[saba/jade/open] Midnight Noms

[Linai Faela]

"Speech." - "Quote." - Thought. - Action.

Ah, Hollow Bastion. It was home sweet home. Well, at least, it was the only home that Linai had ever known. She'd been raised here... at least, she had been until her parents had died when she was little. She couldn't really remember much about their looks or the smell or how they sounded when they talked anymore; it had been over ten years. She did remember things she'd told her, though. For example, they'd told her of how Darkness had once swallowed Hollow Bastion. Being without parents and guardians now made Linai a bit more careful of where she went and when.

She knew that mid-day would always be safe. At least, she hoped she knew that. She hadn't encountered any Heartless or other darkness-dwellers since the day her parents had been killed, but whether that was from their lack of existence or her precautions, well, that was yet to be made certain. All she knew was that she was safe doing what she did, and she'd keep doing that until it proved to no longer be a useful solution. Basically, her rules were do everything in the day and leave nothing for the night. One would think that would do fine, but Linai was restless this particular night.

Linai lay on the bed of her small cottage in Hollow Bastion, dressed in yesterday's clothes of a mid-thigh length pink hooded dress with white pockets, a white tee shirt, and a black tank top underneath. She still wore the dark gray leggings, but her tall white boots lay on their side on the floor next to the bed. She stared up at the ceiling with a frustrated expression, letting out a heavy sigh that was immediately muffled by the thick, hot air. It was always so stuffy at night... probably 'cause she closed up the windows for fear of monsters getting in.

Linai wiggled her toes, trying to see if she was really awake or if she was just dreaming that she was awake. Sure enough, she was quite awake. With another suffocated sigh, Linai sat up and ran her fingers through her long tangled chocolate hair, smoothing it out as she sat cross-legged on her bed, trying to decide what to do. It was then that her stomach growled, and she realized in that instant exactly what she wanted: sea-salt ice cream. Problem was, she didn't have any.

She sat thoughtfully still for several more minutes before her tummy let out another low rumble, and with a groan she muttered, "Okay, okay, fine, tummy. I'll go out to that one 24-hour mart across the way. Just this once, though; I don't wanna go out at night again anytime soon..." She reached to the tiny nightstand next to the head of her bed and picked up a hair tie, biting it between her teeth as she pulled her hair into a ponytail with both hands and then brought one down to grab the ponytail holder, soon holding the hair securely.

She wiggled her toes on the ground one more time before slipping on some socks and then pulling her boots on, buckling them securely. With one last heavy sigh, she stepped out of her tiny bedroom and out into the dimly lit living room, grabbing her holster of throwing knives from a table and strapping it onto her upper-thigh, just out of view of others. Finally, she stepped out into the night, prepared for an adventure to find sea-salt ice cream with plenty of Munny in her pocket.

[Sentenza Hoshizuki]

Sentenza was close to fixing up another Gummi ship, he just needed a few more supplies. He just needed some more lubricant for some of the parts, which he should have been able to get at the 24 hour mart. Sentenza pushed himself out from under the ship that he was working on, wiped some oil and sweat from his face, then pulled his goggles down to his neck. He got up and stretched, then headed out the door of his garage, which was basically the first floor of his apartment. Sentenza took a deep breath of the cool night air before continuing onto the mart.

Sentenza had always enjoyed the night. He was more likely to find solitude, and their was always comfort for him in looking up at the stars. The blackness of the night sky always reminded him of the darkness within him, but he has the stars to remind him that even in the darkest hour, the stars still shone high in the sky, casting light in even the darkness of the sky. Sentenza's brisk pace almost made him bump straight into Linai, but he quickly swerved and went straight into the shop.

Once Sentenza was in the shop, he went straight into the shop and started looking at the oils and other lubricants. Sentenza picked up a fairly standard can of oil and then went to the front counter. "I'd like this oil please." Sentenza said, his voice devoid of emotion, but not monotonous in the least. Sentenza paid for his oil, then started out the front door of the shop and into the night, again going straight by Linai.

[Kiaxi Snowe]

Kiaxi did most of her shopping at night mainly to ensure that she wasn’t recognized by the townspeople—how strange would that have been? Not for her, but for the poor citizens of Hollow Bastion who would have noticed that she didn’t quite seem to age despite the fact that she and her son had both lived on this particular world for quite some time now [roughly 50 years]. It was for reasons such as those that she made sure that she and her son lived far enough away from the actual city as possible, taking residence in a secluded cabin in the woods just outside of the city limits.

