Of Sunrays and Moonbeams
A Sailor Moon/Lord of the Rings fic
Author: Celestial DreamBlaze
Reunions. Finally!!
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Fate gasped, while she wove her tapestry, a prophecy appeared:
Light shall return from its faraway land,
As quick and timeless as grains of sand,
The light shall help in perilous times,
Luminescent glow Middle Earth will shine,
As the sun's golden rays start to fade,
And the darkness shall reach its peak,
The stars come out in a dreamlike haze,
The moon will rise from the sleeping sea,
Creating undertows, tides, and currents from beneath,
Black and midnight blue colors the windless night,
Where a whisper of breeze takes an occasional sigh,
Restless nights will come to the good and can't sleep,
Wishing for light to come back from its keep,
The moon it shines with its silver light,
Rising above the land in the night sky,
Cheerful, comforting, and loving embrace,
Hope and light gives courage to a face,
Working together, the evils they fight.
If done right, the dark would give way to light.
If what the new prophecy foretold was true, then Usagi had a chance of winning.
She could only hope.
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Hotaru shielded her eyes, after being in the Time Gates for more than a day; the sun's rays were harsh to her eyes.
Still holding on to Setsuna's hand, her eyes adjust and she took in the sight of Middle Earth before her.
She gasped, it was beautiful, they were just outside the boundaries of a misty village. A shimmering glowing silver white mystical buildings rose on hills close to a beautiful majestic river. The cloudy look only proved to capture the dream like state a person would feel upon seeing it. Its rivers gleamed like silver and white foams, the spray surrounding the village casting a rainbow haze.
It was breath taking.
Turning to her temporary guardian she asked, "Setsu-mama? Where are we?"
"We, hime-chan, are at the elusive Rivendell. Kirei, ne?"
"Hai."
"Well come on let's go," Setsuna, who had changed into Middle Earthen clothes, started to pull Hotaru towards the village.
"We are going there?"
"Hai."
"Honto?"
"Hai."
"Sugoi!"
Setsuna chuckled at Hotaru's reaction. Hotaru was much more cheerful now, her depression receding at the thought of seeing her mother again.
"Setsu-mama?"
"Yes?"
"What kind of people are they?"
"They, hime-chan, are elves of high ranking. We are one of the few who actually have seen Rivendell and its mysterious occupants."
Hotaru was kind of worried, would the people there be nice? over all she was overjoyed; she would see her mother soon.
They reached Rivendell, as they got to its steps, an elf came to greet them.
"Ah, hello Setsuna, it is nice to see you again, and who might this little one be?"
Setsuna bowed, "it is nice to see you again lord Elrond, this is," she pulled the meek child out from behind her, "my princess, Hotaru."
Hotaru smiled shyly and a little nervously. The man was tall, and his aura was strong, the magic essence wrapped around him tightly. No doubt, he was powerful. She got over her shyness when she saw they elf-lord smile slightly causing her heart to lighten and look at the man in wonder.
The elf was shocked, he thought her princess was older than that of a child, "I am pleased to meet you Hotaru, I am Elrond, and this is Rivendell."
Hotaru bowed, she watched Elrond and slightly giggled. It was funny to here him say their Japanese names, his eloquent tongue was fair and elegant, it was weird to hear it flow smoothly.
She still liked him; there was an air about him that attracted her to him. She would soon find later it would be that way with all elves. They had a calm nature that made people want to be in their presence.
Elrond, who knew of their arrival before hand, speaking to Setsuna earlier, led them to their rooms.
He was slightly disturbed, the young child seemed good but there was an aura of darkness to her. What if Setsuna, a lady he had known for decades, was actually evil?
These were harsh times and it did not help that he too sought the wise woman's council from time to time.
~~
Hotaru ran towards the inner gardens of Rivendell, she was playing with lady Arwen, The daughter of Elrond. Hotaru liked the elf maiden.
She was very beautiful too, chocolate auburn hair with expressive sparkling brown eyes. She was a little taller than her mother, slender, and very graceful.
Arwen played with her when Setsuna was talking to Elrond.
She didn't know why. Every time they left the room in which they were speaking, they seemed upset for some reason.
What was going on?
Upon meeting Arwen, she sensed sadness in the older lady, a sadness that was perfectly concealed.
