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ATM Rewrite: B2 — 36. A Chapter Closes, A New One Begins
🕑 Added 2024-08-08 22:26:28 +0000 UTCPoV:
1. Sora Moore (Our Girl's Settling Into Her New Life!)
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Sora felt a sense of accomplishment as she watched a few more of the families step through the portal into the new world she had created. The air shimmered as the gateway remained open, allowing for free access that Aiden could direct.
The weight of the moment hung over her, and Sora let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Turning her full attention to Eyia, she felt the stress on her magic reserves as she asked her realm to transport Eyia and her to the entrance of the hotel elevator. She blinked, and the world instantly changed; Eyia reached out to steady her, glancing around in surprise.
“The realm has moved us… Your powers here are phenomenal, Sister.”
“God Mode,” she repeated, letting her muscles ease now that she was back one-on-one instead of addressing a whole community of people. Looking up at the Valkyrie, Sora straightened, searching her expression for answers since her aura was a wall of impenetrable ice. “So…what’s up?”
Eyia’s deep blue eyes averted, drawing away and gripping her elbow. Her gaze wandered from Stephanie and Ron’s temporary cabin, the portal to Avalon, and the camping site, where a cluster of Fire Fairies were chatting and giggling to one another.
“It is…not easy for me to say, Sister. I have trouble with the words…ahem, with words lately. Kari told me it was nerves…but I have never felt this way before, so I cannot say.”
“Hmm.” Sora watched her agitated fidgets and unsure expression that was so unlike the fearless warrior who would attack someone like Ylva without an ounce of hesitation. “Why don’t we walk for a bit and cool down?” she offered with a smile, gesturing to the path. “When you feel up to it, just let it all come blurting out.”
Relief loosened Eyia’s shoulders as Sora brought them into a casual pace along the road that led to one of the lakes at the basin of the hill, a river flowing out of it to several more.
“I would appreciate the opportunity to ponder my response.”
“Then let’s go!”
The silence stretched between them as Sora kept her focus away from her friend’s face so as not to pressure her. Eyia was unusually stoic from what she could see of her, which probably meant she was shoving down her feelings, fighting to keep them below, which was probably impossible and a foreign thing for the Valkyrie.
Sora’s own thoughts were a whirlpool of exhaustion and distractions with everything that was coming to a head. Tomorrow, they were going to Avalon, and two days later would be their first day. All the insanity from her transformation felt like it had happened over a year ago, and Kari’s bullying seemed ancient at this point, but maybe that was just how quickly emotions could settle.
In their casual stroll, Sora smiled and looked up at the giant, flowing blue sphere in the heavens, several other celestial bodies hovering in the distance. Aiden was helping a ton of monsters migrate to a new, safe home, and it felt good.
God Mode, sure, Sora mused to herself, but it doesn’t come with an instruction manual. Mom really does want me to struggle and learn, but I guess I’ve always been more of a hands-on learner to begin with.
Finally, Eyia broke the silence, her voice a soft murmur, almost lost to the strong, cool breeze. “I have thought much about my past…about Jin,” she admitted, her words tinged with a mixture of nostalgia and regret.
Sora kept her gaze on the path ahead, giving Eyia the space to continue at her own pace. “I’d like to hear about it,” she gently encouraged. “I know you’ve been through a lot on that island, and I’m here to listen. Talk freely, if you want. I’m here to help.”
The blonde shook her head, having difficulty speaking now as she hesitated between words. “There is…much to tell. My life has been one of isolation, Sister. From a young age, I was exiled…sent away during the collapse of our existence, before the Primordial and Founder War. I idolized my brother, Thor, but…the Shade of my father tells me he did not…he did not make it to this Existence when Askr Yggdrasil burned.”
Sora felt the weight of Eyia’s words, the loss and loneliness etched into each syllable of her Nordic accent. “The Onion War,” she mumbled with a nod, recalling her mother’s explanation of it when they’d first met. “You were young when it happened, right?”
“Onion War?” she repeated in confusion. “I am unfamiliar with that name for such a vast conflict, but I can see the wisdom in its layers… I was five when put into stasis.”
She paused, fidgeting with her hands at her front and looking uncomfortable. “I slept through the Onion Wars, and…for some reason, my father set the stasis to break once he died…as if he knew it would happen. I am unsure about much, Sister…very much unsure.”
