scale @xcite .
once a dirac gluino mass is above roughly @xmath13-@xmath14 tev , gluino pair production as well as associated squark - gluino production cross sections are negligible at the 8 tev lhc . for a dirac gluino of any mass ,
several squark production channels vanish due to the absence of a `` chirality flipping '' majorana mass in @xmath15-channel exchange , namely @xmath16 , @xmath17 , etc .
other squark production channels that involve the gluino in @xmath15-channel exchange , such as @xmath18 , are suppressed by @xmath19 in the amplitude , where @xmath20 is the momentum in the propagator .
this suggests the dominant production mode of colored superpartners is @xmath21 for first ( and second , third ) generation squarks is through @xmath22-channel gluon exchange .
the total colored superpartner production cross section is therefore reduced by roughly two orders of magnitude compared with what is typical in the mssm a majorana gluino roughly equal in mass to the squarks .
there are no dedicated searches for supersymmetric models with a gluino that acquires a dirac ( or `` mixed '' dirac and majorana ) mass . since a dirac gluino can be a factor of several times heavier than a majorana gluino without additional fine - tuning , one interesting scenario to consider
is when the squark masses are generated dominantly from the finite contributions from the dirac gluino . in this case ,
@xmath23 . for squark masses larger than @xmath24
gev , the dirac gluino is sufficiently heavy @xmath25 tev , and with sufficiently suppressed effects at the 8 tev lhc , that it is effectively decoupled from the spectrum . note that this is _ not true _ of a majorana gluino of the same mass , due to the structure of the interactions , in particular , the lower dimension operator for squark production with a majorana mass insertion ( that leads to @xmath26-suppressed effective interactions ) .
we can therefore map a modestly heavy dirac gluino into the existing `` decoupled gluino '' simplified model searches performed by the atlas and cms collaborations .
squark production with a decoupled gluino is a specific simplified model in which the atlas and cms collaborations have placed bounds on the cross sections within the @xmath27 space .
here we mention only the results from the latest analyses , namely a jets plus missing energy search strategy at atlas using @xmath28 fb@xmath29 of 8 tev data at atlas @xcite and cms @xcite .
the simplified model used for each search assumed the first and second generation squarks have a common mass @xmath30 , there is a single lsp with mass @xmath31 , and the squarks are assumed to decay @xmath32 of the time via @xmath33 .
for a nearly massless lsp , the current atlas results rule out @xmath34 gev while the cms results rule out @xmath35 gev .
if the lsp mass were @xmath1 gev , the atlas and cms analyses @xcite find _ no bound _ on the squark mass .
these results can be contrasted with , for example , the current bound on the mssm simplified where a majorana gluino is also present in the spectrum .
consider the case where @xmath36 : the latest atlas result constrains @xmath37-@xmath38 tev for an lsp up to @xmath39 gev in mass @xcite . regarding the search for first and second generation squarks with a decoupled gluino ,
the atlas note stated @xcite : `` the expected limits for [ the decoupled gluino case ] do not extend substantially beyond those obtained from the previous published atlas analysis because the events closely resemble the predominant @xmath40/@xmath41-jet background , leading the background uncertainties to be dominated by systematics . ''
this implies the need for innovative search strategies to uncover squark production with suppressed production cross sections .
clearly , if the first and second generation squarks are much lighter than the standard mssm analyses suggest , it is worthwhile to consider what future collider studies can say about this scenario .
following our earlier analysis from 2012 @xcite , we consider the following scenarios : `` dirac5 '' , `` mssm5 '' , `` mssmequal '' detailed in table [ scenarios - table ] .
these are _ not _ meant to represent to full spectrum of possibilities or phenomenology associated with suppressed colored sparticle production .
instead , we are interested to provide a few benchmark examples of the differences between gluinos having a dirac mass versus a majorana mass as it pertains to searches for ( highly ) suppressed colored sparticle production .
.simplified models considered in this writeup .
all masses are in tev .
sparticles not listed are decoupled . [ cols="^,^,^,^",options="header " , ] in fig .
[ fig : crosssections1 ] , we show the production cross sections for three quantities : the total colored sparticle production ( squark and gluino production ) , the cross section of @xmath42 , and the cross section of @xmath43 .
all allowed combinations of the first two generations of squarks are summed together .
in all results we used madgraph4 @xcite at leading order , for lhc operating at @xmath3 and @xmath4 tev . and
@xmath4 tev.,title="fig:",scaledwidth=50.0% ] and @xmath4 tev.,title="fig:",scaledwidth=50.0% ] + and @xmath4 tev.,title="fig:",scaledwidth=50.0% ] and @xmath4 tev.,title="fig:",scaledwidth=50.0% ] + and @xmath4 tev.,title="fig:",scaledwidth=50.0% ] and @xmath4 tev.,title="fig:",scaledwidth=50.0% ] the figures clearly show the suppression in cross sections persist at lhc collider energies of @xmath44 and @xmath4 tev .
notice that @xmath43 production is always subdominant to @xmath42 production for a scenario with a @xmath45 tev dirac gluino , throughout the squark mass range shown , @xmath46 tev .
by contrast , @xmath43 production is comparable or dominates the production cross section of squarks for either scenario involving a majorana gluino . in the spirit of the irvine `` storyboards '' @xcite for discovery of new physics in the next run of the lhc
, we consider the possibility that the lhc has discovered a jets plus missing energy signal consistent with first and second generation squark production with squark mass @xmath47 tev , but with a highly suppressed cross section relative to the expectations from mssm .
there are several investigations one would like to apply to the signal .
the first obvious one is to try to pin down the mass scale of the squarks and obtain an upper bound on the lsp mass .
this requires careful examination of the signal kinematic distributions , e.g. @xcite .
searching for accompanying signals , namely in the @xmath50-jet categories could uncover evidence for , or absence of , an accompanying gluino production signal . even if there is no accompanying signals consistent with a kinematically accessible gluino , we saw above that the squark production rates are nevertheless sensitive to a kinematically inaccessible majorana gluino .
this can be seen by contrasting the squark production rates for the mssm5 scenario against the dirac5 scenario .
if the experimental data on the the squark production rate appears to be consistent with just @xmath42 production , the signal can be probed for consistency with this hypothesis .
for example , by measuring the angular distributions of the final state decay products should allow the experiments to verify the signal is consistent with @xmath22-channel gluon production of @xmath42 ( versus a @xmath15-channel gluino - mediated production of @xmath43 with a rate that happened to match the `` observed '' squark anti - squark rate ) .
if the rate is slightly larger than what is expected from just @xmath42 production , there are several possible culprits .
one is that the gluino is not completely decoupled , and its effects on @xmath15-channel exchange are being ( slightly ) felt .
another is that the first and second generation squarks are not precisely degenerate in mass , but these kinematic differences are not readily observable .
the central goal in this scenario would be to discover the heavy gluino state .
this is where a dirac gluino becomes much more advantageous compared with a majorana gluino ( holding the squark production cross sections roughly the same ) .
because the dirac gluino can be much lighter without affecting squark production channels , this suggests associated @xmath51 production can be probed by 33 tev lhc .
the leading order rates for @xmath51 production in dirac5 scenario , with @xmath47 tev and @xmath52 tev , are @xmath53 clearly , the cross section at the lhc operating at @xmath44 tev is much too small to be seen at any conceivable integrated luminosity .
however , at the higher center - of - mass energy of @xmath4 tev , it is at least conceivable to obtain evidence for a heavy gluino given that the cross section is nearly @xmath14 orders of magnitude larger . at even higher energy machines ( @xmath54 tev ) , there should be no difficulty measuring and studying both associated and gluino pair production .
we have focused on the narrow issue of first and second generation squark production in the presence of a heavy dirac gluino .
the highly suppressed cross section of lighter squarks is an incredibly important signal to find or rule out , to determine if supersymmetry is realized in this interesting but non - standard way .
our quick - and - dirty preliminary investigation suggests that high energy is more important that high luminosity , since kinematics may well limit the ability to probe the dirac gluino directly . this are many more interesting issues that could be explored , and thus far , have few if any experimental analyses completed : * what happens when there is a heavy dirac gluino and lighter majorana electroweak gauginos ?
this is an interesting scenario where the electroweak @xmath55-term is not suppressed ( giving the ordinary tree - level higgs mass contribution familiar from the mssm ) , and does not appear to significantly affect squark production @xcite .
how much of the same - sign dilepton signal remains when the gluino is dirac while the electroweakinos are majorana ?
* what happens when the first and second generation , or even up - type and down - type squarks are not degenerate in mass ? a few interesting recent examples that contains a light second generation can be found in ref
. @xcite .
* what happens if there is substantial squark mixing , e.g. , following the @xmath12-symmetric supersymmetric model @xcite .
squark decays to heavy flavor ( tops , bottoms , and @xmath56s ) become generic .
are the bounds better in the case of third generation squarks ( given multitude of dedicated analyses for this `` natural '' region )
? how effective ( or ineffective ) are the standard jets plus missing energy strategy ? *
how is @xmath57 gev realized in this scenario ? in scenarios with dirac electroweak gauginos , there are methods to raise the tree - level contribution mass ( for example , @xcite ) , that typically also require moderately heavy stops ( @xmath58-@xmath14 tev ) .
how easily can the stops be probed with colliders ? this is a common but important issue in this and most other supersymmetric scenarios . *
ilc implications ?
if dirac electroweak gauginos are present , the sleptons and higgs scalars acquire weak - coupling suppressed contributions to their masses , and thus are generically light .
in addition , in models with an approximate @xmath12-symmetry @xcite , there are more `` higgs - like '' states to uncover , since each higgs supermultiplet ( @xmath59 ) is paired up with an @xmath12-supermultiplet partner ( @xmath60 ) giving many more scalars and fermions with electroweak interactions with the standard model .
finally , we should emphasize that in complete models involving dirac gauginos , there are a host of indirect methods to probe the model .
these rely on intensity frontier experiments , adding to the motivation that a diverse array of experiments in particle physics _ that can probe new mass scales _ are an essential complement to the energy frontier experiments .
for example , if the low energy theory contains large squark or slepton mixing , there is the possibility to observe a flavor - changing neutral current process at a level that is expected to be probed by future experiments .
one example is charged lepton flavor violation .
it was shown in @xcite that the - then existing bounds from the meg experiment on @xmath61 were only beginning to probe _ maximal _ lepton flavor violation in an @xmath12-symmetric model with dirac gauginos .
one of the interesting results is that @xmath62 conversion experiments are generically more sensitive to clfv in @xmath12-symmetric supersymmetry , and happily we expect the mu2e experiment and future project x experiments to probe between four to six orders of magnitude lower in rate than the best bound today .
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Nadja Poderegin 2 December 1931 6 April 2019 , commonly known by her stage name Nadja Regin , , was a Serbian actress. Starting in Yugoslav films in 1949, she developed an international career in the 1950s, appearing in the 1960s in such British TV series like Danger Man, Maigret, The Benny Hill Show and The Saint.
She had a distinction of being among the rare actresses who appeared in two James Bond movies: as the mistress of Kerim Bey in From Russia with Love and a smaller appearance in the pre-credit sequence of Goldfinger.
Early life
Regin was born as Nadežda Poderegin on 2 December 1931 in Niš, Serbia, Kingdom of Yugoslavia. She was born to Milka Bajić Poderegin 1904-1971, a professor, and Ignjatije Poderegin, Russian white émigré, a professor and agricultural scientist. She also had a younger sister Jelena Poderegin, nicknamed Ljolja. Her mother was born in Pljevlja, Ottoman Empire today in Montenegro, while her father was an ethnic Russian born in Kiev, Russian Empire today in Ukraine.
She grew up in Kraljevo where her father worked as a professor at the High School for Agriculture. He was executed by the German occupation forces during World War II during the Kraljevo massacre in October 1941. Though several people intervened for him to be released, he refused to abandon his colleagues and students which were to be shot by the Germans, so they shot him, too. Her mother Milka was a vocal opponent to the German occupation and was blacklisted by the Germans.
After the Soviet Red Army arrived in Yugoslavia and participated with the Yugoslav Partisans in forcing out the Germans, a 13-years old Regin shortly acted as an interpreter in the Kraljevo hospital, as she learned Russian from her father. Soon after the liberation, Poderegin family moved to Belgrade where her mother found a new employment.