She remembered the first time Arwen played with her; she was sitting down dejectedly waiting for her mother to come.
Hotaru had been kind of shy towards the Elf-lady; her eyes penetrated the depths of understanding and knowledge and it unnerved Hotaru that a being could know so much.
Arwen walked towards her and asked if she wanted to explore the ponds at the back of Rivendell.
She said yes.
That day they had brought back many flowers, flowers to give to her mother when she came.
Hotaru finally found Arwen but stopped, Arwen looked anxious.
Who was she waiting for?
"Arwen-chan are you all right?"
The elf looked down to the little girl, Hotaru was such a sweet child, even if her aura said it was not so. The little girl was so shy and timid towards her, as if she was afraid that the things she'd do would cause her to not like the girl. She also thought that the different name spoken to her was refreshing, it was not everyday she met someone new.
"I, little one, am waiting for my friends."
"Really?! Who," Hotaru questioned.
Maybe momma was with her.
"My" she hesitates, "... friend Estel and four Hobbits."
"Oh," she was disappointed, when was her momma coming back?
That very same day Arwen's friend and hobbit had not come, yet two unexpected visitors had.
Hotaru stood next to Arwen and Elrond with Setsuna on her other side.
Looking towards Setsuna, Hotaru saw that her eyes sparkled with unhidden joy.
Seeing this Hotaru started to hope. Maybe, just maybe her mother was finally coming.
In the distance, over the river, two figures rode on horses, shadowed in cloaks. The occupants of Rivendell wait the two to reach them.
Upon arriving, the taller one, who rode a sleek white and powerful steed with fire in his eyes, rode ahead of the other to great them. The person looked old and wise, wearing, not a cloak, but a wizard's robe.
"Elrond! My friend, it is good to see you again."
Elrond in return greeted them, "It is good to see you too Gandalf, you looked troubled my friend, what has befallen you?"
The person's, now revealed as Gandalf, face turned grave.
He gave a short account of their journey, the other person still far behind.
By the time Gandalf finished on his summary of encountering the Ringwraiths at Weathertop, the person was in seeing range and by now racing faster than before.
The small group watched as the stranger came forth, jumping off the horse and running towards them.
They all gasped, well except for the ones who knew her and a little girl, as the person's hood fell off.
The group was revealed to them a beautiful creature. Sun-blonde hair with moon-silver streaks, although you could hardly notice them because of her tight braid, had they not been elves or less than normal humans it would have escaped their minds, deep navy colored eyes with flecks of silver and sapphire, the cloak molded against the woman's figure and showed curves in all the right places perfectly toned.
The little girl just gave a small cry and dashed towards her. "MAMA!!"
The lady just gave a small sob and ran even faster, stretching out her arms to capture the girl in a fierce embrace.
Falling down so she'd be able to hold her better the lady just chants, "oh I missed you so much! What are you doing here, my precious baby," over and over again.
The group just watched shocked. Hotaru was the child of this beautiful lady? A lady that was apparently more enchanting than an elf.
Gandalf became more intrigued.
Elrond became curious.
Arwen smiled, happy that the little girl wasn't sad anymore.
And Setsuna... well... She just smiled at the reunited family.
Despite all their thinking, they could not help but be happy for them, they're heart warmed to the sight of happiness in grave times.
They're determination to their purpose strengthened, to save Middle Earth of Sauron's evil, so love, light, hope, and happiness could still live.
~~
What was she doing here? Usagi thought bewildered. Not that she was complaining but it was too dangerous for her to be here. Holding her baby tighter she smelled her daughter's sweet lily and lavender scent. She missed her so much.
"I must admit that I would be lying if I didn't want you here."
Hotaru just continues to hug her, occasionally crying out 'mama.'
Usagi opened her closed eyes and looks to the Time Guardian. "Thank you."
Setsuna merely smiles. "You're welcome my princess."
Gandalf, Elrond, and Arwen look at Setsuna shocked.
The lady was a princess?
It was not hard to believe but most princesses, especially one such as beautiful as her, would be under lock and key, her kingdom not wanting to have her away. A princess would not be frolicking about with strangers in such harsh times.
Usagi just rolled her eyes at Setsuna's attitude.
She picked herself off the ground, still holding Hotaru, and walked towards the group.