Heart aching, Sora reached out to take the girl’s hands to offer her some physical support to let her know she wasn’t alone. “It sounds like you’ve been through hell… Your home burned, you were exiled by your step mother, and somehow you ended up on an island, where you had no friends and only enemies. Is that about right?”
Eyia nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips at Sora’s apt summary. “Indeed, Sister. You are very well at the summarizing… My English is…lacking with Jin’s absence, and that…frustrates me,” she grumbled, squeezing her hand and glaring at the road.
“I had great trials…yet my father gave me no purpose once I left the island, and I now see such a hole… He gives me no answers. Only to…see the one I now call my sister for support. Yet I do not wish to be a burden…and yet I am lost as to my direction. Is my English bad?” she asked, worry now in her blue eyes that on the verge of tears. “I am not do good.”
Sora breathed out a long sigh, her ears falling back while pausing to bring the taller blonde into a comforting embrace. “You’re doing fine, Eyia… You didn’t realize how much you relied on Jin until now, huh?”
“You…are correct, Sister,” Eyia mumbled in shock, as if only just now realizing it. “My talents only involve the war and battle… Jin often poked fun of my red rump and burning cheeks when wrong. I am…lacking…weak in the conversations.”
“That’s not bad, Eyia,” Sora soothed, letting the Valkyrie explore her vulnerabilities but also wanting to get her own view across. “You are amazing in so many other ways. You’re a fighter! All you’ve had is Jin to practice with, and…I’m sorry about that!” she added with a forced laugh. “Jin may be super qualified as a language expert, but her attitude could use some real work! We all have our weaknesses, Eyia, right? Isn’t that why we work on them?”
“You do not speak falsely…though it shames me to admit that my heart has not stemmed the bleeding. Jin…” Eyia paused, choosing her words carefully, despite her emotional state.
“Jin is a complex individual. She was…is my first friend…my only friend during those lonely years,” she questioned, unsure if she should call Jin a friend still or not. “Her betrayal at only befriending me for the hatred of her mother…and the deception of guiding me to hostile territory was…is difficult for me to understand.”
The blonde’s trembling arms closed more around her back the further she allowed her open wounds to show. “Yet…Yet, I cannot deny her importance in my life. In the defense that she has gone to in order to protect me. She has been both an adversary and an ally…like Loki is to my brother—a presence that shaped my path.”
Sora listened until there was a chance to respond, processing Eyia’s confession and pain. In many ways, it brought back the scars she did feel after Wendy distanced herself. Sure, over the first year she’d come to realize and accept why, but those first few months were some of the worst in her life, including everything that had happened after her transformation.
“It sounds like you have a lot more history on that island than I thought,” she whispered. “I understand how you feel…how conflicted you are, and I know I can’t say anything to make that pain go away… Jin told you exactly why she befriended you, and that wasn’t a lie… It’s meant to hurt, but that also shows she’s trying to…”
She paused, a small smile coming to her lips while thinking about the right word to use. “It means Jin is trying to purify her honor. Jin probably feels as guilty as you feel betrayed… Eyia, from what I’ve seen, Jin cares about you, a lot… She would have ripped my heart out for you when she thought I had betrayed your trust! So…I can only imagine how she must feel toward herself, even if she doesn’t always show how much she cares in the best ways… Case and point being the ripped out heart,” she muttered with a forced laugh. “Too much talking?”
“No,” Eyia sniffled, her tone reflective and calm, showing just how disciplined the warrior was. “Jin is…harsh and difficult to understand—red rump mad all the time…but she is also kind and…I thought she was loyal. Perhaps you are right. Jin is seeking to purify her honor, and if my brother can forgive Loki, then I should do the same… Difficult as it is.”
Sora waited in silence for a time, just holding Eyia while she processed her feelings. She wanted to help her sister-in-arms find clarity and peace, to offer a perspective that might ease her friend’s inner turmoil—something more than she had—yet knew she’d already said everything that was on her heart.