Education
She began to act as a child, participating in some children adaptations, at the age of 7. In Belgrade, Regin attended the 7th Girls Gymnasium, while both sisters went to the ballet school.
Regin originally planned to study journalism, but entered the Academy for Theatrical Arts in Belgrade in 1950. She was mentored by and Branko Pleša, while among her classmates were , , , Branislav Jerinić, Petar Banićević and . She graduated 20 May 1954 in the role of Anka, from the play Lovers by the unknown 16th century author, performing in the Belgrade Drama Theatre.
In this period, she was known as the most beautiful girl in Belgrade. She also has a diploma in literature from the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Philosophy.
Acting career
Yugoslavia
Regin's acting career began during her student years. She was noticed by film director Vladimir Pogačić who gave Regin her first role in his 1949 film The Factory Story, which basically acted as her post-graduate studies. In 1950, Vojislav Nanović directed her in his pastoral folk tale The Magic Sword. She again worked with Nanović in 1952 in Frosina.
In 1955 she starred in Ešalon Dr. M, a hugely successful movie directed by Žika Mitrović. A feature dealing with the World War II was Regin's last work in her home country.
International career
She originally expanded her career through several Yugoslav-German co-productions. From the 1954 production of Das Haus an der Küste, directed by Boško Kosanović, she shortened her surname from Poderegin to Regin. It was a story of love triangle, starring also Bert Sotlar and Sybille Schmitz. She and Schmitz played a daughter and a mother who are both in loved in the same man. was screened at the Berlin Film Festival. She was treated as a star at the festival due to the film's popularity and this kick started her international career.
On the success of Das Haus an der Küste she was offered a multi-film contract for the German and Austrian territories. Other German-language films include Roman eines Frauenarztes 1954; by Falk Harnack, 1955; by Leonard Steckel and Goodbye, Franziska 1957; by Wolfgang Liebeneiner.
In 1963 she starred in the New Zealand's movie Runaway, which also starred young Kiri Te Kanawa. It was Regin's final film appearance.
UK career
Regin moved to London in the mid 1950s. She described the relocation as a sort of a professional suicide since she spoke no word of English at the time. Still, she soon acted in British project like the seriesThe Adventures of William Tell, which was her television debut, and The Invisible Man, and the movie Don't Panic Chaps!. The movie tells a story of British and German soldiers stranded on an island, who decide to peacefully co-exist because they can't leave. However, one day a girl, played by Regin, arrives to the island and the soldiers resume fighting, this time because of her. Regin cited this movie as her personal favorite.
She appeared in numerous British TV series and movies in this period: International Detective, Danger Man where she played a Christine Keeler-sque character, Maigret, Richard the Lionheart, The Benny Hill Show, Crane, The Saint and Comedy Playhouse. She also rehearsed for the episode Girl on the Trapeze of the TV series The Avengers, but ultimately the role on the recording went to actress Mia Karam. Her last appearance was in the 1968 episode of Dixon of Dock Green, after which she retired from acting. As a main reason for quitting acting, Regin stated her wish to spend more time with her daughter. At first she rejected offers for working outside of the United Kingdom, and then scrapped the acting career altogether.
She stated that, though learned the language well in time, her Slavic accent was an obstacle for more diverse roles: I was condemned to accept the roles of spies and foreign girls, and you hadn't much of those. In London I forever was just like that - a foreigner.
Bond girl
Regin is among the few actresses who appeared in two James Bond movies. In 1963 From Russia with Love she played the mistress of Kerim Bey, played by Pedro Armendariz. In 1964 in Goldfinger, she played a Mexican belly dancer Bonita, a smaller appearance in the iconic pre-credit sequence. Regin herself stipulated that she suspects they called her to appear in Goldfinger as a compensation because she was meant to have more scenes in From Russia with Love.
She spoke very fondly of Armendariz: he was a real gentleman. And when we were filming scenes from the From Russia With Love, from the James Bond franchise, he [Armendariz] was severely ill, actually, he was dying. Director Terence Young was aware of what is happening to Armendariz so he decided to film all his scenes, including those with me, in only one day. Armendariz succumbed to the illness later that year, 1963. She also described Sean Connery as a great professional.
Regin kept private about her franchise work and gave only few interviews. Movie Memories magazine interviewed her in 2015 about her Bond roles. In 2018, though 87-years old, she participated in some of the happenings regarding the Year of James Bond in the United Kingdom, as part of the 65th anniversary of the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale.
Of successor Bond Girls, she especially praised Bérénice Marlohe from Skyfall, and generally described it as a very powerful film, despite she is nostalgic to the older entries in the franchise.
Literary career
In the 1970s her work included reading and selecting film scripts for production by film companies including Rank Films and Hammer Films. In 1980, she and her sister Jelena formed Honeyglen Publishing Ltd, a small publishing company, specializing in philosophy and art history, belles-lettres, biography, and some fiction. She published her mother's only novel, The Dawning Svitanje in Serbian, in 1978. Regin compiled the last quarter of her mother's book from her notes, as her mother died before finishing it. Regin also personally translated the book in English and published in 1988. The book was later also translated in French.
Nadja authored several works herself. Her novel, The Victims and the Fools, was published as an ebook under her full name Nadja Poderegin. She also wrote a children's story, The Puppet Planet, and in the years prior to her death, she worked on her memoirs, titled Recollections''.
Personal life
In Cannes, Regin met Michael Szrajber 1922-2009, a Polish born British World War II parachute airman turned industrialist. Szrajber was a member of the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade and participated in the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944. The couple married and moved to the United Kingdom. They had one daughter, Tanya, born in 1960. After moving to London, Regin also took her mother and sister with her.
She was fluent in five languages: Serbo-Croatian, Russian, English, French and German. She learned English in only few months after relocating to London. She credited this in part to her extensive reading of Somerset Maugham's works.
In 1999, she was among the organizers of the London demonstrations against the NATO bombing of Serbia.
Media reported Regin's death on 8 April 2019.
Filmography
Films
Television
References
External links
Honeyglen Publishing Limited; Companies in the UK
Category:1931 births
Category:2019 deaths
Category:University of Belgrade Faculty of Philosophy alumni
Category:Serbian film actresses
Category:People from Niš
Category:University of Belgrade Faculty of Dramatic Arts alumni
Category:20th-century Serbian actresses
Category:Serbian television actresses
Category:20th-century Serbian women writers
Category:Serbian people of Russian descent
Category:Actresses of Russian descent | wikipedia |
the higgs sector of the standard model ( sm ) contains a single scalar doublet , which leads to one physical , neutral higgs boson after electroweak symmetry breaking .
additional higgs bosons , and in particular a charged higgs boson , are predicted in many models for physics beyond the standard model with extended higgs sectors , such as the minimal and the next - to - minimal supersymmetric standard models ( mssm and nmssm , respectively ) .
the detection of a charged scalar would be clear evidence of physics beyond the standard model .
the mssm contains one additional higgs doublet , but supersymmetry places quite severe restrictions on the parameters of the model and their relations , and enforce a higgs sector of a special kind , to be discussed below ( the sizable loop corrections change this picture , however ) . in the nmssm
, the higgs sector contains an additional singlet which allows for a larger variety of parameters .
it is phenomenologically interesting to consider a more minimal addition to the sm , namely adding only one additional higgs doublet to the sm . in this two - higgs doublet model ( 2hdm ) , three of the the eight degrees of freedom give masses to the vector bosons , and five physical higgs bosons remain : in a cp - conserving theory these are the cp - even neutral scalars @xmath1 and @xmath2 , the cp - odd @xmath3 , and the charged higgs bosons @xmath4 ( see @xcite for reviews ) .
this is a minimal extension of the higgs sector but it leads to a rich phenomenology and is very useful as a laboratory for higgs physics .
the central exclusive production ( cep ) process @xmath5 , where
@xmath6 stands for a centrally produced system separated from the two very forward protons by large rapidity gaps , has been proposed @xcite as an alternative way of searching for the neutral higgs boson ( see @xcite for a review ) .
the higgs boson is produced in the @xmath7 subprocess through a quark loop .
the two incoming protons survive the collision and lose only a small fraction of their original momentum .
this means that the overall @xmath8-channel exchange must be a color singlet , and this process is therefore very closely related to diffractive processes . if the momenta of the outgoing protons are measured by forward proton detectors placed far away from the interaction point , the mass of the @xmath6 system may be reconstructed @xcite with a resolution of about 2 gev per event @xcite .
this is the proposal of the fp420 project @xcite which aims at placing detectors at 220 m and at 420 m away from atlas or cms .
the perturbative qcd description of the cep process began in @xcite , and the calculation that is now commonly used was initiated by khoze , martin , and ryskin and collaborators in @xcite .
it leads to a cross section for the standard model higgs of about 3 fb at @xmath9 tev for @xmath10 gev , but extensions of the standard model such as the mssm can yield larger cross sections .
this durham model has later been applied for production of @xmath11 @xcite , gluon @xcite and heavy quark dijets @xcite , etc . , and has been compared with data from the tevatron @xcite .
we will use this standard theoretical description in what follows .
one of the main motivations for considering central exclusive higgs production is that in inclusive higgs searches , using the decay @xmath12 is complicated due to the huge background from qcd jets . in cep , there is a suppression of @xmath13 production from qcd events due to spin - parity conservation in the forward limit .
however , recent studies of various sources of irreducible @xmath13 background @xcite have revealed a potential problem at low statistics , as the signal - to - background ratio turns out to be close to one whereas the absolute cross section is of the order of 1 fb . however , the overall theoretical uncertainty is rather large ( an uncertainty of about a factor of 25 is claimed in ref .
@xcite ) and it is possible that the cross section is larger .
this situation makes it interesting to consider other possible ways to probe the higgs sector in cep . in this paper
, we therefore propose a new potentially interesting channel , namely central exclusive production of the charged higgs boson in association with a @xmath0 boson .
this is a standard process in inclusive searches , and we will show below that the cep cross section is large enough in some regions of parameter space to be useful at the lhc . if the charged higgs would be observed this way , it would give important information on the properties of the higgs sector . to be specific , we choose to use the 2hdm as a prototype in our calculations .
we will make one simplification .
as we are here interested in examining the feasibility of the associated production channel , we want to consider the maximum possible cross sections .
these occur when there is an @xmath14-channel resonance involved , and cross sections away from the resonance are bound to be smaller .
we will therefore concentrate on the case when the cross section is resonantly enhanced .
it has been shown @xcite that in some regions of the parameter space of 2hdms , the associated production cross section can be enhanced compared with the mssm by orders of magnitude .
our results can be seen as a proof of principle , but can be applied to more general models for physics beyond the sm . in particular , we will briefly discuss the nmssm as one interesting example .
the general two - higgs doublet model ( 2hdm ) has two scalar doublets @xmath15 with the same hypercharge @xmath16 . setting parameters that break the @xmath17 symmetry explicitly to zero but keeping the soft - breaking parameter @xmath18 , the most general scalar potential is given by @xmath19\nonumber\\ & + { \frac{1}{2}}\lambda_1(\phi_1^\dagger\phi_1)^2 + { \frac{1}{2}}\lambda_2(\phi_2^\dagger\phi_2)^2 \nonumber \\ & + \lambda_3(\phi_1^\dagger\phi_1)(\phi_2^\dagger\phi_2 ) + \lambda_4(\phi_1^\dagger\phi_2)(\phi_2^\dagger\phi_1 ) \nonumber\\ & + { \frac{1}{2}}\left[\lambda_5(\phi_1^\dagger\phi_2)^2 + { \rm h.c . }
\right]\ , , \label{v}\end{aligned}\ ] ] where all parameters are real for cp - conserving models . minimizing the potential and parametrizing the doublets in terms of the physical states
, one finds relations for the masses of the higgs bosons in terms of @xmath20 , the ratio of the vacuum expectation values of the two doublets , and the parameters of the potential . the two cp - even scalars @xmath1 and @xmath2 mix , with mixing angle @xmath21 .
however , @xmath21 only appears in the couplings between higgs bosons and gauge bosons in the combinations @xmath22 and @xmath23 .
one should keep in mind that @xmath24 is not _ a priori _ a physical parameter , and the potential ( [ v ] ) is in fact invariant under u(2 ) rotations of the doublets . in specific models ,
however , a specific basis , and thus a specific value of @xmath24 , is singled out as a physical parameter . for completely general yukawa couplings of the different higgs bosons ,
one encounters unacceptably large flavor - changing neutral currents mediated by higgs exchange .