On this particular night she found herself shuffling through down the sidewalk, enjoying the quiet of the night and basking in the nostalgic glow of the half-dead city. She remembered visiting this world many times before she had decided to settle here, recalling how incredibly busy the town had been during the day time hours—she remembered the town square being so crowded that she had gotten pushed around, whether unintentional or not, it was still an unpleasant experience. Hollow Bastion after hours was much more pleasant and tolerable in her opinion. There were still people milling about but it wasn’t nearly as busy as it was when the sun was still out.

Running a hand through her dark locks, the Nobody shoved her hands into the pocket of her jeans, fishing around for the grocery list she had written before heading out. It didn’t take her too long to make it to the 24 Hour Mart, grateful that such a place had opened up in the first place due to the fact that it helped her out greatly. She wandered the isles, finding what she needed and crossing off each item on her list as she found it.

“Hm, all done—though, I s’pose I should pick up a snack for Noa.” She decided to surprise her son with some icecream. Turning on her heal she tapped her chin with her index finger, eyes darting to the signs hanging above each isle that labelled what sorts of foods were located where before making a beeline for the section labelled 'icecream & frozen foods'.

[[its poop because i'm sleepy D:]]

[/blockquote]

[Linai Faela]

"Speech." - "Quote." - Thought. - Action.

The journey down to the little 24 hour market was surprisingly short and full of no surprises. At least, it was, until Linai had nearly reached the place. As she prepared to enter, there was suddenly a man - no, really, it was very sudden - who seemed just about ready to bowl her over. With a quick yip, she leaped back to avoid him, but he, too, had changed direction to avoid running into her. Linai's heart was pounding already. Imagine how she'd feel if there were Heartless or things like that.

Linai composed herself rather quickly, but before she could take another step, the man was out the front door again, rushing past her. With another squeak she stumbled back, and, to her dismay, she tripped and fell, too, landing hard on her backside with a loud "Oooohhff!." She looked after the man with a dazed and bewildered expression, but as quickly as he had come, he had gone. She sat there on the pavement for a few more moments before standing up and hesitantly entering the shop.

Immediately her eyes sought out the sign the read "Icecream & Frozen Foods". She smiled when she found her target, making her way there with her hands in her oversized white pockets, unconsciously fumbling around with the Munny she'd brought with her. She entered the aisle, nearly crashing into another woman who was also headed for that section. Linai squeaked again quietly and stammered after the woman, "S-sorry..."

Slowly, Linai entered the aisle, seeking a tub of the famous and delicious sea-salt ice cream. Stupid tummy, why do you have cravings? It doesn't make any sense. I fed you chicken and a candy bar before we went to bed! You almost got me run over twice. With a sigh, she found the particular door with the sea-salt ice cream behind it, and she reached in to grab a tub, careful to check that it was a good price and the right brand and all that good stuff. It seemed like it was on sale, too!

[Sentenza Hoshizuki]

Half way back to his home, Sentenza looked on the label of his can. It was the wrong kind of oil. Sentenza turned around and started walking backwards the store at somewhat more relaxed place. He'd keep the oil, simply because he could still use it, but it just wasn't what he needed. Sentenza walked back into the store, and made his way, back to the oil. He carefully read the labels this time, then grabbed what he needed. "Sorry, I bought the wrong kind." Sentenza said. "I won't be returning this, just buying what I need." Sentenza payed for the seconds can, then went out again, brushing past Linai a second time. "Exscuse me." Sentenza said politely, but emotionlessly as he continued on his way.

Sentenza glanced back over his shoulder at Linai, then walked up to her. "I'm sorry for earlier, I nearly crashed into you didn't I?" Sentenza asked. "It could be dangerous getting back home on your own this late, would you like me to walk you back home?" Sentenza realized his words could come off as hitting on her. "I don't mean anything by that, I'm just offering you some protection on your walk home." Sentenza said.