“Maybe,” Eyia slowly began, pulling away and brushing at her wet cheeks. “Maybe it is about finding a balance of friction. People are not just one thing, as you have helped me to understand with the wolves… They are mixes of good and bad within Kari, then surely Jin is also in that camp of fires, and sometimes the bad can…can overshadow the good? But that does not mean the good is not there…as was your saying with Sela, the Unseelie? It is just…hidden?”
Eyes softening at the Valkyrie’s mature and leveled response, no doubt using many principles her father had taught her that just needed to be applied right.
She drew in closer to hug the blonde again. “See? You’re communicating better than most people can dream, Eyia. How did you get so wise and humble?”
Eyia’s chest vibrated against her ear as she chortled, her voice still thick with emotion. “It was you who told me one cannot walk in the shoes of another, Sister. Perhaps…it is time I tried to understand Jin’s shoe size better, rather than judge her size next to mine, which is much, much bigger.”
Sora giggled at the analogy, sensing the breakthrough. “That sounds like a good plan,” she encouraged. “And you know I’m here to help however I can… Hopefully in a way that doesn’t involve my heart leaving my chest! Just now we’re in this together.”
“Yes, Sister. Together,” Eyia agreed, her voice stronger now, a hint of determination beneath the surface to confront the dragon tomorrow, literally. “Thank you for your counsel. My father was correct in the tails have knowledge. I feel…lighter, having shared my thoughts with you… Thank you, Sister.”
“Anytime,” Sora replied, feeling the warmth. “That’s what friends are for.”
They walked in companionable silence for a while, shifting directions from around the crystal-clear lake to return to the elevator. Sora could feel the bond between them strengthened even further, and even opened up more room for friendship between Kari and the Valkyrie, which was huge.
Pondering on the experience, she concluded shared honesty and vulnerability was a hard but necessary thing for true friendship. Not only that, but Sora also felt a sense of fulfillment through the exchange, knowing she had been able to support Eyia in her journey of self-discovery while branching out from her warrior upbringing.
As they neared the lake, Sora’s energy flagged, a reminder of the power she had expended. Despite the realm’s natural strength infusing her, she felt the spiritual toll of her actions, a fatigue that was more than physical.
“Sister?”
“Mmgm. Can’t get anything by you, can I?” she said with a tired smile. “I could use a little break. How about we head back and take it easy for a bit? Maybe catch some sun in Miami and do some friend activities?”
Eyia’s eyes brightened at the suggestion. “A learned tutor that helps in the practice makes perfect,” she quoted, drawing a chuckle from Sora.
“I’ll take your word for it,” Sora grinned, grateful for the lightness in the air between them after the emotional soul searching moment together. However, her attention was quickly snatched by a fireball that blasted out of the bonfire at the campsite. “Wait, is that…”
“It’s Ember!” the Fire Fairy chimed, coming to a stop in front of her and puffing up her chest with pride. “I’ve been eating really good since coming here. I think I’m three times stronger! Hahaha!”
Eyia blinked and shook her head. “Exactly eleven percent increase in total magical output since our first meeting.”
The small girl’s fire dimmed at the assessment while glancing back at the waving fairies. “Really? I was trying to act cool in front of my friends…and Flicker. I hope they didn’t hear you. Anyway, are you ready for the Open House tomorrow? I’ll be up and ready to guide you at eight a.m. blaze!”
Sora nodded. “Yes, Ember. I look forward to it. We’ll be down ten minutes before eight.”
“Great! Catch you then,” she said, waving them goodbye while joining her friends again. “Hey, hey, look at this fire wheel—it’s so much bigger!”
“I think I could do better…”
“Nuh-uh! Show me!”
Sora giggled and led the way out of her private realm but paused as the elevator opened.
“Oh, no!”
“Hmm?” Eyia glanced in at the empty box. “I do not sense anything.”
“No!” she cried, holding her fist against her forehead with a groan. “I left my car at the restaurant… Well, I guess we have our first destination. Let’s go!”
Sora blinked at the shimmering view of Miami that greeted them as they stepped out of the elevator. The city sprawled before them, alive with the hum of life and the endless expanse of ocean beyond. Alright, let's make the most of this! she thought, mustering energy to push through her fatigue. She turned to Eyia, whose eyes darted around, taking in the sights with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
“So,” Sora began, stretching her arms above her head as they descended to the ground floor, “how about we hit the beach? Maybe grab my car first and then try some local food? I know you’re always hungry,” she grinned.