glashow and weinberg showed @xcite that these vanish if each fermion only couples to one higgs doublet , and one therefore usually defines four types of 2hdm , fancifully called type i , ii , iii and iv , or sometimes y and x for the last two .
the mssm is at tree level a type ii model , where the up- and down - type fermions couple to different doublets ; however , this situation is changed somewhat by large loop corrections . in type
i , instead , all fermions couple to the same doublet . in the following
we will consider both type i and type ii models . in order for the central exclusive production mechanism to have a cross section in the interesting range
, the mass of the charged higgs boson must be relatively low .
the experimental bounds on @xmath25 are the strictest in the type ii model , where one has , roughly , @xmath26 gev @xcite . in the type i model ,
however , for @xmath273 there is essentially no bound beyond the model independent bound that @xmath28 gev @xcite . for this reason
, we shall take the type i model as our principal prototype .
it could also be interesting to consider the type x model , where @xmath29 can also be light , see e.g. @xcite for a detailed study of its phenomenology .
the type i results we show below correspond to models that are allowed by all existing data . because it is hard to find regions in the mssm parameter space where the charged higgs is light
, we shall not consider the mssm here . in the next - to - minimal supersymmetric standard model ( nmssm ) on the other hand
, the charged higgs can easily be quite light ( see e.g. @xcite ) , and central exclusive production can be interesting .
supersymmetric models also have a contribution to the production amplitudes from squark loops , which can potentially be large and positive . to keep the analysis simple
, we will leave a detailed study of nmssm , and supersymmetric models in general , for the future . instead we will in addition to the type i results also show results for the 2hdm type ii model , which is more similar to susy models .
however , note that these type ii results are not to be taken literally , since they have light charged higgs bosons that are not allowed by flavor data .
the reason that we still find this interesting is that in the nmssm the charged higgs is allowed to be light .
the type ii results should therefore be seen as an example . in the type i model ,
the fermions get their masses from only one of the higgs doublets .
the dependence of the yukawa couplings on @xmath21 and @xmath30 is therefore the same for the up and down type fermions . if the mixing @xmath21 is either zero or @xmath31 , the @xmath2 or the @xmath1 does not couple to the fermions at all .
the yukawa couplings of the three neutral scalars to top and bottom quarks relative to the couplings of the sm higgs boson @xmath32 are in the type i model given by @xmath33 in the type ii model there is the well - known large @xmath24-enhancement of the down - type fermion couplings .
the corresponding couplings are then @xmath34 the couplings in the type i model are thus the same as the couplings to the up - type quarks in the type ii model .
as it is @xmath22 that enters the gauge boson couplings , it is useful to write these relations in terms of @xmath22 , @xmath23 and @xmath24 only , @xmath35 the other important parameter for our scattering process is the coupling of the neutral scalars to the charged higgs and @xmath0 .
these are the same for all types of 2hdm , and as for all higgs higgs
vector couplings , they are proportional to @xmath23 for @xmath1 and to @xmath22 for @xmath2 .
there are four diagrams that contribute to the hard subprocess amplitude @xmath36 at the one - loop level , when requiring the two incoming gluons to be in a color singlet state .
these are depicted in fig .
[ fig : feyn - schan ] and fig .
[ fig : feyn - box ] . the amplitudes for this process have been computed for inclusive associated production by barrientos bendez and kniehl @xcite ( see also @xcite for the mssm results ) . in the rest of this section
we give results for the type i model modified from ref .
the corresponding formulas for the type ii model can be found in that paper . the amplitude for @xmath37 given by the sum of the triangle diagrams in fig .
[ fig : feyn - schan ] is @xmath38 , \label{vhard}\end{aligned}\ ] ] where @xmath39 is the strong coupling , @xmath40 is the invariant mass squared of the @xmath41 pair , @xmath42 is the renormalization scale , @xmath43 is the polarization vector of the @xmath0 boson with momentum @xmath44 and helicity @xmath45 , and @xmath46 are the polarization vectors of the gluons with momenta @xmath47 .
these are summed over the color index @xmath48 .
the functions @xmath49 and @xmath50 come from the loop integration and correspond to @xmath1 and @xmath2 exchange ( @xmath49 ) and @xmath3 exchange ( @xmath50 ) in the @xmath14-channel .
they are given by @xmath51 where the functions @xmath52 \\
p(r ) & = -{\frac}{1}{r } \text{arcsinh}^2\sqrt{-r}\end{aligned}\ ] ] must be continued analytically for three regions in @xmath53 , such that for @xmath54 , or @xmath55 one must use @xmath56 , or @xmath57 .
the functions @xmath58 and @xmath59 contain the propagators and relative couplings and are defined as @xmath60 and @xmath61 .
we have modified the @xmath62 functions given in @xcite with the appropriate yukawa couplings for type i. thus the @xmath8 and @xmath63 functions are identical in our case . however , the contribution from @xmath63 is negligible , since the @xmath64 and @xmath65 functions tend to zero for @xmath66 , and there is no @xmath24 enhancement in type i. we do not list the complicated expressions for the box diagrams , schematically shown in fig .
[ fig : feyn - box ] . as discussed above , if the mass relations are such that one of the intermediate higgs bosons @xmath1 , @xmath2 or @xmath3 is close in mass to the @xmath67 system , the three resonant triangle diagrams in fig .
[ fig : feyn - schan ] will completely dominate the amplitude .
we have checked this fact by calculating the hard @xmath68 subprocess cross section at the @xmath1 and @xmath2 resonances in two ways : exactly , with triangle and box diagrams included , and keeping triangles only .
these calculations were performed using feynarts and formcalc @xcite .
the relative numerical difference between these two cross sections is extremely small , on the order of @xmath69 , meaning that the interference between triangles and boxes at the higgs resonance is totally negligible . in this paper
we will concentrate on scenarios that yield the largest possible cross sections , and we will therefore neglect the box diagrams . in inclusive associated production ,
all three triangle diagrams contribute to the amplitude .
this is not the case for central exclusive production , which occurs in the forward limit .
as we will show below , the amplitude with an @xmath14-channel @xmath3 boson vanishes in this limit due to its cp - odd nature .
we therefore only need to consider the amplitudes with exchange of @xmath1 and @xmath2 .
we follow the qcd mechanism for central exclusive production , initially developed by khoze , martin and ryskin ( kmr ) in refs .
@xcite . a schematic diagram for central exclusive associated @xmath70 pair production in proton - proton scattering @xmath71 is shown in fig .
[ fig : hw - cep ] .
the momenta of the intermediate gluons are given by sudakov decompositions in terms of the incoming proton momenta @xmath72 @xmath73 such that @xmath74 . here , and below , we write transverse 2-momenta in boldface . in the forward scattering limit
, we have @xmath75 according to the kmr approach , we write the amplitude of this process , which in the diffractive limit is dominated by its imaginary part , as @xmath76 where @xmath45 is the helicity of produced @xmath77 boson , @xmath78 is the off - diagonal unintegrated gluon distribution function ( ugdf ) , which is dependent on the longitudinal and transverse components of both gluons @xmath79 and @xmath80 emitted from the proton line . the @xmath68 hard subprocess amplitude @xmath81 in given by eq .
( [ vhard ] ) . the diffractive amplitude ( [ ampl ] ) is averaged over the color indices and over the two transverse polarizations of the incoming gluons .
the bare amplitude above is subject to absorption corrections which depend on the collision energy and the typical proton transverse momenta . in the original kmr calculations the bare production cross section
is simply multiplied by a gap survival factor , which is estimated to be @xmath82 at the lhc energy @xcite .
the coupling of the gluons to the proton is described in terms of the off - diagonal unintegrated gluon distribution functions ( ugdfs ) @xmath83 at the factorization scale @xmath84 . in the forward ( [ forward ] ) and asymmetric limit of small @xmath85 , where @xmath86 is the longitudinal momentum fraction of the screening gluon
, the off - diagonal ugdf is written as a skewedness factor @xmath87 multiplying the diagonal ugdf , which describes the coupling of gluons with momentum fractions @xmath88 to the proton ( see refs .
@xcite for details ) .
the skewedness parameter @xmath89 is expected to be roughly constant at lhc energies and gives only a small contribution to the overall normalization uncertainty . in the kinematics considered here
, the unintegrated gluon density can be written in terms of the conventional gluon distribution @xmath90 as @xcite @xmath91 \ ; , \ ] ] where @xmath92 is the sudakov form factor which suppresses real emissions during the evolution , so that the rapidity gaps are not populated by gluons .
it is given by @xmath93dz \!\bigg),\label{sudak}\end{aligned}\ ] ] where @xmath94 in the upper limit is taken to be @xcite @xmath95 due to its cp - odd nature , the central exclusive @xmath3 production is suppressed in the forward limit due to what has become known as the @xmath96 selection rule @xcite . to demonstrate this ,
let us calculate explicitly the hard subprocess part @xmath81 ( [ vhard ] ) describing the scattering of two basically on - shell gluons into an @xmath41 pair .
summing over colors and polarizations of the gluons , we have @xmath97\,,\quad n_{\mu}^{\mp}=\frac{p_{1,2}^{\mu}}{e_{p,\mathrm{cms } } } , \label{vhard-1}\end{aligned}\ ] ] where by a convention we adopt the lightcone vectors @xmath98 as transverse gluon polarization vectors , and where @xmath99 .
momentum conservation and gauge invariance imply that @xmath100 a straightforward calculation leads to @xmath101\ , , \label{vhard - fin}\end{aligned}\ ] ] from which it is obvious that in the forward limit given by eq .
( [ forward ] ) , the coefficient in front of @xmath102 disappears , so the contribution of @xmath3 to central exclusive @xmath41 pair production vanishes , and only the @xmath103 contributions to @xmath104 survive .
as we consider resonance production , we use the narrow - width approximation in our calculation of the cross section , and therefore need the production cross section of @xmath1 and @xmath2 . in the type
i 2hdm , there is no large-@xmath24 enhancement of yukawa couplings to @xmath63-quarks ; thus the contribution from @xmath63-quark loops to the @xmath105 process is negligible .
the only difference between the cep cross section for the standard model higgs boson @xmath106 and for the 2hdm higgs bosons @xmath103 is then through the yukawa couplings defined in eqs .
( [ yukia ] , [ yukib ] ) . the central exclusive associated @xmath41 production in the narrow - width approximation
is then given by the contribution from the relevant resonance , either @xmath1 or @xmath2 , as @xmath107 where @xmath108 is the standard model higgs boson cep cross section calculated at a given higgs mass @xmath109 .
in the type ii model , on the other hand , the contribution from @xmath63-quarks can be significant .
since we are working in the narrow - width approximation , the contribution from @xmath63-quark loops can not be added coherently on the amplitude level .
we therefore add this contribution on the cross section level , ignoring the interference terms .
we estimate from the sizes of the couplings that this will give an error of less than 20% .
a second approximation is that the cross section for the standard model higgs is computed for @xmath8-quark loops only , and we now want to use this result for @xmath63-quark loops . referring to eq .
( [ vhard ] ) and the slow variation of the function @xmath110 , we estimate that the error we make here is less than 5% . within these approximations , the central exclusive cross section for type ii is then given , for @xmath1 or @xmath2 , by @xmath111 \\
\hfill \times \mathrm{br}(h^0\to { { h^\pm}}w^{\mp } ) \\ \displaystyle\sigma^{\mathrm{cep}}_{h_{\mathrm{sm}}}(m_{h^0 } ) \left[(\lambda_{\text{ii},t}^{h^0})^2+(\lambda_{\text{ii},b}^{h^0})^2\right ] \\
\hfill \times \mathrm{br}(h^0\to { { h^\pm}}w^{\mp } ) \end{cases } \label{wh - cepii}\end{aligned}\ ] ] we have checked that the narrow - width approximation works in the type i case by also computing the full @xmath112 cross section @xmath113 using the hard subprocess formulas in eq .
( [ vhard ] ) and comparing with the results from eq .
( [ wh - cep ] ) for some parameter points .
we will consider the cross section @xmath108 calculated in the kmr model .
the main sources of uncertainties are the unintegrated generalized gluon distribution , the gap survival probability factor , and the scale choice in the sudakov form factor . in fig .