Bowing at Arwen and Elrond she says, "I gather you are the lord and lady of Rivendell, therefore I am honored to meet you and grateful for having Setsuna and Hotaru under your wing. Also my name is Usagi."
Arwen and Elrond bow back. "We are pleased to meet the famed princess that Setsuna seems to talk about so much."
Again, Usagi rolled her eyes. "Do not listen to her, she knows not of what she says," she teased playfully grinning at Setsuna all the while.
Elrond, Arwen, and Gandalf watch mesmerized as they saw Usagi act carefree. Her eyes held such depth and showed their true meaning, she captivated them, a way no other mortal could have done before.
Who was she? Surely, she could not be a mere Princess of mortal men.
Setsuna interrupts their thinking, "I am glad you have arrived safely, Usa."
And then, as if remembering, Elrond exclaims, "My lady, I am sorry, I gather you do not know who we are, I am Elrond and this is my daughter Arwen, welcome to Imladris."
"I am pleased to be here and please, no formalities, just call me Usagi or Usa."
Gandalf frowned, remembering of other problems. "I am sorry to interrupt such light conversations but there are more pressing matters to address."
Usagi nodded, eyes concentrated, over their perilous trip, Gandalf had told her of everything that threatened Middle Earth's existence.
The small group nod in return, Elrond leading them towards Rivendell.
Still holding Hotaru, Usagi gazed in amazement of the beautiful village. She had heard many stories of Rivendell, all magical. She never dreamed she'd actually see it much less come. The place was truly beautiful and majestic, everything shone with purity, from the trees to stones, from the waters to the mist. Rivendell was one of the few places in Middle Earth unharmed by the darkness that was breaking through.
The place gave her a sense of rest and serenity. It's calm waters flowed through the village and its mists casting a hazy veil that gave someone the appearance of Rivendell being a mirage or dream.
Usagi caused a commotion on the other inhabitants of Rivendell; her beauty astounded them and wondered who she was. Many people were coming to seek council of Elrond and this, by far, was the most interesting one.
~~
One person watched her, captivated by her beauty, mesmerized by her awe and soulful eyes, touched at her caring as she held the child tenderly in her arms.
Who was she?
~~
They went into what looked like a meeting room, just that the room was out doors not in; there was a small stone round table in the center with probably about a dozen seats circling it. It gave a scenic look to the forestry outside and beautifully cut hedges that bordered the 'room.'
Realizing that the meeting was no place for a child, Setsuna sood up and said, "I already know what is going on, I will take my leave. Hotaru come with me."
Usagi nodded in agreement, she did not believe such matters were for a child's ears.
Hotaru looked at Setsuna, she didn't really want to go with the Time Guardian but the look in Setsuna's eyes told her to. Giving one last hug to Usagi and a quick peck on the cheek, she gets off her mother's lap and left with Setsuna to go outsi... err inside.
"Setsu-mama," she said after the doors were closed.
"Hai hime-chan?"
Like mother like daughter, Hotaru rolls her eyes. "Will I be able to follow mama?"
At this, Setsuna paused to think, and then finally after a while she said, "I don't know, hime-chan. I don't know."
At this, it is Hotaru's turn to think, what would happen to her mother if she did or didn't come?
If only she knew.
~~
Hotaru was bored.
She wondered when they would get out so she could play with her mother.
She looked up as the doors opened; judging by the grim expressions on their faces things did not go well.
Waiting for Usagi to completely leave the room, she walked up and took her mother's hand. Wishing to help comfort her mother, she knew the news greatly disturbed her especially when it concerned Middle Earth.
Usagi looked at Hotaru, she smiled softly, squeezing her hand lightly as an offer of thanks. She watched Hotaru. The girl was so wise and mature yet she still had her child like innocence. The purity and light that would be lost once they grew up, an essence only a child could possess.
There was so many times where, in her dark moods, that the child would comfort her. Sometimes it felt Hotaru understood. She was glad to have her light in her moment of darkness. In a way Hotaru was just that, a pure light with the aura of Saturn's darkness.
~~
A couple days had past, and honestly, if it were up to her, she would have started on the search for the ring. But Gandalf, who had become a good friend to her, told her to wait. That it would come to them.