Eyia’s charming, energetic energy returned, remiding Sora of their first few encounters. “I would like that, Sister. I have much to learn about your world and to engage in more of the social interactions of training.”
Sora chortled, leading the way as they walked down the bustling street. “Trust me, Miami’s got a lot to teach. First stop, my car.”
They navigated the vibrant streets, passing shops and restaurants filled with people enjoying their day. Sora kept the pace light, allowing Eyia to soak in the new environment without feeling overwhelmed. The Valkyrie’s sparkling blue eyes were wide with wonder as she pointed out new things Jin hadn’t taught her, and Sora noticed how she occasionally paused to watch street performers or examine the colorful displays in store windows.
As they reached the restaurant, Sora had to show off her Bently. “Well, you now get to have your first ride with me! I hope we don’t die.”
“Oh?” Eyia looked at the car as if it was about to attack them, ready for any twitch. “I did not realize your metal beasts could so easily turn on their masters? Have you not tamed it properly?”
“You’re too cute!” Sora laughed, pulling her into another hug. “We have a lot to explore. Ready to experience Miami Beach?”
Eyia’s lips curled into a small smile, her earlier tension easing. “I see. That was a joke. Funny. I am ready, Sister.”
Obviously not funny enough if you’re not laughing! I’ll get you rolling soon enough. You’ll see, my pretty little Valkyrie! she internally cackled as if she was an evil witch.
They climbed into the car, and Sora guided them through the traffic toward the beach. The sun was high, casting a golden glow over everything, and the scent of saltwater filled the air. She first stopped them off at a sea bar for some tacos, having the blonde try anything she didn’t find familiar, which came with the surprise that Eyia really didn’t like tart things.
After that they strolled along the promenade, the ocean’s waves crashing rhythmically against the shore as they found an open game of volleyball that Eyia roped her into—on the opposite team! Obviously, they got smoked and she took several shots to the face that perfectly redirected to the ground. It was a total victory for the cheering blonde and her crew of twelve year olds as Sora licked her battle wounds with the adults.
Going for a second lunch next, they ate in companionable silence, watching the tourists and locals around them bask in the sun or splash in the waves. Sora felt a sense of peace wash over her that felt too good to be true, grateful for the chance to unwind after everything they’d been through.
Sure, life’s pretty complicated right now. Things are looking up, though. Mom, Noelia, and Dad are…doing something to work things out. Wendy’s exploring her new family dynamics…like having a dad and mom who care about her. Eyia’s growing, Kari’s healing, and Aiden’s free now to do what he wants…
Her thoughts drifted to her other friends and the connections she’d built, from Fen, to Sela, to Ron, Howie, Daisy, and Stephanie, as well.
Everything is looking up…but we still have The Darkness, Avalon nobility, and the Foundation lurking in the background. I’ve got a support group now, though. We can help each other.
Once they’d finished eating, Sora led Eyia toward the water, where they walked along the shoreline, the sand warm beneath their feet. Eyia seemed more relaxed now, her earlier tension replaced with a tentative curiosity about this new world she was exploring.
“Thank you for this, Sister,” Eyia said after a while, her voice serene. “I am beginning to see why you cherish this place and the peace…as uncomfortable it still is to me.”
“It’s my pleasure, Sis. I’m just glad you’re enjoying it,” Sora whispered, her heart swelling. “There’s a lot more to see and do here, and I’m excited to show you all of it. Plus, we have a ton to explore in Avalon…including potential dangers you get to fight.”
Eyia’s brow set, a sure confidence only someone with her background could demonstrate. “I live for the conflict of blades. It is all I know and where I feel comfortable.”
“Glad to hear!”
They spent the afternoon exploring, stopping to admire street art and popping into small shops to browse the eclectic mix of goods. Sora enjoyed watching Eyia’s reactions to each new culture shock, the Valkyrie’s beaming face revealing flashes of wonder or amusement.
As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Sora slowed their pace. The day had been long, and despite the fun they’d had, she could feel the fatigue beginning to creep back into her bones. They also needed to get a good night’s sleep for the long day tomorrow.
“Ready to head home?” Sora asked, glancing at Eyia, who was watching the sunset with a serene expression.