[ fig : sm - cep ] we display the cross section for a sm higgs boson as a function of the higgs mass together with an uncertainty band .
the upper line is given by the largest kmr result , as quoted in @xcite , which is obtained using the cteq6l parton distribution .
the lower line is given by the smallest kmr result , as quoted in @xcite , which is obtained by using a modified scale choice in the sudakov form factor , as prescribed in ref .
the uncertainty is roughly a factor ten .
the central line is the result we use in the present study .
this line is given by the kmr result , quoted in @xcite , obtained by using the cteq6 m parton distribution .
for a given point in the 2hdm parameter space we can thus easily obtain @xmath114 using eqs .
( [ wh - cep ] ) or ( [ wh - cepii ] ) .
[ cols="^,^ " , ] in the scan , we generate parameter points , choosing all parameters from a flat distribution within the limits shown in table [ table ] . for each generated point
we check positivity of the higgs potential , unitarity at tree level and perturbativity .
we further check the electroweak precision constraints on the oblique parameters @xmath64 , @xmath115 and @xmath116 @xcite , the constraint on @xmath117 of the muon @xcite , and that the obtained higgs masses are not ruled out by collider constraints .
these checks are all performed using 2hdmc and higgsbounds , and are applied to both the type i and type ii models . additionally , one may take constraints from flavor physics into account .
these constraints are not included in 2hdmc , but a detailed analysis has been published in ref .
the main flavor physics constraint for our purposes is that @xmath118 , which is included in the choice of parameter limits .
note that , while all points we show for type i satisfy all constraints , as pointed out above , the type ii model is ruled out by the flavor constraints and is shown instead as an example of a different type of higgs sector , which can be relevant for extended versions of supersymmetry .
we generate @xmath119 points that pass the constraints . for each such point
we compute the total central exclusive cross section using eqs .
( [ wh - cep ] ) or ( [ wh - cepii ] ) .
the results are shown in fig .
[ fig : sigma - cep ] , where we show scatter plots of the cross section versus @xmath22 , @xmath24 , @xmath25 , and @xmath120 for both type i and type ii . fig .
[ fig : sigma - cep](a ) shows that for @xmath121 , the cross sections in the type ii model are larger than 0.1 fb , and for @xmath122 , they exceed 1 fb .
the cross sections in the type i model do not vary as sharply with @xmath22 , and are therefore smaller by factors of a few to a factor of ten .
the large cross sections occur in the region where the @xmath123 mixing becomes small so that the coupling of the @xmath2 to the fermions is maximal and that of @xmath1 is minimal . in these regions ,
the cross sections can thus be large enough to perhaps allow detection at lhc ( note that the proposed cross sections for cep of the sm higgs boson are in some estimations of the order of 0.1 fb ) .
the dependence on @xmath24 shown in fig .
[ fig : sigma - cep](b ) is not as strong , but smaller values closer to the lower limit yield larger cross sections .
the dependence on the charged higgs mass shown in fig .
[ fig : sigma - cep](c ) is not strong within the limits , and it might be possible to consider larger values than we have done here , where we specialize to light @xmath4 . the cp - odd higgs mass , shown in fig .
[ fig : sigma - cep](d ) , on the other hand , is preferred to be between 100 gev and 250 gev . for higher masses ,
the theoretical constraints on the higgs potential become important and reduce the available parameter space . the drop in cross sections below 100 gev
is reflected in fig .
[ fig : sigma - cep](a ) , where the structure at @xmath124 fb at small @xmath22 corresponds to lower @xmath120 . to summarize the parameter scans ,
there are regions of parameter space of our selected prototype model where the cross sections are large enough to conceivably allow detection at the lhc .
experimentally , cep will be searched for in high luminosity running at lhc with the help of forward proton detectors .
we only consider the lhc at 14 tev , since the luminosity at 7 tev will not be large enough .
one might expect that detection at high luminosity would be complicated by pile - up , but it has been shown that , at least for @xmath12 , this problem can be overcome through careful cuts and vertex reconstruction @xcite .
pile - up can also be reduced by timing measurements of the forward protons @xcite .
the mass reconstruction of the central system is effective regardless of the decay channels of the central system .
since only forward , small angle scattering is considered , the outgoing protons will have small transverse momenta , so that also the centrally produced system has a small transverse momentum .
the charged higgs and the @xmath0 boson will therefore be more or less back - to - back .
since we are interested in higher masses of the central system than the canonical 120 gev , the suggested forward detectors at 220 m in addition to the ones at 420 m would increase the acceptance @xcite .
the main decay channels of a light charged higgs boson ( light meaning lighter than the top quark ) in the type i and ii models are @xmath125 and @xmath126 .
there are therefore several possible scenarios .
if both the @xmath29 and the @xmath0 decay leptonically , there will be a large amount of missing energy due to the neutrinos , together with a @xmath127 and a lepton . if they both decay hadronically , there will be four jets . if @xmath25 is close to @xmath128 , special care may be needed to distinguish the associated production process from a sm higgs that decays into @xmath129 @xcite .
if one should consider the nmssm , the decay channel @xmath130 can be prominent , since @xmath131 is light in many regions of parameter space . here
@xmath131 is the lightest of the cp - odd neutral higgs bosons .
( in a few points in our parameter space the decay @xmath132 is also significant , but these points have low cross sections . ) there is much less background to the associated production signal than to the sm @xmath12 signal , where there is an irreducible @xmath13 background .
backgrounds that may need to be considered include the @xmath133 , @xmath134 , @xmath135 and @xmath136 processes considered in @xcite .
thus , even if the associated production cross section is smaller than the sm higgs cross section , the significance for @xmath137 could be as large or even larger .
in this paper we have proposed a novel central exclusive production mechanism for charged higgs bosons in association with a @xmath0 boson .
we have computed the cross section for this channel in prototype two - higgs doublet models with light charged higgs bosons .
we have performed a limited parameter scan over the parameters of the model and have found that in some parts of parameter space , where the mixing of the cp - even higgs bosons is small , the cross sections can be large enough to allow detection at lhc . in the nmssm
, the charged higgs boson is allowed to be rather light , and as our calculations using the type ii 2hdm show , the associated cep cross section can be almost as large as the sm higgs production
. it would therefore be very interesting to investigate this process in the nmssm .
we thank gunnar ingelman , oscar stl and antoni szczurek for useful discussions .
this work was supported by the swedish research council under contract no . 2007 - 4071 and by the carl trygger foundation .
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Order of Acidic strength: Phosphorus oxoacids [duplicate]
**This question already has answers here**:
[How is the trend of acidity in the sequence: phosphinic, phosphonic, phosphoric acid explained?](/questions/47799/how-is-the-trend-of-acidity-in-the-sequence-phosphinic-phosphonic-phosphoric)
(2 answers)
Closed 5 years ago.
I was asked to compare the acidic strength of the following phosphorus oxoacids,
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> [](https://i.stack.imgur.com/KQwJb.jpg)
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I thought the order (of strength) would be $\ce{H3PO4 > H3PO3 > H3PO2}$, because they have three, two and one ionizable $\ce{O-H}$ bonds (that furnish protons / $\ce{H^+}$ ions).
However, looking up the $\pu{pK\_a}$ values on the respective Wikipedia pages of each of those acids, suggests the exact *opposite* order of acidic strength:
$\ce{H3PO2 > H3PO3 > H3PO4}$. Apparently the acid with *one* $\ce{O-H}$ bond is a far stronger than the acid with *three* $\ce{O-H}$ bonds!
This is horribly counter-intuitive :-(
So, **why** is the correct order of acidic strength $\ce{H3PO2 > H3PO3 > H3PO4}$, and not the other way around as I believed? What was wrong with my analysisi ( acidity in oxoacids $\propto$ number of $\ce{O-H}$ bonds)?
Acidic strength of the acids is determined on the relative tendency to donate one proton.
The source where you have seen then $\mathrm{p}K\_\mathrm{a}$ value has considered the tendency of *first* deprotonation of the acids ($\ce{H3PO2}$ deprotonates once, $\ce{H3PO3}$ can deprotonate twice and $\ce{H3PO4}$ can deprotonate thrice).
The double bonded oxygen has negative inductive effect (*-I*). And this electron withdrawing effect is experienced by one $\ce{H}$ of the one $\ce{-OH}$ group in $\ce{H3PO2}$. Hence it has greatest acidic strength.
Similarly, the *-I* effect of $\ce{O}$ is experienced by two $\ce{H}$ of the two $\ce{-OH}$ groups in $\ce{H3PO3}$, hence electron withdrawing effect is reduced because it is getting distributed between two groups. Hence, it has lesser acidic strength. Similarly, in $\ce{H3PO4}$, it is distributed between 3 groups and so the acidic strength is least.
Thus the acidic strength, is:
$$\ce{H3PO2 > H3PO3 > H3PO4}$$
(I hope it's clear.)
| stackexchange/chemistry |
Inisa is a city in Osun State in the south-western Nigeria. It is in the Yoruba cultural and ethnic region of the country, and is a trading center for cocoa and other agricultural products grown in the surrounding area. Its population as of 2007 was 180,553. Inisa had been from time immemorial, a warrior community. She was deeply involved in the struggle for the survival of Yoruba race during the period of internecine wars and particularly, during the onslaught and incursions of the Fulani into Yorubaland in the 19th Century. Inisa people participated actively in the series of the wars. They fought in the Osogbo war of 1840, the Jalumi War of 1878, the Ofa war 1886-1890 and the Daparu war. The Ofa war resulted from the desire of Ilorin-fulani to avenge their defeat at the Jalumi on Ofa and the neighboring townsThe war was fought during the reign king of Oba Oloyede Ojo, Otepola 1. They laid siege on Ofa for several years before Ofa was eventually sacked around 1890. The Daparu war resulted from the sack and fall of Ofa. The Fulani now desired to sack all the towns and villages between Ofa and Osogbo and bring them under the rule of the Fulani of Ilorin. They continued to attacks, raid and wage wars on the people. Only Inisa was brave and courageous enough to face the Fulani forces, as the other towns and villages were deserted, seeking refuge at Ibadan war camp in Ikirun.
The name of the Paramount ruler of the town since 1978 is Oba Joseph Oladunjoye Oyedele, Fasikun II, JP.
Notables
Prof Omoniyi Adewoye - Professor of History, former Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan
Prof. Labode Popoola - Professor of Forest Economics/Sustainable Development, University of Ibadan. VC Osun State University, Osogbo
Prof. Joseph Adegoke - Professor of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife
Prof. Debo Adeyewa - Vice Chancellor, Redeemer University of Nigeria RUN, Ede, Osun State.
Prof. Tunde Babawale - Former Director CBAAC, Dean, Student Affairs Division, University of Lagos.
Prof. Duro Adeleke - A prolific Yoruba literature writer, faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan.
Mrs. Stella Oluyemisi Soola - Deputy Registrar Academics, University of Ibadan.
Ven. Olusegun Ojo - Registrar, Adeleke University, Ede.
Prof Mrs. Grace Toyin Tayo - Director, Research & International Cooperation, Babcock University.
Prof. Remi Olagunju - Head of Architecture Department, FUT, Minna, Niger State.
Dr. Ademola Oyinlola Deputy Rector, Osun State Polytechnic, Esa Oke.
Prof. Michael Afolabi - Professor of Library & Information Science, University of Uyo.
The second generation cousins from keke compound.
Prince/Dr Oyenike Abiodun Okunoye- First inisa grammar school senior prefect
Hon.Kunle Alao
References
External links
Britannica.com entry subscription required for full entry
Microsoft Encarta entry
Category:Cities in Nigeria | wikipedia |
If the Bohr angular momemtum model has been proven wrong, do electrons in solids really move at all given we find fixed bonding angles?
We have fixed bonding angles for Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen and such, so how can the bond stay in place if the electrostatic force underlying from the valence electrons, which are moving all the time. If the electrons move, then then that forces keeping the other electron at a particular angle seem to need a fixed electron position. That would give deterministic forces holding the other atom at a particular known, fixed angles.
The theory progression from Bohr to angular momentum to quantum seems to fail to address this basic experimental evidence. Does quantum theory determine bonding angles?
The Bohr model is just completely wrong. It's a historical artifact and shouldn't be taught in schools anymore.