She scowls, they wouldn't tell her where the ring was or if someone was taking it to them, they were all hush hush, even Elrond who was usually polite and answered her many questions that spanned for seventy four years would not give much information.
Arwen became a great friend too; they would both take a ride around the near borders of Rivendell. The Elf-maiden was a joy to be around, not because of the feeling an elf would give a person but because they seemed to have many things in common.
Smiling wistfully, she remembered a time when she'd race with her brother, she missed him so much.
It pained to know that she was here but couldn't see him. Maybe she should go, it didn't matter that Aragorn would be an old man by now, as long as she got to see him one last time.
Maybe
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All done............... I decided that I wanted Aragorn and Usa's reunion by itself, ::grins evilly: I know, I feel evil today..
::dodges as recycled papers are thrown::
Fine!! You guys keep complaining about their reunion so you'll have it......... Scroll down... and I hope you enjoy...
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Aragorn was tired; the trip had taken longer than he had thought. He feared that if they did not pass the road to Rivendell soon, they'd actually be captured by the enemy.
He looks toward the halflings, Frodo was poisoned; caught in the embrace of a morgul knife, he was not able to cure the little one and wished desperately to get to Rivendell by nightfall.
They had to hurry. Frodo was getting weaker and more incoherent, only with the help of the elves healing magic could Frodo be cured.
Worried, not because it was his job, but because Frodo had become a friend, he pushed the four to go on further.
He looked forward to seeing Rivendell; it had been a while since he had last been.
His thoughts drifted as he wondered if she was there...
Arwen, his life. He had not seen her for a while. He missed her; his soul ached for the elf maiden.
Thinking of maidens, the girl back at Bree came to mind.
Who was she?
No matter how much he tried not to think of her, he did, every single day of their trip had he wondered who she was. There was something about her that called to him; there was this magical essence to her, one so natural and yet unreal. Unidentifiable.
He knew that the girl could not be his sister, for one thing, the girls hair had been too short, his sister would never cut it and would be longer than the girls current braided length, the girl also had only golden hair, there was no evidence of silver streaked through it were as his sister would have. It could never be his sister for the girl had an unusual amount of wisdom and knowledge, more than any human, and too much for his sister to ever have, for his sister had the eyes of child-like innocence with the depths of happiness and love that beheld curiosity every where she went.
Maybe she reminded him of his sister so much, he still wishes he could see her. But that wish would never come true, his sister would be an old woman, and wherever she went, it would not be anywhere he'd ever turn up.
Little did he know he would be proven wrong, he should know by now that duties could change all that, no matter how a person was at the beginning.
At last, a slight sliver of the road could be seen. They had finally reached the borders of Rivendell. All they needed to do was get past the Ford: across of it Rivendell.
With the help of the Elf-lord Glorfindel, they had managed to get passed the Black Riders known as Ringwraiths. Elrond too had helped, controlling the waters of the Ford; a great raging tide of waves encompassed the Ringwraiths as they passed.
Being rushed to Rivendell, Frodo was healed. The others came soon after.
For the moment a joyful occasion spread. The ring bearer was fine and they had succeeded in bringing the One to Rivendell.
That did not mean the adventure was over, far from it.
Strider walked into his room, recently washed and wearing clean clothes, he heads for the common room, they would talk but not of the ring for Frodo had not waken yet.
Remembering the last time he had cleaned and not wished to be left struck a pain in his heart.
~~Flashback~~
"Come on Ro, we're going to be late if you don't hurry."
"I'm coming, I'm coming," answered the slightly damp prince, he had decided to take a quick bath, and a quick bath for him had taken about twenty minutes.
They reach the chambers to which their lessons were taught.
Their teacher Michelle looked serene and calm, but they knew better; she was just being polite, she was slightly angry for their tardiness."
She looks down at them, as one would when chastising a child, which they were.
"What if I had not been your teacher but a queen from another kingdom?"
He and Ren looked down at their shoes, regretful that they were tardy and because they did not know the answer.
"Well?"
He had bravely look up, saying, "I am sorry ma'am: I was detained, for I had taken a quick bath to make myself more presentable."
Michelle studies him and then asks, "and what about you Seren?"
Ren had winced when Shelly said her full name, knowing that the teacher was slightly disappointed in her, her answer had been, "I wished not to arrive alone so I waited for my brother to finish and escort him here."