[Kiaxi Snowe]

Her amethyst stare landed on the frozen display, her lips twitched at the corners as she started forward with the intent to pick up a tub or two of her’s and Noa’s favorite flavors. However, before she could make it to the glass case she stopped, stumbling backwards as a young girl exited one of the neighboring isles and nearly ran right into her. “Oh, sorry ‘bout that..” Her lips tugged into a frown, adrenaline rushing through her from the near collision. Quickly, she righted herself, eyes following the girl that had almost crashed into her as she made her selection of icecream. “Late night craving?” She asked quietly, unsure whether or not the other female had heard her or not.

Kiaxi pulled open the freezer door and pulled out two tubs of icecream, one was her favorite flavor and the other was Noa’s, tossing them both into the basket with the rest of her groceries. She shuffled towards the checkout counter, paying for the groceries that she’d purchased before starting towards the entrance/exit of the store only to find that it was being blocked by a sleeping snorlax! the girl from earlier and some other kid. Her lips curved into a somewhat impatient frown and she couldn’t help but to overhear their conversation due to the close proximity that the three of them were in [and not to mention the silence of the night made even the quietest of sounds carry].

Wow, she ran into him too? She’s been having quite the night, huh? Kiaxi mused to herself, running a hand through her hair.

[i'm sorry, i'm sorry! it's so short D:! needs to start getting ready for work D:]

[Linai Faela]

"Speech." - "Quote." - Thought. - Action.

As soon as Linai had managed to get the hasty apology from her mouth, she heard the other girl who she'd nearly crashed into respond with her own apology. Linai was a bit confused. Why was the girl apologizing? Clearly Linai had been the one at fault... Oh, well, no harm, no foul, right? Since they'd both apologized, it had to be fine, right? Linai smiled back at the other girl, then returned her attention to the freezer before her, opening the door with extra caution so as not to hit the other girl. No need to make things more awkward...

Linai reached in, grabbing two tubs - the second was to make sure that, if she had any cravings, she wouldn't have to come out into the dark again sometime later - and holding them in one arm, grateful that she'd worn her hoodie. She stepped back, hearing the woman's soft voice as she asked quietly, "Late night craving?" Linai nodded enthusiastically and responded, "Uh-huh. I said no, but my tummy said yes, so here I am. Erm, sorry again about almost running into you..."

With that, Linai backed away, making her way to the counter to pay for her ice cream. The exchange was short and sweet, and with her ice cream now in a bag, she prepared to make the trek back home, but not without the man from earlier coming up and brushing past her again just outside the door, this time muttering a quick "Excuse me." He must have come back again when she'd been buying her ice cream. Startled by his sudden appearance, she hugged the ice cream to her chest, feeling her heart pound a little bit harder.

He seemed quite content to keep on walking, or so Linai had thought, but then he looked back over his shoulder at her. She stared back, feeling a bit frozen to place from nearly being bonked into about thirty times in this one trip to the 24-hour mart. He stopped walking, then, turning back to her and asking in a rather strange voice, "I'm sorry for earlier, I nearly crashed into you didn't I?" Speechless now, Linai nodded once, blinking her pretty brown eyes and waiting for him to go on.

"It could be dangerous getting back home on your own this late, would you like me to walk you back home?" he asked. Linai felt her heart skip a bit. She wasn't sure she wanted some dude who'd almost knocked her over three times to walk her to her house... she wasn't sure she wanted him to know where she lived. She parted her lips, about to protest when he insisted, "I don't mean anything by that, I'm just offering you some protection on your walk home."

Linai hesitated for a moment before starting slowly and quietly, "Um, no, it's alright, I can defend myself. I mean, I, ah, made it all the way here alright, so I think I can make it home okay. At least, I hope I can." Linai glanced to the side to see the girl from inside the store waiting to exit. "Oh! Sorry..." Linai stepped out of the way of the door, waiting for the man to say something.

[Sentenza Hoshizuki]

Sentenza glanced over at the women who was apparently trying to leave and backed away from the door. "I trust you'll be fine on your way back then." Sentenza said. He was about to start walking away again when he caught something out of the corner of his eye. "You might want to reconsider my offer." Sentenza said. The Heartless seemed to be coming out now. "I knew I should have checked to see what supplies I had during the day." Sentenz said as he set his oil cans down. He drew a simple black bar, seemingly from nowhere. Darkness flowed up Sentenza's arm and up along the handle, forming a massive double edged blade on the end of the bar.