Electrons are waves. The electrons in an atom or molecule are in standing-wave patterns, like a vibrating guitar string. You can say that a standing wave is moving, or you can say that it's not moving --- basically we just shouldn't try to impose concepts like a trajectory onto something that's actually a wave. There is motion in the sense that there is kinetic energy.
By the way, classically, it is not possible to have a set of charges in electrostatic equilibrium.
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> Does quantum theory determine bonding angles?
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Yes, quantum mechanics gives a complete and accurate description of atoms and molecules to many decimal places. However, the Bohr model is not quantum mechanics.
| stackexchange/physics |
the rich - get - richer mechanism , or preferential attachment , is often invoked to explain the ubiquity of pareto distributions in complex networks and in natural and man - made phenomena @xcite .
for example , in the barabsi - albert model for complex networks @xcite a power - law tail in the degree distribution of the nodes , @xmath3 , arises when new nodes are attached to the net , one at a time , to one of the existing nodes with a probability proportional to their degree .
crucial to the emergence of this power - law tail , however , is also the fact that the net _ grows _ with time ( new nodes are attached ) preferential attachment alone is not the only necessary ingredient . in this paper
we study the consequences of preferential attachment without growth , that is , when wealth " is disbursed to a _ finite _ group of @xmath4 agents by the rich - get - richer mechanism .
more precisely , wealth is incremented by the rich - get - richer mechanism only a fraction @xmath0 of the time ; the remainder of the time ( a fraction @xmath5 ) wealth is disbursed homogeneously at random . for an infinite number of agents , @xmath5 is simply the rate at which new agents are introduced ( are given their first unit of wealth ) , and there results a pareto distribution of wealth , @xmath6 , with @xmath7 .
when @xmath4 is finite , however , the homogeneous process may allot wealth to agents that had already been introduced .
the case when @xmath8 and wealth is disbursed only by the homogeneous process results in a gaussian distribution of wealth quite different from the power - law distribution found in the limit of @xmath9 .
the two extremes , of @xmath9 , and @xmath10 and @xmath8 , dominate the general case , pulling the system toward opposite poles and resulting in a kinetic phase transition : the long - time asymptotic distribution of wealth is gaussian for @xmath1 , but has a power - law tail for @xmath2 . in all cases the wealth distribution can be written in scaling form , and the shape of the scaling function is characterized by various @xmath0-dependent exponents that we obtain analytically .
the rest of this paper is organized as follows . in we
present the model and analyze the two special limits that color its behavior .
this section serves also to illustrate the two mathematical techniques that we employ for the model s analysis : the _ master equation _
( for the number of agents with a given wealth ) and the _ rate equation _ approach ( called also _
mean - field _ by other researchers ) . in the latter approach
one uses a rate equation to compute the expected wealth of a particular agent as a function of the time of its introduction . the wealth distribution
may then be obtained from the distribution of the introduction times .
the general case is treated in .
we derive several analytical results and compare to computer simulations , as well as discuss the range of validity of the rate equation approach .
we conclude with a summary of our findings and a discussion in .
we analyze the following toy model of wealth allotment . a single wealth unit is given per unit time to a random member out of @xmath4 agents . with probability @xmath0
the agent is chosen by the _ rich - get - richer _ mechanism , proportional to its current wealth ; with probability @xmath5 the agent is chosen _ uniformly at random_. thus @xmath0 is a tunable parameter controlling the relative strengths of these two processes .
we assume that initially each agent has zero wealth .
let us start by exploring the two limits of @xmath11 and @xmath12 .
these exactly solvable extremes yield markedly different behavior and underlie the essential physics of the system when @xmath4 and @xmath0 are finite : for @xmath1 the uniform random process dominates , while for @xmath2 the rich - get - richer process gets the upper hand . for @xmath11 , agents with positive wealth form a set of measure zero for any finite time .
thus choosing an agent uniformly at random is equivalent to the `` birth '' of a new agent @xmath13 with wealth @xmath14 .
we analyze this case with a master equation approach , following the techniques and notation of @xcite .
the number of agents with wealth @xmath15 at time @xmath16 , @xmath17 , obeys the master equation : @xmath18 \ , .
\label{eqn : infrate}\ ] ] since one wealth unit is disbursed per unit time , @xmath19 .
this limit is characterized by both growth and preferential attachment , hence we expect a power - law distribution of wealth .
this master equation has been studied before @xcite and indeed it is easy to show that the actual distribution of wealth is @xmath20 one can also derive this distribution using a rate equation for the average wealth of agent @xmath13 : @xmath21 since @xmath22 . because @xmath9 , the rate at which agent @xmath13 is selected by the homogeneous random process is zero , while the rate of selection by the rich - get - richer mechanism is @xmath23 .
following the analysis in @xcite , one can show that @xmath24 i.e. , a pareto distribution with the same power - law tail .
note that this distribution is properly normalized ( taking @xmath25 to be a continuous variable ) and that its first moment agrees with that from the master equation .
while the results for both the master equation and the rate equation approach are equivalent for @xmath11 , we will show that this is no longer true for @xmath26 .
when the number of agents @xmath4 is finite , the @xmath27 obey the normalization condition @xmath28 where now we include in the counting agents with zero wealth ( @xmath29 ) , and the distribution of wealth is @xmath30 .
the mean wealth per agent increases linearly with time : @xmath31 consider the limit of @xmath12 , where wealth is disbursed only by the homogeneous random process .
the corresponding master equation is @xmath32 with initial and boundary conditions @xmath33 and @xmath34 .
this is a simple poisson process , as confirmed by the solution of : @xmath35 for @xmath36 we apply the sterling approximation to obtain the distribution @xmath37 thus , @xmath38 has a power - law tail in the limit @xmath9 ( ) , but is gaussian when @xmath4 is finite and @xmath12 .
in the general case of @xmath10 and @xmath39 the master equation for the process is @xmath40 the system is then simultaneously pulled toward the two different limiting behaviors analyzed in .
we will show that for @xmath2 the rich - get - richer mechanism dominates the process and the wealth distribution develops a power - law tail ( as for the limit of @xmath9 ) , while for @xmath1 the homogeneous random process dominates and the wealth distribution tends to a gaussian ( as for @xmath12 ) . because @xmath4 is finite , @xmath41 increases linearly with time .
the width of the distribution of @xmath25 around the average grows like @xmath42 , where the scaling exponent @xmath43 for @xmath2 and @xmath44 for @xmath1 . at the transition point ,
@xmath45 , the width scales as @xmath46 . to see this , begin by approximating the discrete distribution @xmath17 by its continuous counterpart , @xmath38 .
expanding to first - order , equation now reads @xmath47 and the method of characteristics yields the scaling solution @xmath48 this , however , can not be true for all values of @xmath0 , as it disagrees with the distribution found for @xmath8 , where the scaling exponent is @xmath44 instead of @xmath49 .
the reason for this discrepancy is that in this case the kramers - moyal expansion @xcite of must be carried out beyond the first order . indeed ,
on substituting the scaling form in the master equation ( with unspecified @xmath50 ) , and carrying out the expansion to second - order , we find @xmath51 where prime denotes differentiation with respect to @xmath52 , and we have omitted terms proportional to @xmath42 ( these are negligible compared to @xmath53 , as @xmath54 ) . if @xmath55 , the term proportional to @xmath16 can be neglected in the long - time limit , and is satisfied provided that @xmath43 .
thus , the scaling form is valid only for @xmath2 . for @xmath1 , however , the second - order term in may not be ignored . the only non - trivial way to cancel out the time dependence is then to have @xmath56 .
thus , for @xmath1 the scaling exponent is @xmath44 . at the transition point ,
@xmath45 , there is no way to get rid of the time dependence in with the scaling form . taking a cue from other phase transitions
we guess a scaling form with logarithmic dependence : @xmath57 on expanding the master equation with this scaling form the leading behavior in time cancels out , provided that the scaling exponent is @xmath44 .
the next largest terms ( smaller by a @xmath58 factor ) , yield the equation @xmath59 where now @xmath60 . in all three cases ( for @xmath0 ) , expanding to third- or higher - order yields additional subdominant terms .
from the largest subdominant term one can deduce how fast the system reaches the scaling regime : the transient dies off as @xmath61 for @xmath2 , as @xmath62 for @xmath1 , and as @xmath63 for @xmath45 .
thus at the transition point , @xmath45 , there occurs a _
critical slowing down _ as the system creeps into the eventual scaling regime logarithmically slow . for @xmath1 we can use to find out @xmath64 and
show that the limiting form of the wealth distribution is gaussian : @xmath65\,;\qquad r<\frac{1}{2}\,,\ ] ] as @xmath54 .
the divergence of the width of this distribution as @xmath66 is reconciled with the fact that at the limit @xmath45 the scaling parameter picks up a ( diverging ) logarithmic component .
the scaling function is still gaussian , as can be deduced from : @xmath67\,;\qquad r=\frac{1}{2}\,.\ ] ] for @xmath2 equation yields a tautology and one is unable to determine @xmath64 .
it is possible , nevertheless , to infer the limiting behavior : @xmath68 & $ x\to -\infty$ , } \quad r>\frac{1}{2}\,.\ ] ] the limit for @xmath69 follows from comparing the distribution @xmath38 for the case of @xmath9 with @xmath70 . for @xmath71
, we observe that the density of agents with zero wealth decays as @xmath72 $ ] , see equation , and we compare to @xmath73 , leading to the second line of .
an alternative derivation is presented next , using the rate equation approach .
the rate equation for the wealth of agent @xmath13 , in the general case , is @xmath74 with initial condition @xmath75 .
the solution , @xmath76 is monotonously decreasing in @xmath77 .
the probability @xmath78 that an agent has still zero wealth at time @xmath16 satisfies the equation @xmath79 so @xmath80 $ ] .
it follows that the probability that agent @xmath13 has been introduced ( gets its first unit of wealth ) by time @xmath81 , given that it has been introduced by time @xmath16 , is @xmath82 note that this has the limit @xmath83 , as @xmath9 , that is normally used for this case @xcite . finally , @xmath84 , where @xmath85 is the solution to @xmath86 . since can not be inverted analytically ( other than for special values of @xmath0 )
, we express @xmath87 in parametric form : @xmath88 , and @xmath89 is obtained by putting @xmath90 in . the wealth distribution in parametric form
is then @xmath91 where we have used the scaled expressions @xmath92 and @xmath93 , taking the limit of @xmath54 at the end ( the fact that the limit exists and is finite confirms this scaling ) .
it is now easy to verify the asymptotic behavior .
the limit @xmath69 corresponds to @xmath94 . in this limit ,
the second equation of gives @xmath95 .
but since @xmath96 , from the first equation , we conclude that @xmath97 .
the limit @xmath71 corresponds to @xmath98 . in this limit ,
the second equation of gives @xmath99 $ ] , while from the first equation @xmath100 .
we conclude that @xmath101 $ ] .