Michelle had let them off easily, but not before giving a little bit of correction towards their answers, "very good. It is nice that you have spoken the truth; you will be great monarchs to your kingdom. Aragorn, you have done nicely, and Sere," said person looks up at the use of her nickname, "you must always look the person you are addressing in the eye, so they know you are being honest, even if you always are. Also a lady does not escort a lord to their location, it is the other way around."
Michelle smiled at Ren while he had giggled at her mistake.
"Forgive me for my error ma'am"
"It is alright my lady," answered Michelle.
~~End Flashback~~
Shaking his head of sweet but sad memories, he came to rest with his mind. It had been four and seventy years, why could he not forget? Why did memories of her come into mind more often than any years?
It was the girls entire fault, he thought bitterly, she struck a resemblance too much of his sister that it was uncanny.
He would soon find out how alike they were.
~~
Strider had seen the girl, he now knew as Usagi, talking to Gandalf. He also discovered, and was shocked and surprised, that she had arrived with him. Gandalf was not usually so trusting to complete strangers and it wondered him on how the wizard had taken up the girl so easily.
Usagi had left to go somewhere, the place he did not know.
Rounding the corner to go to the outer gardens his heart froze, it had been a long time since he had last seen her and shocked him to the core.
Anger rose immediately after the shock, the sting of betrayal still fresh in mind. "YOU!!"
Startled, the person turns towards Strider, recognition lit in her eyes, sadly she smiled upon seeing his rage. "Hello my prince."
A little ways away, a couple of people watch the interaction, racing towards them when Strider had called out. Surprise was in each others faces, they never knew that Strider had known who that person was.
"What did you do to her," he bellowed out dangerously, grasping his sword. Knowing that it was she who had taken away the one he loved.
Bowing her head she said remorsefully, "it had to be done, she had to go."
"You took her away from me; did you know how I felt? My mother felt?" he roared louder, his rage becoming more prominent as the bottled emotions finally came to fore. "Our kingdom felt? We mourned! Mourned for months, because you had taken her!"
Setsuna closed her eyes, she knew, she had livef with the guilt. Turning her eyes to the angered prince, her guilt became unbearable, she had come to care for him and it hurt that she had pained him more than she had thought.
The small audience watched in silence, Elrond's head was reeling; he did not know his son knew of the wise woman. She was so reclusive that, had it not been for her just showing up one day, he would never have known her.
What was their connection and who was it that he talked about?
"I'm sorry, she had duties." She said.
"Duties," he questioned incredulously, "she's always had duties, and it must have torn her heart, didn't it? She never liked duties she only wished to be free."
Her guilt twisted more, she knew that too, yet had done nothing to ease it.
"Where is she," demanded Strider once more.
The onlookers watched in shock and wonder, for most, never before had they seen Strider so angry, he was always calm and mellow, and as for Setsuna, they were shocked to see other expressions besides stoic and the blank mask on her face, especially when it showed the emotions such as remorse and sadness.
Questions were mounting and all would surface soon.
"Setsu-mama?"
The two turned to look at the speaker, Hotaru's head peeked out shyly, "is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine," Setsuna said softly, "go play with Arwen."
Upon hearing the name of his love, Strider turned to glare at Setsuna again, there was no way that he'd allow the woman to get to know his love.
"Yo..."
"Sets?"
Aragorn was angry, all he saw was red; he wanted to know where she was but people kept interrupting, turning to snap at the girl, he slightly faltered.
It was Usagi.
She looked so concerned but not only at Setsuna but also at him, it was like she understood what he was feeling.
"Usa," she started, glancing softly at the somewhat soothed prince, "you have not met Strider officially have you not," questioned Setsuna even though she knew.
Continuing, not allowing Usagi to answer, "Usa, meet Strider, otherwise Aragorn son of Arathorn, my prince." She finished, waiting, and anticipated over their reaction, hopefully all will go well.
Usagi's heart stopped. She glanced at Aragorn, then back at Setsuna, not able to believe her ears. Her heart was beating wildly, adrenaline rushing through every vein, not helping to quench the quick beating of her heart.
Strider was confused, what was going on? Why was Usagi glancing at him that way, why would it be she who looked desperately hopeful and in disbelief?. Unless... No, it couldn't be.