Sentenza glanced at the two ladies present. "I suggest you both run, I'll hold them off." Sentenza said. "Not that you're weak, but it would be a shame if your ice cream melted." Sentenza took a wide swing at a group of heartless, aiming to deal damage to several rather than to any heartless individually. Thankfully, it seemed to be a rare sight of a swarm entirely composed of shadows, they feel easily and were easy to attack enmasse.

[Kiaxi Snowe]

Her lips curved into a small, smile as she listened to the girl speak—she sounded so innocent, it was a marvel to think that there were people who still held onto their innocence despite the all the darkness in the world. And she didn’t mean just the Heartless, who had recently made a reappearance once again, but was mostly referring to the darkness within the hearts of most of the inhabitants of any world—selfish, greedy humans who only looked out for themselves as opposed to helping other people, therefore succumbing to the darkness in their hearts. It was surreal to think that if humans were more courteous and kinder towards one another that there’d probably be a lot less Heartless, if any left at all, in the universe.

She shook her head, dark tresses swaying as she did so, “Don’t worry about it, accidents happen.”

Kiaxi really hadn’t bought very much, just the two tubs of icecream and then a various ingredients for Noa’s favorite foods that she planned on cooking later that week. Technically she didn’t have to eat to attain nutrients and sustenance, hell her body didn’t need to process those things to keep going but nonetheless she always made sure to eat meals with her son to keep up the façade that she was a normal human—mostly for Noa’s sake. However, after going through with certain actions for so long it became second nature to her, even the most unnecessary precautions that she took now seemed normal.

She quietly watched the exchange between the two, not wanting to interrupt or seem rude, so she opted to merely wait until either her presence was acknowledged or the two conversing teens moved of their own accord. The dark haired Nobody didn’t have to wait too long before the girl from earlier noticed her and stepped aside, quietly apologizing.

Kiaxi shifted her weight from one foot to the other, readjusting her grip on the plastic shopping bag full of her spoils before shuffling out of the store and onto the sidewalk where the other two were. She stepped forward, intent on starting on her way home when out of the shadows arose a group of Shadows. Strange, I haven’t seen Heartless in years… she mused, recalling the last time she had actually seen the inky black creatures. Something’s not right… It was a well-known fact that the peace amongst the worlds over the past few decades had been primarily due to the fact that those who had fought, and won, that final battle had essentially eradicated the Heartless for the most part—though, she realized, that with the presence of darkness in nearly every heart, that fully eliminating those annoying dark creatures would be virtually impossible. Never the less, she was quite shocked to see the creatures here…in her home.

She was torn between returning home and helping him, the creatures that had appeared were among the weakest of the Heartless and therefore shouldn’t have posed much of a threat—they were easy to destroy. However, after a minute or two the telltale whoosh of darkness fizzing to life captivated her attention as several Soldiers materialized before them, stumbling clumsily towards them.

“And let you have all the fun? Doesn’t seem very fair to me.” She tilted her head to the side, pale lips twitching into a slight smirk. Suddenly there was a weight in her left hand and she didn’t need to affirm that it was the scythe that she had used, once upon a time, to destroy Heartless much like the ones clanking noisily against the sidewalk before them. She swung her weapon in an arc, bringing it down on the Soldier closest to her, feeling and hearing the joints in her shoulders pop from the exertion. It’s embarrassing how rusty I’ve become after having not fought in years…, she frowned at her inner musings.

[Linai Faela]

"Speech." - "Quote." - Thought. - Action.

Linai was fairly certain that this man was going to insist to walk with her. He just kind of seemed like that sort of person, though why, Linai didn't really know. Maybe she just felt intimidated because he was so well-built and stuff. They were the same size, approximately 5'5" each, but Linai still felt small compared to him. She wasn't sure she could say no to him a second time. She'd never been in a situation like that... she wasn't sure how she could respond the same again.

Fortunately, she didn't have to. "I trust you'll be fine on your way back, then." Linai nodded enthusiastically, preparing to walk away, as did the other man. However, a second later, he stated, "You might want to reconsider my offer." Linai let out a soft "Huh?" and followed the black-haired man's gaze. For a second, she saw nothing but darkness, and then she realized that was exactly what she was seeing.