Eyia looked down at her bagged goods with a tickled smile. “Yes, Sister. I have learned much today and had much of the fun.”
“Oh, don’t you worry,” she winked. “It’s only the beginning!”
With that, they made their way back to the car, driving through the dimming streets as the city lights flickered to life. Eyia was good now, which was another friend helped through the turmoil that had befallen them.
I think that’s everyone, she thought, shocked as she went through the list in her head and pulled them into the car elevator to return home. Eyia bobbed her head, mirroring the actions others did when listening to music. Everyone’s on the mend. We’re ready to move forward! A new adventure is about to begin, I can feel it.
Arriving home, the cool air inside the hotel was a welcomed contrast to the heat of the day, despite her adaptable nature. As they made their way through the lobby, Sora heard Wendy exiting the bathroom, brushing her teeth and moving to the railing to look down at them.
“‘Erbed you ‘umming,” she garbled through her filled mouth, wearing a beaming smile and rocking some cozy-looking pajamas with a hood; the ear parts were cut out to allow hers to poke through. “‘Ave fun?”
“Finish brushing!” Sora chided with a snicker as they climbed the stairs. “I take it our moms and Dad are back?”
“Mhm.”
Wendy’s bushy brown tail disappeared into the bathroom while fabbing her thumb at their parents’ room. She spat and dried out her mouth as they made it to the door. “They’re pretty tired. Your mom is a hazard! It’s kind of funny, to be honest, because she’ll say some really profound stuff and then almost get ran over by a car because she reads the signs wrong.”
Sora pressed her knuckles against her forehead. “Great. Maybe we should invest in a help dog to babysit her.”
“That’s kind of my mom’s job at this point,” Wendy giggled. “Your mom has no skills living as a normal woman. I guess she probably did use magic for everything, but still. It’s funny to watch. Anyway, school tomorrow? How was Miami?” Wendy asked, turning to put her hands on her hips.
“Yeah, yeah, I see you looking cute,” Sora mused. “Who picked out those? Noelia?”
“Obviously!”
Eyia looked slightly anxious while looking for a place to jump in. “It, uh, it was enlightening! Sora introduced me to, umm…to tacos. Yes, and she is teaching me about the social e-etiquette?”
Wendy laughed, nodding approvingly. “Bro, tacos are a good start. Now I’m hungry! There’s a whole world of food out there for you to try, and I’m hoping there are a ton of options in Avalon, too. Good date choices maybe?” she asked with a sly smirk. “You can’t tell me you weren’t checking out the elf boys? What are we talking about here? Slim, muscular, feminine, masculine? Give me something!”
Sora’s eyes twinkled while recalling her trip to Avalon with Aiden. “Yeah, I’ll let you dream tonight and stew on that image.”
“Booo! You’re the worst.”
“No, I’m the best, and you’ll see when you get there,” Sora sang, waving her off as Wendy moved past them toward her room. “Don’t go getting hot cheeks on me and embarrassing us.”
“Oh, whatever! Who was the closest to getting a boyfriend between us again? Right, the puffy-tailed super squirrel with a cute face.”
“Someone is playing into their transformation,” Sora laughed.
As they chatted in the hall, Sora felt a sense of normalcy settling over her and her best friend turned sister.
“Hey, Wendy,” she began.
Wendy glanced between Eyia, looking nervous, and her. “Hmm? What’s up?”
“Eyia was wondering if you’d be her buddy for the Open House tomorrow.”
“Of course! I’d love to,” Wendy replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You can do a lot with an intimidating, pretty tall blonde girl by your side. Though, did you know that parents will be there, too? We’re not going to be alone.”
Sora’s eyes widened, then she laughed, shaking her head. “Really? I didn’t know, but it makes sense. I guess it’ll be a full house, then,” she joked.
“Yep, a real family affair,” Wendy grinned, nudging Eyia playfully. “Don’t worry, we’ll be a team. Right, Eyia?”
Eyia nodded, gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Sisters. I would appreciate your guidance in this social battle matter.”
As the conversation died out, Wendy and Eyia went to their own rooms to retire for the night, leaving Sora alone in the hallway. She debated heading into her own room to snuggle into bed and sleep but her swaying tail pulled her in another direction.