Bewildered now with such a strange turn of events, he was confused and didn't know what to think.
Usagi gulped, could it be true? There was an almost hopeful look in his eyes that feared and threatened to die out, it reciprocated her very feelings. Searching his face, scanning his appearance, she realized he looked just like he would at that age.
But how could he be so young?
Daring, almost hesitantly and nervously, she says in a raspy whisper, "Ro?"
Said so softly, that one two letter word resounded loudly in his ears, it threatening to make him deaf. That one word caused mixed emotions:
Love.
Relief.
Joy.
Disbelief.
Ease.
Complete.
Looking at her, astonished, and this time, unhidden pure joy, he whispers, "Ren?"
At this, Usagi extracted a full sun blindingly bright smile and ran into his open embrace. She sobbed, happy to see him again, the brother she missed so much.
Strider let a few tears fall, his sister was here. His eyes closed in joy, he thought he'd never see her again.
So happy he swung her around, twirling her in circles, eliciting purely delighted giggles from her. The sound was beautiful to his ears.
By this time, everyone was confused. Setsuna claimed Usagi was her princess and then said Strider was her's too. Then, extraordinarily, Usagi and Strider were hugging each other like they never wanted to let go, especially when the latter avoided the first like the plague.
Arwen, who had joined the group, was hurt; she could feel her love's heart complete all because of this woman who had been a stranger to him. Did he not love her? She did not know and her heart mourned at the sight, yet she was slightly happy that her love was happy.
Usagi eyes had been closed, but at the sense of overwhelming depression, opened them again, glancing straight at Arwen. Eyes clashed and searched the depths of soulful eyes. Usagi gave a small smile and nodded in understanding.
Arwen relaxed; she would get answers, but for now, she let them be.
Another person, who had been watching, gazed at the two sadly. They're would be no hope for him if the girl who had captured his heart was complete with another. He could only watch in helplessness, the usually calm and comforting air around him encompassed in dread and depression. He slipped away, not being able to watch the two with anything but pain. He could not handle the pain; it was too foreign to him and he did not wish to revel in the feeling.
Seeing that others were ready to interrupt the two, Arwen holds out her hand to them in a stopping manner, her eyes solemn as she gazed at the couple. "Leave them alone."
The others looked at her, nodding their heads, realizing it was not the right time.
Elrond just smiled gently, sadly. He knew of her relationship between Estel, and although it saddened him greatly, understood that Arwen loved him too much too let go. So, he let their love grow. He did not encounter the interaction between the two girls, for his mind was befuddled and shocked, it did not stop him from thinking if Estel, as much as he was a son to him, hurts his daughter, he would pay.
Setsuna smiled at the reunited siblings, things had gone even better than she planned. She was happy for the two, the gap in their hearts filled and all they had to do was find or claim their love to the elves that caught or soon would catch their hearts.
Slipping away after the departed group, she left the two to talk of things that should have been known long ago.
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Hehehe how'd you guys like it? I know you'll say one thing... FINALLY!! The reunion... I was thinking that too^^..
I know nothing much with legolas/usa.. I didn't even mention his name ::sweatdrops::
note: the poem in the beginning is mine.. if you want it, please tell me.. I don't mind if you take it.. I just want to know.. feel free to comment on it also..
Thanks for reading and reviewing, I'll try to get more out. Hehehe.. whenever I thought about the reunion I was like... WHAT AM I GONNA WRITE!! But then as I wrote to the reunion I was like "ooh!! I know.." and then I type away.. ::sweatdrops:: I have a weird mind.
I hope this satisfied you and it was as good as you girls.. and guys... anticipated it to be..
PLEASE REVIEW... I thrive on having reviews... you don't know.. er for those of you who don't write, how much it means to me.. I get absolutely happy that people like it enough to actually review... I need it, it's the only times that make my world bright, I'm not kidding. Life sucks for me and my writing is all I have. If people comment on it, even if it is to flame, I feel as if I have worth as a writer.
Much mahal
~~DreamBlaze
xxxangel_dreamerxxx@hotmail.com
aol: aim: Dreamerpnai75
A Sailor Moon/Lord of the Rings fic
Author: Celestial DreamBlaze
Reunions. Finally!!