Linai let out a tiny squeak as a pair of large yellow eyes suddenly opened from the blackness, little crooked antennae twitching and little clawed hands threatening to tear apart the very air they breathed. Heartless? Why were there Heartless? "Oh, you stupid tummy, I told you no!" Linai whined, but she knew she'd be okay. So long as there weren't more. She wondered if she'd be able to make it home past these ones without running into others.

The man seemed to have some tricks up his sleeve. He set down his oil cans, and Linai feared him attempting to fight them in hand to hand combat. Fortunately, he didn't seem that dumb. Instead, he pulled out something completely different that Linai had never seen before. From thin air, it seemed, he pulled out a massive black sword, holding it quite easily in his hands despite its massive size. Linai knew she must've looked completely stupid with her jaw gaping and her eyes big. She must've looked like... a guppy.

The man glanced to her and said, referring to both Linai and the other girl from the store, "I suggest you both run. I'll hold them off." He finished, "It would be a shame if your ice cream melted." Linai tightened her grip on the two tubs of ice cream. Well, that felt like an insult. Despite that he'd started it with "not that you're weak", she felt like she'd just been challenged or called weak and useless. Linai could live without ice cream. She couldn't live without a heart.

The sound of more Heartless coming made Linai's heart skip a beat, but this time, metal-clad creatures met her eyes. The girl beside them stated, speaking to the man, "And let you have all the fun? Doesn't seem very fair to me." Linai jumped back when the girl seemed to grab a giant scythe from nowhere, swinging it with - it seemed - a bit of choppiness, as though she hadn't used it in a while. Was Linai the only one without a super epic weapon?

[Sentenza Hoshizuki]

Sentenza gave the scythe wielding a woman a slight nod of recognition. "Suit yourself then." Sentenza said. Soldiers were somewhat trickier, they could take more damage, and their movements were erratic, if not still somewhat slow and clunky. Sentenza made a wide downward swing, on the trip down, his sword picked up a great bit of moment, and thus power splitting one of the soldiers down the middle. Sentenza then gripped his sword with both hands, and cleaved through another diagonally, though that one remained standing. Sentenza's grip on his weapon changed, and then the form shifted, the darkness turning it into an assault rifle.

"I have an idea." Sentenza said. "This gun cannot kill them, but I should be able to weaken them enough to make a finishing blow easy." Sentenza took aim and started firing off into the heartless. The bullets themselves seemed to be made of the same inky darkness as the heartless, but fortunately were still effective. Sentenza was careful with his aim, even though he practically had an infinite supply of bullets. "Hopefully this will be the last of them." Sentenza said, his weapon becoming a sword again at the right time and angle to split open a stray shadow.

[Kiaxi Snowe]

Her amethyst gaze landed on the girl once again, noticing that she had failed to summon a weapon as well, or perhaps she was incapable of defending herself? Kiaxi realized that not everyone were skilled fighters or even knew how to dispatch Heartless—in fact, most of the city’s inhabitants were regular humans who had no intention, or skill, to fight the inky black creatures that had returned to haunt the worlds once again. Instinctively, she stepped forward in an almost protective stance to ensure that the brunette remained safe throughout the fight. She usually wasn’t one to make assumptions but in this case it was better to be safe than sorry—Kiaxi may not have had a heart to lose by the girl that she stood in front of surely did and she definitely didn’t want to see those disgusting heart stealing bastards win this fight. Not because she particularly cared for the girl, hell, she didn’t even know her name so there was no attachment whatsoever to either of these two strangers…but she just could not stand the Heartless, robbing people of their lives. Maybe it was because she sometimes wished that she, too, was a complete being with a real and purposeful life to live that she despised seeing and hearing about the loss of life because of the darkness. Kiaxi wasn’t entirely sure, but nevertheless she refused to let it happen while she was around.

Watching the male from the corner of her eyes, she noticed that his weapon morphed into a gun, How peculiar…, shooting bullets that appeared to be made of pure darkness at the creatures which appeared to substantially weaken them. Realizing what he was doing, she tightened her grip around her scythe and swung once more at another of the creatures as it stumbled towards her and Linai, quickly dispelling it. She watched in mild fascination as it faded back into the darkness that it had originally come from.
“Hopefully this will be the last of them."