+ clearly , the foregoing rate equation method does not apply to @xmath102 , for it fails to reproduce the appropriate scaling forms in this range .
thus the rate equation approach is viable only when the second - order in the kramers - moyal expansion of the corresponding master equation may be neglected . in
we show numerical simulations for @xmath0 below , above , and at the transition point .
the results confirm the scaling forms found analytically above . for @xmath1 convergence to the gaussian pdf is relatively fast , while the critical slowing down at the transition point , @xmath45 , prevents us from attaining the analytical limit in practice . for @xmath2 convergence to the scaling pdf is again quick , however the explicit form predicted by the rate equation approach is correct only qualitatively : we ascribe this to the fact that the second - order is implicitly missing in this approach .
in summary , we have studied a model of a finite number @xmath4 of agents that accrue wealth " by the rich - get - richer mechanism a fraction @xmath0 of the time ( wealth is disbursed homogeneously randomly the remainder @xmath5 of the time ) . in the early time regime , or , equivalently , when @xmath9 there results a pareto distribution of the wealth @xmath25 : @xmath6 , with @xmath103 . in the long time asymptotic limit , the system is attracted to one of two opposite poles , and there is a kinetic phase transition as a function of the parameter @xmath0 . if @xmath1 , the distribution tends to a gaussian of width @xmath104 $ ] . if @xmath2 , the distribution keeps its power - law tail @xmath105 for large @xmath25 . in all cases
the wealth distribution tends to an asymptotic scaling form as a function of @xmath106 , where @xmath41 is the average wealth amassed by an agent by the time @xmath16 , and @xmath107 is a measure of the width of the distribution .
the exponent @xmath50 undergoes a phase transition : @xmath44 for @xmath1 , and @xmath43 for @xmath2 . at the transition point ,
@xmath45 , there appear logarithmic corrections : @xmath108 .
the scaling form of the wealth distribution @xmath109 in the regime @xmath2 is characterized by two more exponents ( in addition to the width exponent @xmath43 ) : @xmath110 for @xmath69 , and @xmath64 decays as a stretched - exponential , with power @xmath111 , as @xmath71 .
finally , the approach to the eventual scaling form @xmath112 is characterized by a fourth exponent : @xmath113 for @xmath1 , and @xmath114 for @xmath2 . at the transition point convergence to the scaling form proceeds exceedingly slow , @xmath115 , in a fashion reminiscent of critical slowing down in equilibrium phase transitions .
several applications come to mind .
for example , complex networks could be grown according to this model where the nodes are fixed at the outset ( corresponding to the @xmath4 agents ) and links are connected to the nodes by a proper mix of homogeneous selection and preferential attachment . for @xmath2 one could thus create scale - free nets with a fixed degree distribution exponent and a fixed number of nodes , and with a tunable average connectivity @xmath41 that grows linearly with time .
wealth distributions with a stretched - exponential decay on one side and a power - law decay on the other , such as we find for @xmath2 , are regularly observed in various economic settings @xcite .
an intriguing finding concerns the method of rate equations , or mean - field method that is often used to obtain the degree distribution of complex networks @xcite .
our analysis suggests that this method is only valid when the second - order terms in the kramers - moyal expansion of the master equation for the system may be safely neglected .
even then the method yields results that scale correctly but that are otherwise only qualitatively correct , at least in our case .
perhaps the most important open problem is to establish the range of validity of the rate equation approach more rigorously , and to find ways to extend it to the cases where it fails .
we thank e. bollt , h. rozenfeld and j. skufca for discussions .
we gratefully acknowledge the nsf for partial funding ( dba ) and for their support of jpb as a nsf graduate research fellow . | arxiv |
supersymmetry has been successfully transferred from particle physics to nuclear physics by franco iachello and coworkers@xcite .
various attempts to obtain an extended classification , in which several neighboring nuclei including even , odd and odd
odd ones are described by the same hamiltonian , have led to convincing results e.g.@xcite . however , in nuclear structure theory primary attention has been paid to the investigation of models with hamiltonians which exhibit dynamical supersymmetries . in a recent paper@xcite
it has been shown , however , that the concepts of identical bands@xcite and pseudo - spin @xcite allows one to discuss ( partial ) supersymmetry also for cases in which the even partner nucleus has no dynamical symmetry .
this has also been discussed in the consistent q formalism@xcite .
the concept of `` identical bands '' ( ib ) was suggested by a strasbourgh - liverpool collaboration led by byrski @xcite , who found an agreement to better than 0.3% in the gamma energies of two superdeformed ( sd ) bands in @xmath3 tb and@xmath4dy .
the role of pseudo - spin in identical bands was subsequently clarified by nazarewicz et al .
an explanation based on the u(6/12 ) supersymmetry was given in the frame of the interacting boson model by gelberg et al .
@xcite and in the frame of supersymmetric quantum mechanics by amado , bijker et al .
although the importance of the discovery of the ib was widely recognized the data on the dy - tb pair are still incomplete due to experimental difficulties .
the group at argonne has recently settled the spins of the identical superdeformed band in @xmath4dy @xcite but the spins in @xmath3 tb are still unknown . also the 3/2 , 7/2 ... signature partner band in @xmath3 tb is still missing .
this shows that one has to rely on the spectroscopy of `` identical bands '' at normal deformation , where spins and parities are all known . in this case
the moments of inertia of the even and odd nucleus system tend to differ by 10% or more as compared to 0.3% in the sd case .
a survey is given by baktash et al.@xcite .
we show in fig .
1 a convincing example of the identical bands in @xmath5hf and @xmath6hf @xcite . fig.1 comparison of the energies of susy partner bands in @xmath5hf and@xmath6hf .
the energies labeled calc are obtained by correcting for the change in the moment of inertia and by allowing a pseudo - spin orbit coupling . from jolos
et al.@xcite .
in the following i will review the koeln - dubna work@xcite which focused on the supersymmetry connected with identical bands . in order to avoid equations or technical discussions a simple schematic model for supersymmetry
will be discussed .
this is done on the basis of the u(6/12 ) supersymmetry @xcitewhich has a very transparent microscopic foundation . in u(6/12 ) respectively in u(15/30)@xcite there are three ( five ) contributing shells in the odd nucleus and which have the spins 1/2 , 3/2 and 5/2 ( or 1/2 , 3/2 , 5/2 , 7/2 and 9/2 )
in discussing the u(6/12 ) susy and the schematic model pseudo - spin plays an important role .
thus i make a few comments on pseudo - spin symmetry .
this approximate symmetry is long known @xcite .
recently it was shown , that pseudo - spin symmetry is actually based on a relativistic symmetry@xcite .
we remind briefly the pseudo - spin scheme : in fig .
2 the s.p .
neutron states around @xmath7pb are shown . in the pseudo - spin scheme the 3p1/2 , 2f5/2 and 3p3/2 levels
are relabeled with the pseudo - spin quantum numbers 2 @xmath8 1/2 * , * 2 @xmath9 5/2 , 2 @xmath9 3/2 .
whereas the angular momenta of the particle are l = 1 or l = 3 respectively , the pseudo angular momenta are @xmath10 or @xmath11 . for simplicity it is assumed in the following that the pseudo - spin of the last odd particle is fully decoupled in energy . in this case to each state with spin @xmath12 of the even nucleus there belongs a multiplet of states in the odd partner nucleus with the same excitation energy and with spins : @xmath13 respectively . in particular there is a doublet of states for @xmath14 and a singlet for @xmath15 .
an example of nearly decoupled pseudo - spin multiplets is found in very nice data by jolie and graw@xcite .
they measured a set of states which is presumably complete below 1 mev .
after this they were able to assign the observed levels to pseudo - spin multiplets . indeed - as shown in fig .
3 - each level in @xmath16pt ( below 0.8 mev ) comes either as a doublet or as a singlet if @xmath17 @xmath17@xmath12 = 1/2 .
this is to -my knowledge - fig .
2 the figure shows on the right side the spins of the neutron single particle energies in pb and on the left side their pseudo angular momentum : @xmath18 . the only case in which pseudo - spin multiplets in the odd nucleus are seen so clearly .
so more data are needed .
it is a beautiful prediction from the dynamical u(6/12 ) supersymmetry and from the pseudo - spin concept .
i will now discuss a schematic model for supersymmetry ( susy ) with identical bands in the frame of u(6/12 ) .
the odd particle is in shells with spins 1/2 , 3/2 and 5/2 only .
the pseudo angular momenta @xmath18 of the odd particle have integer values and can be considered as bosonic excitations .
they have the values @xmath18 = 0 and @xmath18 = 2 corresponding to the spins l = 0 and l = 2 of the s and d bosons .
thus it is `` natural '' following t. otsuka @xcite to describe the particles with pseudo angular momenta @xmath18 = 0 and @xmath18 = 2 by ( pseudo angular momentum ) quasi bosons with the spins @xmath18 = 0 : @xmath19 and @xmath18=2 : @xmath20 .
thus there are three kinds of bosons : neutron bosons @xmath21 , proton bosons @xmath22 , and quasi bosons @xmath23 the schematic model assumes : * equal energies @xmath24 of the three kinds of bosons : @xmath21 , @xmath22 , @xmath23 * equal interactions @xmath25 among the three kinds of bosons @xmath21 , @xmath22 , @xmath23 .
* fully decoupled pseudo - spin .
these assumptions imply identical bands in the following three bosonic systems : @xmath26 , @xmath27 and @xmath28 defined in fig . 3 and which have the same total boson numbers@xmath29 @xmath30 : but with different numbers of bosons of the three kinds : @xmath21 , @xmath22 , @xmath23 .
3 the figure illustrates the `` identical bands '' suggested by the schematic model in four `` nuclei '' which have the same total number of `` bosons '' but differing numbers of bosons of various types as shown in the figure .
the `` nucleus '' @xmath31 is obtained from @xmath28 by adding the pseudo - spin @xmath8 in particular one finds : * to every state in @xmath26 there corresponds a state in @xmath27 with the same energy . @xmath26 and @xmath27 are members of an f spin multiplet .
they have good f - spin .
* to every state in @xmath27 there corresponds a state in @xmath28 with the same energy and vice versa * to every state in @xmath28 there corresponds a pseudo - spin multiplet in @xmath31 with the same energy in summary in the schematic model to each pseudo - spin multiplet of the odd system there belongs a unique state of the corresponding even system with the same energy .
this is a somewhat surprising result .
it means that there are as many states in the even `` nucleus '' @xmath27 as there are pseudo - spin multiplets in the `` odd nucleus '' @xmath31 .
one might think that the odd nucleus has many more states .
one must remember , however , that also the `` mixed symmetry '' states in the `` even nucleus '' have to be considered .
below the following predictions a ) ... d ) of the schematic model are compared to data : * \a ) to each level below about 0.8 mev in @xmath32pt there is a multiplet in @xmath16pt with similar energy .
we note that not only the yrast band but e.g. also the gamma band has a susy partner .
( see fig .
4 @xcite ) we note that the energies of the centroids of the doublets differ somewhat from the energy of the corresponding level in @xmath32pt .
also there is some splitting in the doublets .
thus the schematic model is broken somewhat * \b ) there are low lying multiplets in @xmath16pt which do not correspond to low lying states in@xmath32pt , however . in the schematic model they might correspond to high lying mixed symmetry states @xcite .
an example is the ( 199 kev and 224 kev ) doublet , which has a core state with i@xmath33 = 1@xmath34 .
4 shown are the spins , experimental(right ) and susy ( left ) energies of @xmath32pt and @xmath16pt .
each level below about 0.8 mev in @xmath16pt is a nearly decoupled pseudo - spin doublet or if @xmath35 a singlet .
the ib are the states in @xmath32pt and the states in @xmath16pt with label @xmath36 $ ] below . from metz et al.@xcite * \c ) in the rare earth region there are identical bands with a vanishing projection @xmath37 of the pseudo angular momentum on the symmetry axis .
the @xmath38 band qualifies as super symmetrical partner band of the k = 0 ground band of the even partner nucleus .
these were the bands considered in @xcite .
examples are identical bands in@xmath0yb ( fig .
5 ) , @xmath1hf ( fig . 1 ) and in @xmath39pt @xcite .
these are convincing susy partner bands . *
d ) the bands in @xmath0yb , in @xmath1hf and in @xmath40pt which have a non vanishing pseudo angular projection @xmath41 have a pseudo - spin partner band which is separated in energy by a few hundred kev or more .
thus pseudo - spin is not decoupled for these bands . and the schematic model breaks down for these bands .
we note that a ) and c ) show that there are identical bands and spectra .
b ) indicates that there are levels in these nuclei which have no partners with the same energies .
thus the schematic susy survives only for a part of the levels as a partial symmetry@xcite .
we note , however , that these extra states are reproduced in the dynamical u(6/12 ) susy as this uses a different ( more correct ) interaction .
part of the reason for the failure is certainly that pseudo - spin is not fully decoupled i.e. the excitation energies in the pseudo - spin doublets are not equal . in @xmath42pb one
finds : @xmath43 ( 2f5/2 - 3p3/2 ) = 329kev .
however the pseudo - spin splitting is still much smaller than the spin orbit splitting : @xmath43 ( 2f5/2 - 3p3/2 ) @xmath44 0.36 * @xmath43 ( 3p1/2 -3 p3/2 ) ) .
an interesting point concerns the apparent validity of pseudo - spin in the @xmath38 bands in @xmath0yb , @xmath1hf and @xmath45pt ( see c ) and the fact that pseudo - spin is not decoupled for the @xmath46 .the reason may be that the @xmath38 state has no pseudo - spin partner , as is shown e.g. in fig . 2 for the 3 p 1/2 state , whereas for @xmath46 there are two pseudo - spin partner levels e.g. the 2f5/2 and 3p3/2 levels , which can interact .
the small decoupling in the @xmath38 bands is also interesting and deserves a closer study .
there are 5 requirements for an k = 0 and an odd rotational band in neighbor nuclei to be super partners of an unbroken partial supersymmetry : at this point it might be appropriate to avoid a possible misunderstanding , namely that the @xmath48 , @xmath49=0 bands e.g , in @xmath50yb could be obtained by a weak coupling of the spin of the core state i of @xmath51yb to the pseudo - spin.@xmath52 this is not true at all .
rather one couples the spins i of several core states strongly to the pseudo angular momentum @xmath18 of the particle and after this the pseudo - spin is weakly coupled.@xmath53\;\ ] ] thus neither @xmath54 nor @xmath18 are not even approximately good quantum numbers . and
although the @xmath0yb pair looks like a weak coupling situation , it is actually a quite complicated coupling scheme : strong for @xmath18 and weak for @xmath8 @xcite .
the figure compares k= 1/2 bands in @xmath50yb and @xmath50tm with the k = 0 ground band in @xmath51yb .the bands in yb have @xmath38 and thus form a susy doublet .
the band in @xmath50tm has @xmath55 ( doublet for groundstate ) and is thus not the susy partner of @xmath51yb , which has @xmath38 . from klug et al.@xcite for both susy partners .
the energies are shown in fig .