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Fate gasped, while she wove her tapestry, a prophecy appeared:
Light shall return from its faraway land,
As quick and timeless as grains of sand,
The light shall help in perilous times,
Luminescent glow Middle Earth will shine,
As the sun's golden rays start to fade,
And the darkness shall reach its peak,
The stars come out in a dreamlike haze,
The moon will rise from the sleeping sea,
Creating undertows, tides, and currents from beneath,
Black and midnight blue colors the windless night,
Where a whisper of breeze takes an occasional sigh,
Restless nights will come to the good and can't sleep,
Wishing for light to come back from its keep,
The moon it shines with its silver light,
Rising above the land in the night sky,
Cheerful, comforting, and loving embrace,
Hope and light gives courage to a face,
Working together, the evils they fight.
If done right, the dark would give way to light.
If what the new prophecy foretold was true, then Usagi had a chance of winning.
She could only hope.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hotaru shielded her eyes, after being in the Time Gates for more than a day; the sun's rays were harsh to her eyes.
Still holding on to Setsuna's hand, her eyes adjust and she took in the sight of Middle Earth before her.
She gasped, it was beautiful, they were just outside the boundaries of a misty village. A shimmering glowing silver white mystical buildings rose on hills close to a beautiful majestic river. The cloudy look only proved to capture the dream like state a person would feel upon seeing it. Its rivers gleamed like silver and white foams, the spray surrounding the village casting a rainbow haze.
It was breath taking.
Turning to her temporary guardian she asked, "Setsu-mama? Where are we?"
"We, hime-chan, are at the elusive Rivendell. Kirei, ne?"
"Hai."
"Well come on let's go," Setsuna, who had changed into Middle Earthen clothes, started to pull Hotaru towards the village.
"We are going there?"
"Hai."
"Honto?"
"Hai."
"Sugoi!"
Setsuna chuckled at Hotaru's reaction. Hotaru was much more cheerful now, her depression receding at the thought of seeing her mother again.
"Setsu-mama?"
"Yes?"
"What kind of people are they?"
"They, hime-chan, are elves of high ranking. We are one of the few who actually have seen Rivendell and its mysterious occupants."
Hotaru was kind of worried, would the people there be nice? over all she was overjoyed; she would see her mother soon.
They reached Rivendell, as they got to its steps, an elf came to greet them.
"Ah, hello Setsuna, it is nice to see you again, and who might this little one be?"
Setsuna bowed, "it is nice to see you again lord Elrond, this is," she pulled the meek child out from behind her, "my princess, Hotaru."
Hotaru smiled shyly and a little nervously. The man was tall, and his aura was strong, the magic essence wrapped around him tightly. No doubt, he was powerful. She got over her shyness when she saw they elf-lord smile slightly causing her heart to lighten and look at the man in wonder.
The elf was shocked, he thought her princess was older than that of a child, "I am pleased to meet you Hotaru, I am Elrond, and this is Rivendell."
Hotaru bowed, she watched Elrond and slightly giggled. It was funny to here him say their Japanese names, his eloquent tongue was fair and elegant, it was weird to hear it flow smoothly.
She still liked him; there was an air about him that attracted her to him. She would soon find later it would be that way with all elves. They had a calm nature that made people want to be in their presence.
Elrond, who knew of their arrival before hand, speaking to Setsuna earlier, led them to their rooms.
He was slightly disturbed, the young child seemed good but there was an aura of darkness to her. What if Setsuna, a lady he had known for decades, was actually evil?
These were harsh times and it did not help that he too sought the wise woman's council from time to time.
~~
Hotaru ran towards the inner gardens of Rivendell, she was playing with lady Arwen, The daughter of Elrond. Hotaru liked the elf maiden.
She was very beautiful too, chocolate auburn hair with expressive sparkling brown eyes. She was a little taller than her mother, slender, and very graceful.
Arwen played with her when Setsuna was talking to Elrond.
She didn't know why. Every time they left the room in which they were speaking, they seemed upset for some reason.
What was going on?
Upon meeting Arwen, she sensed sadness in the older lady, a sadness that was perfectly concealed.
She remembered the first time Arwen played with her; she was sitting down dejectedly waiting for her mother to come.
Hotaru had been kind of shy towards the Elf-lady; her eyes penetrated the depths of understanding and knowledge and it unnerved Hotaru that a being could know so much.