“I wouldn’t be too sure of that. They thrive at night, it’s when they’re most active. I’d suggest you both get home as soon as you can to avoid anymore unwanted encounters.” She let out a sigh, not even bothering to include herself in her statement, she didn’t have to worry about being attacked on her own since she didn’t possess with the Heartless were after, though the two people before her didn’t exactly need to know that bit of information…

[/blockquote]

[Linai Faela]

"Speech." - "Quote." - Thought. - Action.

Fortunately for Linai, the others seemed perfectly capable of handling themselves. A scythe for one Warrior and a sword for another, the teenager felt that she was the odd one out. That was, until she remembered her knives. Her other leg brushed gently against the holster which held her supply of throwing knives, and she let out a quiet suqeak of realization. Maybe if she made a run for it while the others were fighting off the Heartless, she could use her knives to fend off whatever stragglers came her way. Maybe everything would be okay.

Before she could make up her mind to stay or go, the man with the black hair spoke, likely referring to the other girl who was actually able to efficiently fight. It was then that Linai realized that, suddenly, the man's sword was nowhere to be seen, and in its stead was a gun. A gun. What sort of people had Linai run into?! Who would've thought she'd meet a bunch of super-pro fighter people in the middle of the ngiht at a twenty-four hour mart? Certainly not Linai. This was a very peculiar day...

The man shot the Heartless, but the bullets seemed to be ineffective - at least, damage-wise, they appeared ineffective. That was, until Linai watched the Heartless who'd been shot stagger and stumble, no longer the dashing, creeping monsters that they'd just been. In a flash, a single flick of the wrist, it seemed, the man's gun had returned to being a sword, and both he and the strange woman from inside the store began to slash their weapons. Nearly all of the Heartless from the first round were gone, but Linai's hope for a safe journey home was short-lived.

"They thrive at night; it's when they're most active," the girl warned, and Linai bit her lip, uncertain of what to do. She hugged the tubs of ice cream a bit tighter before realizing she'd melt them; she released her grip a bit. The girl went on, "I'd suggest you both get home as soon as you can to avoid anymore unwanted encounters." Faintly, Linai worried about the other girl. She voiced her thoughts hesitantly. "What about you?"

[Sentenza Hoshizuki]

Sentenza's weapon shrunk down to a handle and he picked up his oil once again. Sentenza batted a glance towards Linai. "I think she'll be fine on her own." Sentenza said. The girl seemed to be quite scared by the whole turn of events and the appearance of the heartless. "My offer still stands if you're interested." Sentenza said calmly. "Not that you can't fight, it just might allow you to get home quicker. It'd be shame if you ventured out tonight and dealt with all these heartless only to have the ice cream you came to get melt."

Sentenza realized that he had yet to introduce himself, and it might be nice for the two women to know. "My name is Sentenza by the way." Sentenza said. "And you two would be?" Sentenza waited for a response from Linai as he attempted at small talk with the two of them. It seemed impossible that he would be so casual about this sort of thing, but then again, Sentenza was completely devoid of emotion, or at least, that's how others tended to perceive him since he tended not to show any emotion around most people.

[Kiaxi Snowe]

She waited a minute or two after the last Heartless was disposed of to ensure that there’d be no surprise attacks from any of the dark creatures’ allies, when there were none she allowed her weapon to disappear. The Nobody flexed her fingers, as if getting used to not having the weight of her weapon clutched tightly in her grasp any longer. She’d admit that she felt a tad worried, or as worried as a Nobody could get, for the young girl who had failed to produce any sort of weapon throughout the fight—that didn’t mean that the girl didn’t have one, but if she didn’t then getting home safely might have been out of the question now that the Heartless were beginning to stir.

“What about you?” She had asked and Kiaxi shrugged her shoulders, offering the girl a small, secretive smile, “They won’t target me and if they do I’m sure it’s nothing I can’t handle.” She felt the urge to offer her assistance in helping the girl get home safely as well, if only to put her mind at ease and know that the brunette would get home safely, but she kept her mouth closed. Sentenza, as he had just introduced himself as, had already offered and she figured that he’d definitely ensure the safety of the girl so Kiaxi felt like she was worrying for nothing. Maybe that was the memory of her Somebody coming through, subconsciously urging her to be helpful to others. Who knew really, she certainly didn’t—while she may have recovered bits and pieces of her former self’s memory she was still far from completing the puzzle.

Nodding her head in acknowledgment towards Sentenza, she added, “I’m Kiaxi.” Her introduction was short, sweet, and to the point.

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