5 agree with the susy . for these reasons
klug , dewald et al . measured precision lifetimes by the recoil distance method following coulomb excitation experiments using an euroball cluster detector at the fn - tandem accelerator in koeln @xcite . from these data and previous data on branching and mixing ratios from canberra ,
the ratios of the transition quadrupole moments for corresponding e2 transitions in @xmath50yb and @xmath51yb were obtained , which are given in the table 1 . ratios of transition quadrupole moments @xmath56 from susy partner bands in @xmath50yb and@xmath51yb .
the @xmath56 values are obtained from the measured b(e2 ) values by using the formulas for the quadrupole moments for the rigid rotor . from klug
, dewald et al.@xcite one notes that the values of the transition quadrupole moment @xmath56 for @xmath50yb and @xmath51yb are in equal within an error of a few percent@xcite .
this is one of the most accurate experimental comparisons of transition quadrupole moments for supersymmetry partner bands .
this striking agreement supports strongly the proposed supersymmetry for @xmath50yb and @xmath51yb .
indeed all 5 of the requirements for a supersymmetry are fulfilled for the@xmath50yb and @xmath51yb pair . on the contrary in the @xmath50tm and @xmath51yb pair only three conditions
are fulfilled , whereas the conditions 3 ) and 5 ) : an even pseudo angular momentum of the particle are violated . and indeed there is no supersymmetry in this case .
summing up convincing examples of ( partial ) susy for energies and b(e2 ) values in identical bands are shown .
an intuitive understanding of the u(6/12 ) susy in the frame of the pseudo - spin concept and the schematic model have been given .
limitations of supersymmetry and pseudo - spin symmetry restricting the susy to a partial susy have been discussed .
my particular thanks go to franco iachello , for his constant inspiration to koeln work since many years .
thanks go also to a. dewald , a. gelberg , j. jolie , r. v. jolos and t. otsuka for joint works published and in progress on supersymmetry which were used in this talk .
thanks for many discussions to r. f. casten , f. iachello , p. van isacker and n. pietralla .
this work was partially supported by the dfg under the contract br 799/10 - 2 .
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NaBCo neither condemnable nor solution to job crisis – IMANI
Policy think tank IMANI Africa says it will neither praise nor condemn government following the launch of its first initiative to create jobs.
Recruits of the Nation Builder's Corps (NaBCo) graduated today at an elaborate ceremony held at the Independence Square in Accra.
The president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, vice president Dr Mahamadu Bawumia graced the occasion with many other ministers and other appointees present to witness the graduation of the 100,000 jobless tertiary graduates.
Some ¢3 billion of tax payers money has been pumped into the programme in which recruits are expected to earn ¢700 monthly allowance for three years.
President Akufo-Addo admonished the recruits to give Ghanaians their money's worth as the taxpayer's money will be expended on them.
"…you must bear in mind that government is investing some ¢3 billion of taxpayers money into this programme. Your monthly ¢700 is not free money and you must earn every pesewa of it which I'm confident you'll do," he said.
Already some civil society groups are questioning the sustainability of the programme following the countless scandals that similar government interventions have had in the past.
IMANI Africa is tempted to agree but says it will adopt a wait and see attitude.
Senior Vice President, Kofi Bentil said "It is simplistic to just come out and condemn NaBCo and it is also simplistic to just come out and hail it as a solution."
"The truth is that it is neither condemnable nor the solution we need to start subjecting these things to real economic analysis and try to find a way to ensure they can earn the investment we put in them," he added.
Mr Bentil is certain that if subjected to economic scrutiny, NaBCo like the rest will fall short simply because they are driven by politics.
He believes the programme can only be sustainable if it can do just as the president has directed.
"The president said 'earn every pesewa which his to say if we spend a million cedis on NaBCo then it should be able to produce more than a million cedis then you can sustain it. That is economic analysis.
"So if you ask me if it is sustainable, what I will say is that it is sustainable as long as there is the political will and energy to sustain it but whether it is economically sustainable I think the calculations will show otherwise."
Mr Bentil also doesn't think the solution to the country's growing unemployment figures is NaBCo because government is doing something to "paper over the problem and we don't solve them."
However, National Coordinator of the scheme, Dr Ibrahim Anyars is confident that the programme will live up to the billing.
He said the work that has been done on NaBCo in terms of credibility and value for money cannot be compared to any other scheme that has been rolled out in the past.
"I think that we should give this a chance. There is a lot of skepticism that does not serve us well.
"From what has been done on the NaBCo so far the suggestion has always been that the target is to use them [recruits] in critical areas of the economy," he added.
Dr Anyars explained that the contribution NaBCo is expected to make to the economy cannot be quantified, especially in education.
"I don't know how much you can quantify the contribution that could be made to drive up standards within education in the realm of guidance and counseling.
"And in areas to do with support in the classroom to deliver effective learning and teaching even without direct instruction, in the areas of sports and agility in areas to do with nutrition and diet in terms of matron assistantship. With the Revenue mobilisation bit, you realise that, that is an area NaBCo can make a definite contribution for anyone to see," he added.
He said the scheme has been specifically created to assist in these critical areas and that "while you may see it theoretical at this point, the suggestion that this will create multiple folds beyond what has been invested, we would have to give it a chance and see what the future holds.
"But to have any sort of rush analysis at this present time based on things that are unlike the NaBCo will probably be misleading," he said.
NABCO has come to stay - President tells critics
SSNIT OBS trial: Ernest Thompson given 8 weeks to study evidence | slim_pajama |
Bogaard is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Amy Bogaard, Professor of Neolithic and Bronze Age Archaeology at the University of Oxford
Bill Bogaard born 1938, American politician | wikipedia |
Why is bread warm at room temperature?
If I buy a loaf of freshly-made bread and leave it out at room temperature for a day or two, when I reach into the bag the air inside is much warmer than the rest of the room. Why?
After reading some more stuff I actually think that crystallization of starch might be the answer to this question. There is a lot of literature about this and it might very well be that it can be sufficiently exothermic to warm the small volume of air in a bag.
| stackexchange/chemistry |
Tag Archives: Maura Tierney
1992, ★, Mystery
White Sands (1992, Roger Donaldson)
9 May 2012 Andrew Wickliffe Leave a comment
It's not hard to identify the problem with White Sands. Daniel Pyne's script is terrible. His characters often act without motivation and the double and triple crosses he writes into the plot never have any pay-off. It doesn't help director Donaldson sees himself–and not incorrectly to a point–doing a desert noir in the vein of Touch of Evil. But Sands is too big for a desert noir and Donaldson doesn't have any tricks, except good Panavision composition, once the desert element runs out.
There are a lot of good performances in the film–Donaldson casted a lot of fine character actors–but Willem Dafoe is an ineffective lead. A lot of that deficiency is the script's fault, but Dafoe doesn't bring any implied depth. It's a casting misfire (bad guy Mickey Rourke, who's quite good, would have been a better lead).
Samuel L. Jackson, M. Emmet Walsh, Miguel Sandoval, John P. Ryan and Fred Dalton Thompson all provide texture to the supporting cast. Walsh isn't doing anything new and Jackson gets off to a rocky start, but they're fine. The only other misfire is Maura Tierney, who's absurd.
As Dafoe's erstwhile romantic interest, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is okay. If the script were better and gave her a real part (she doesn't even show up until a half hour in), she'd do better.
There's excellent photography from Peter Menzies Jr. and Patrick O'Hearn's score often makes Sands seem like a better film.
With a rewrite, it would've been.
Directed by Roger Donaldson; written by Daniel Pyne; director of photography, Peter Menzies Jr.; edited by Nicholas Beauman; music by Patrick O'Hearn; production designer, John Graysmark; produced by Scott Rudin and William Sackheim; released by Warner Bros.
Starring Willem Dafoe (Ray Dolezal), Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (Lane Bodine), Mickey Rourke (Gorman Lennox), Samuel L. Jackson (Greg Meeker), Miguel Sandoval (FBI Agent Ruiz), M. Emmet Walsh (Bert Gibson), James Rebhorn (FBI Agent Flynn), John Lafayette (FBI Agent Demott), Maura Tierney (Noreen), Alexander Nicksay (Ben Dolezal), John P. Ryan (Arms Dealer), Fred Dalton Thompson (Arms Dealer) and Mimi Rogers (Molly Dolezal).
OTHER FILMS STARRING MICKEY ROURKE
OTHER FILMS DIRECTED BY ROGER DONALDSON
James RebhornMary Elizabeth MastrantonioMaura TierneyMickey RourkeMimi RogersSamuel L. JacksonWarner Bros.White SandsWillem Dafoe | slim_pajama |
Dragon Age Unsolicited Advice
"Oh, of _course_ I'll agree to sleep with Morrigan, it's not as though the both of you have dreamt this up as some embarrassing plot if I say yes." Alistair's voice was absolutely saturated with sarcasm, and he had that sulky look she hadn't seen since she'd banned him from cooking.
Rolling her eyes with an annoyed sigh, Shara crossed her arms in front of her. "Alistair, I'll be honest – I find you obnoxiously _good_ and you really do grate on my nerves with your insistence on helping every bloody person we come across," Alistair let out a snort before she continued, "but I don't hate you, and I _do_ respect you as a fighter and fellow Warden." When that too-familiar obstinance didn't disappear from his expression, Shara bit back another sigh. "I realize what I'm asking may seem selfish, but here's the thing: I made you king, and I intend for you to _stay_ king. However much you may think otherwise, I'm not _quite _so self-serving as to let my adopted home come under the rule of anyone remotely related to Loghain. And my intentions of you living do not include dying myself."
Shaking his head, Alistair turned from her, foot tapping in an irritably uneven rhythm on the floor. "I love that you're just _so_ confident you're going to live through this regardless. Really, Shara, a little humility never killed anyone."
Resisting the urge to show him _exactly_ who was the more skilled between them, Shara rocked back on her heels in an attempt to calm herself. "Alistair, we've tramped across Ferelden with a bounty on our heads, gone further in the Deep Roads than anyone has gone in years, _and_ we did it with fewer than a dozen people. We'll have over a thousand men at our backs this time, so yes, I actually _do _expect to live, and I'm not going to have that plan ruined by getting my soul destroyed." _You whiny little bastard_. The usual coolness between her and Alistair had warmed since the Landsmeet, but he was quickly spending any goodwill he'd saved up.
Scrubbing a hand through his short blonde hair, Alistair turned to face her again, expression that of a man condemned to die. "Do you trust her? With this?"
Shara held Alistair's gaze a few moments, turning the question over in her mind. Since their first meeting, Morrigan and Shara had gotten along well, despite the few well-directed jabs at Tower mages. Shara had never really been close to women – she enjoyed their company, in bed and out, but for as long as she could remember, she had gravitated towards men. Morrigan had called her sister once, and even Shara had to admit the relationship she had with the other woman greatly reminded her of what she could remember of her sister. Close in age, they'd spent a childhood sharing toys and dress, and both of them had cried the day she'd left for Ferelden. It was a strange feeling, if comforting.
Fixing Alistair's hazel eyes with a gaze of her own, she nodded once. "I trust her with everything, Alistair. Morrigan is _not_ like her mother."
With those words, the almost-Templar's shoulders slumped, and a deep sigh filled the room. "I'll do it."