She made her way down the hallway and her steps slowed when she reached Kari’s door. She paused, feeling a flutter of nerves at the prospect of speaking with Kari again, not knowing if this was crossing the line or not.
Taking a deep breath, Sora knocked softly, half-expecting no response; Noelia’s spell had silenced everyone’s rooms to her. However, to Sora’s surprise, Kari’s voice called out from within.
“Hmm? One minute, Sora…” Moments later, the door opened to reveal Kari in her sleepwear, looking somewhat annoyed. “What do you want, Sora?” Kari asked, her voice tinged with annoyance.
Sora mustered a smile, her stomach still feeling a wave of anxiety when faced with her former bully, despite how much of that image had shattered.
“I just wanted to, uh, to talk… I think you know why I’m here.”
Kari sighed, the edge in her face fading away as she glanced down the hall before stepping aside to let Sora in. “Fine. Come in.”
It was more than Sora had expected, and now Kari’s looked anxious with her pulled back ears and averted eyes while hopping on her bed to lean against the backboard.
“So…have you given it some thought?” Sora asked, taking the corner seat and fidgeting with her shirt. “Avalon, that is.”
The wolf’s gaze drifted to her stiff tail, draped across her muscular legs. “I have…”
“…And?”
Her tail beat against her legs as she released another sigh. “I guess…I don’t really have anything else going for me. Do they have a sports team?”
Sora’s ears flew up, unable to believe what she’d just heard, but Kari’s amber eyes looked serious. “I, uh, I’ve got no idea! If there isn’t, I’d be happy to see about setting one up—you know, bring sports to Avalon. It sounds fun, right? Maybe adding powers into it could mix up the game for you.”
“Sure, yeah, whatever,” Kari growled, trying to play it off but Sora could see her alert ears, betraying her internal emotions. “It’s just something that I thought about… What’s with that look on your face? It’s creepy.”
“Oh, c’mon!” Sora huffed, her soft smile turning into a scowl. “Is it impossible for anyone to be happy for you? I am happy you’re considering Avalon,” Sora said, her voice sincere. “Really. It’d be great to have you there, even if you don’t want to be seen with a little princess like me.”
“I’m not saying I’ll join,” Kari defensively reiterated, her posture becoming more guarded. “I’m just…thinking about it.”
Sora’s smile softened. “That’s all I wanted to hear, and isn’t that what I said?”
Kari glanced away, her tail curling around her legs as if shielding herself from any emotional vulnerability. “You don’t have to be so positive all the time.”
“It’s who I am,” Sora chortled, standing to leave. “Besides, I think you’ll like it there. A change of pace could be good, right? No reminders. A new start.”
Kari’s silence spoke volumes, a quiet agreement wrapped in defiance that was pretty adorable with Sora’s internal picture of a stubborn wolf pup, digging in her feet and trying to look tough. “Like I said already, I’ll think about it. Geez. Clingy much? I’m trying to go to bed.”
“Sure. Sure. Good night, Kari,” Sora said, heading toward the door, her heart lighter than before. “I’ll wake you up if you need it.”
“Yeah, no,” Kari snarled, her ears flying up and glaring at her. “I don’t need Foxfire tickling my nose in the morning or any shaving cream or warm water pranks!”
“Noted,” she sang, closing the door and leaving the wolf as paranoid as could be.
Stepping into the hallway, Sora felt the day’s events settle over her like a comforting weight; everything was perfect. Thank you, Mary, Mom. I can close a painful chapter in my life.
As she changed into her pajamas, Sora’s mind replayed the last few weeks’ interactions, the victories and challenges interwoven in a delicate balance. She couldn’t help but smile, recalling Eyia’s tentative steps toward understanding Jin, Wendy’s collapse and rise from the ashes, her parents’ love for each other, despite the challenges, Aiden’s unending support, and Kari’s guarded contemplation about her place in the world.
Slipping under the covers, Sora let her thoughts drift, the rhythm of her heartbeat lulling her into a sense of peace. There were burdens she still had to address and magic to learn, but that was welcomed. All of it was a testament to the growth she’d undergone since her transformation…that they’d all undergone.
Tomorrow, we start something new. New dangers and new friends… A new beginning in the magical world of Avalon.
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