Eyes widening, Shara felt her back straighten. "You will?" There was an eagerness to her voice she had been unable to disguise.
"You don't have to look so happy about it. Sleeping with a woman I hate to save a woman who doesn't like me all that much isn't exactly what I had in mind for my first... experience." Alistair turned a bright shade of red at the last, and Shara felt the slightest bit sorry for him.
Crossing the room, Shara hugged Alistair – a _decidedly_ strange sensation – and kissed his cheek. "Oh, I guess you're alright when you're not all self-righteous and mopey." Releasing him from the awkward embrace, Shara looked him up and down. "Though, come to think of it... I _could_ offer advice, if you wish. It doesn't _have_ to be horrible."
The blush spread to Alistair's ears and his shoulders hunched as if a cold wind had suddenly run through him. "Shara, you... well, you're not exactly a man. What advice could _you_ give me?"
Grinning, Shara raised one eyebrow. "Tell me, have you ever pleasured yourself?"
Blinking rapidly, Alistair emitted a small choking sound. "Have I ever _what?_"
Barely keeping in the laugh, Shara tried to appear helpful. "You know, taken a hand, grabbed the old-"
"_I know what it's called_." The red was beginning to take on a purple tinge, and Shara almost felt sorry for the man. "Why in the name of Andraste do _you _need to know?"
Coughing to suppress a bit of escaped laughter, Shara straightened her skirts. "If you don't know what to expect from it in general, then you _are_ more innocent than I expected."
Alistair sputtered for a few moments before raising a hand to hide his face. "Yes. I have. Now, if we could go before I die of shame?"
Ignoring his plea, Shara let out a delighted murmur. "Good! As for advice, you've only been with yourself, and I've been with, well..." Shara thought a moment before waving her hand. "I can't really remember, but more than you. Now, when you're inside a woman-" Alistair moved both hands to cover his ears and started humming something that was entirely unrecognizable. "Your body will want to finish quickly." The humming grew louder and Alistair sunk to his knees, hunching over them as if expecting a blow. "If you think of something else, something that does _not_ arouse you-"
"Maker, Shara, _please stop_." The plea was a whimper, but she was so _very _close to being done, she had to finish.
"Then you'll last longer and get more pleasure. As will she." At Alistair's pained groan, Shara let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm done, Alistair. Andraste's ass, you're acting like a child."
He raised his face to look at her, the skin decidedly more purple than red, and gaped at her a few moments. "And you're acting as though you have no common decency!"
Finally allowing herself to laugh, Shara held out a hand to her fellow Warden, motioning for him to get to his feet. "Alistair, it's a good thing Duncan recruited you. You _never_ would have lasted in the Tower."
End file.
| fanfiction |
The Samsung Galaxy Note is one of the new innovations in the world of gadgets, and brings in the experience of both the Android smartphone and tablet devices together. The Note comes with a large 5.3-inch capacitive touchscreen with a SUPER Amoled screen, and the latest Android operating system for mobiles, i.e. the Gingerbread operating system. The Galaxy Note comes bundled with a list of features that the tech world has never seen before, and the specifications are well enough to call itself a high-end smartphone.
Here are the best features of the Galaxy Note which would keep it ahead of the other smartphone around.
The Galaxy note has a screen size of 5.3-inch, enough larger than any other phone, even the Dell Streak (which used to be called a tablet device by Dell) and has a screen resolution 1280 x 800 pixels, stuffed in the Super AMOLED display to make the viewing best possible for the users with the rich content, which is all seen in an HD quality. The display is of 285 PPI scale and it helps in browsing the web in a better way. Many who incline towards the iPhone 4S and its retina display, do need to keep in mind the screen size, where the Galaxy Note would remove the need of a bigger sized tablet device and serve the purpose of both smartphone and tablet device at the same time. Not only browsing the web, but watching the HD videos, working and viewing the presentations and office files, PDF files etc. is possible and would be well displayed on the large screen of the Galaxy Note.
The camera of Samsung mobiles and devices have been an excellence recently, with the camera of the Galaxy SII being an 8 MP, and the same is now seen in the Galaxy Note, with a 8-Megapixel camera with LED flash, capturing pictures with a large resolution, previews of which on the screen of the Note are beautiful and clear. Just from the preview before capturing in that large screen, one can decide what the quality of the final captured picture would be. The LED Flash of the camera is also pretty decent, adding up light to the dark environment while capturing the pictures. Apart from capturing the pictures, the 8MP camera of the Galaxy Note also captures 1080p HD video, and has options to share directly to websites and Youtube.
The Galaxy Note has a few features and accessories, that no other Samsung device earlier had. The S Pen comes with a pressure sensitivity, which brings in some different and real experience while you are doing anything using it on the screen of the Galaxy Note. It is a stylus type of pen tip, but the sensitivity that it holds, is quite different from that is seen in the styluses used on resistive touchscreens. The S Pen helps in various functions like drawing pictures, sketches, cutting the pictures and sections from within the web pages etc.
The S Memo is a multimedia application given to record all the types of content created by the user. The various captures that are done using the S Pen, are recorded directly to the S Memo where these can be edited, annotated and saved in the form of digital notes. S Planner is another great addition that comes preinstalled in the Note, and it helps in organizing all the scheduled meetings just more than what one could do on the Google Calendar.
Not just with the size, but the Galaxy Note is internally quite strong. It is powered with the 1.4GHz Dual Core processor, which could support all the standard heavy functioning of the device, such as multitasking, loading and playing the HD content without any glitches, and the connectivity of the Galaxy Note is good enough with the HSPA+ & LTE-enabled connectivity with the available 4G networks. It comes with the Android Gingerbread 2.3 platform. Android as always, has a few features that are better than the iOS, making things a lot more advantageous in the Galaxy Note.
Battery – Lasts long, really long!
The battery provided in the Galaxy Note is of 2500 mAh, lot higher than the power of the previous Galaxy devices, Galaxy S II (1650 mAh) and the Galaxy S (1500 mAh). With such high power of battery, one can see a lot of usage hours on a single charge, and Samsung claims that could be around 10 hours of continuous usage, competing with the larger tablet devices like the Apple iPad. According to Engadget, the continuous video playing on a loop from a full battery charge, lasted for 9 hours, 36 minutes. With the HD screen on that display, battery lasting for that long, is surely an advantage.
There are many other great features of the Galaxy Note, which we would discuss once we review the device Hands-on.
I think I'd rather go for a tablet becuz the big screen wud be hectic and that is why the portability is gone.and rest other features are there in other smartphones as well.
I am looking for a new tablet and i think maybe this one is the right one. | slim_pajama |
The Supreme Court surprised bookmakers on 27th January and 3rd February 2016 when it decided the governorship elections in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states in favour of Okezie Ikpeazu, Udom Emmanuel and Nyesome Wike of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Many had predicted the opposition candidates would carry the day. Unfortunately that was not the case.
The apex court disagreed with decisions of the lower courts especially in Rivers and Akwa Ibom and validated returns of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Supreme Court has not provided reasons for its decisions but many believe their Lordships may have overruled evidence from the card readers.
The apex court decision is a big win for the PDP but the bigger question is; where do we go from here? Can the PDP or any opposition party going forward be able to defeat incumbent APC in a federal election without card readers? It is not impossible, but certainly will be very difficult.
The card readers we had hoped would empower the voter and create a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. But if the card readers are discountenanced at least until incorporated into the Electoral Act; what happens if the National Assembly now populated by the APC fail to make provision for card readers in the Electoral Act?
The country may be back to square one. A situation where free and fair elections will again be at the benevolence of the President. In my estimation, the PDP may have sacrificed a system that would have guaranteed their comeback to power on the altar of these three states. Our Supreme Court may have also inadvertently truncated a process that would have sanitized our elections. We can only hope and pray the APC led National Assembly take the higher ground by ensuring card readers are incorporated into the Electoral Act. | slim_pajama |
What happens to protons AFTER deep inelastic scattering occurs?
As I understand in the deep inelastic scattering process, a collision of electron beams and protons occurs, resulting in a scattered electron. However, when the proton absorbs the virtual photon emitted by the electron, it gains more energy and mass by generating sea quarks and gluons.
But this energy can't just disappear.
Therefore I just want to ask:
i) What happens to the proton after inelastic scattering?
ii) Would it remain to still have the sea quarks and sea gluons?
There is no proton after inelastic scattering. If there were, it would be elastic scattering.
The struck parton is ejected and hadronizes on the way out. Of course, the now destroyed proton could reform into a proton with the ejected parton turning into pions.
If you strike a strange sea quark, you going to get kaons and a strange baryon. By detecting the ejected kaon, you can tag the $s$-quark and learn about the sea distribution.
But really, anything that doesn't violate conservation laws can happen: it's involved both experimentally and theoretically.
TJNAF is designed to study these interactions, which, when you detect some part of the final hadronic state are called "semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering".
| stackexchange/physics |
Conservation of Angular Momentum and Paramagnetism
You can think about a paramagnetic material as being comprised of a bunch of quantum mechanical spins aligned in random directions. When an external magnetic field is applied, a fraction of the spins will align with the magnetic field. The stronger the external magnetic field, the larger the number of spins which will align with it.
We now consider an experiment in which a paramagnetic material is suspended in a vacuum, not interacting with anything. An experimenter varies an external magnetic field. As the external magnetic field is changed, the number of spins aligned with it changes as well.
However, quantum mechanical spins also carry angular momentum. The more the spins are aligned overall, the larger the total angular momentum. Therefore, how can the number of spins aligned with the magnetic field change if there is no way for them to transfer their angular momentum to some other object? What would actually happen in the experiment I described? What is the process by which the spins are flipped as the magnetic field changes, and how does it not violate the conservation of angular momentum?
This is the famous [Einstein De Haas experiment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein%E2%80%93de_Haas_effect#Experimental_setup). The answer is that the magnet twists.
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> You can think about a paramagnetic material as being comprised of a bunch of quantum mechanical spins aligned in random directions.
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In order to better understand what is happening, I suggest that you think in parallel about the magnetic dipoles of the subatomic particles. They are randomly distributed in non-magnetic materials. Not to be misunderstood, in every atom or molecule the magnetic moments are well aligned (Paulis principle). On a larger scale of the material, these magnetic moments are neutralized in non-magnetic materials.
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> When an external magnetic field is applied, a fraction of the spins will align with the magnetic field. The stronger the external magnetic field, the larger the number of spins which will align with it.
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Perfect. And if you think about the magnetic moments in parallel, it becomes clear why the external magnetic field makes these alignments.
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> We now consider an experiment in which a paramagnetic material is suspended in a vacuum, not interacting with anything. An experimenter varies an external magnetic field. As the external magnetic field is changed, the number of spins aligned with it changes as well.
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Good description. One small note: The alignment is not complete. The magnetic moments of the particles that are not or not so perfectly influenced prevent other particles from reaching perfect alignment. A perfect alignment is therefore not the usual case. Furthermore, the temperature of a body (the exchange with the environment by photon emission and absorption) prevents the stable parallel alignment of the particles. The best results are therefore obtained with ultra-cooled materials.
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> However, quantum mechanical spins also carry angular momentum. The more the spins are aligned overall, the larger the total angular momentum. Therefore, how can the number of spins aligned with the magnetic field change if there is no way for them to transfer their angular momentum to some other object?
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I prefer to describe it a little differently. The orientation of the magnetic dipole moment of the particles is a rotation, and the moment of these rotations must be compensated by another rotation. As long as the magnetic dipoles are randomly distributed, these rotations compensate each other and the sum is zero. (What you get is in any case a change in the dimensions of the body due to the different space the aligned particles need).
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> What would actually happen in the experiment I described? What is the process by which the spins are flipped as the magnetic field changes, and how does it not violate the conservation of angular momentum?
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That my above description does not violate the conservation of angular momentum is clear when you imagine what happens if you switch off the external field.
If the material is not in a state of self-alignment (it has not been turned into a permanent magnet), the particles will return to their previous orientation, either in whole or in part. In any case, they do so in all directions (because they did so by chance during alignment) - and the angular moments compensate each other again.
If the material is converted into a permanent magnet, nothing happens.
If the particles are aligned in advance, a changing (and not parallel) external field naturally causes the body to be deflected laterally. See the answer about the Einstein-de Haas-experiment.
| stackexchange/physics |
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