Arwen walked towards her and asked if she wanted to explore the ponds at the back of Rivendell.
She said yes.
That day they had brought back many flowers, flowers to give to her mother when she came.
Hotaru finally found Arwen but stopped, Arwen looked anxious.
Who was she waiting for?
"Arwen-chan are you all right?"
The elf looked down to the little girl, Hotaru was such a sweet child, even if her aura said it was not so. The little girl was so shy and timid towards her, as if she was afraid that the things she'd do would cause her to not like the girl. She also thought that the different name spoken to her was refreshing, it was not everyday she met someone new.
"I, little one, am waiting for my friends."
"Really?! Who," Hotaru questioned.
Maybe momma was with her.
"My" she hesitates, "... friend Estel and four Hobbits."
"Oh," she was disappointed, when was her momma coming back?
That very same day Arwen's friend and hobbit had not come, yet two unexpected visitors had.
Hotaru stood next to Arwen and Elrond with Setsuna on her other side.
Looking towards Setsuna, Hotaru saw that her eyes sparkled with unhidden joy.
Seeing this Hotaru started to hope. Maybe, just maybe her mother was finally coming.
In the distance, over the river, two figures rode on horses, shadowed in cloaks. The occupants of Rivendell wait the two to reach them.
Upon arriving, the taller one, who rode a sleek white and powerful steed with fire in his eyes, rode ahead of the other to great them. The person looked old and wise, wearing, not a cloak, but a wizard's robe.
"Elrond! My friend, it is good to see you again."
Elrond in return greeted them, "It is good to see you too Gandalf, you looked troubled my friend, what has befallen you?"
The person's, now revealed as Gandalf, face turned grave.
He gave a short account of their journey, the other person still far behind.
By the time Gandalf finished on his summary of encountering the Ringwraiths at Weathertop, the person was in seeing range and by now racing faster than before.
The small group watched as the stranger came forth, jumping off the horse and running towards them.
They all gasped, well except for the ones who knew her and a little girl, as the person's hood fell off.
The group was revealed to them a beautiful creature. Sun-blonde hair with moon-silver streaks, although you could hardly notice them because of her tight braid, had they not been elves or less than normal humans it would have escaped their minds, deep navy colored eyes with flecks of silver and sapphire, the cloak molded against the woman's figure and showed curves in all the right places perfectly toned.
The little girl just gave a small cry and dashed towards her. "MAMA!!"
The lady just gave a small sob and ran even faster, stretching out her arms to capture the girl in a fierce embrace.
Falling down so she'd be able to hold her better the lady just chants, "oh I missed you so much! What are you doing here, my precious baby," over and over again.
The group just watched shocked. Hotaru was the child of this beautiful lady? A lady that was apparently more enchanting than an elf.
Gandalf became more intrigued.
Elrond became curious.
Arwen smiled, happy that the little girl wasn't sad anymore.
And Setsuna... well... She just smiled at the reunited family.
Despite all their thinking, they could not help but be happy for them, they're heart warmed to the sight of happiness in grave times.
They're determination to their purpose strengthened, to save Middle Earth of Sauron's evil, so love, light, hope, and happiness could still live.
~~
What was she doing here? Usagi thought bewildered. Not that she was complaining but it was too dangerous for her to be here. Holding her baby tighter she smelled her daughter's sweet lily and lavender scent. She missed her so much.
"I must admit that I would be lying if I didn't want you here."
Hotaru just continues to hug her, occasionally crying out 'mama.'
Usagi opened her closed eyes and looks to the Time Guardian. "Thank you."
Setsuna merely smiles. "You're welcome my princess."
Gandalf, Elrond, and Arwen look at Setsuna shocked.
The lady was a princess?
It was not hard to believe but most princesses, especially one such as beautiful as her, would be under lock and key, her kingdom not wanting to have her away. A princess would not be frolicking about with strangers in such harsh times.
Usagi just rolled her eyes at Setsuna's attitude.
She picked herself off the ground, still holding Hotaru, and walked towards the group.
Bowing at Arwen and Elrond she says, "I gather you are the lord and lady of Rivendell, therefore I am honored to meet you and grateful for having Setsuna and Hotaru under your wing. Also my name is Usagi."
Arwen and Elrond bow back. "We are pleased to meet the famed princess that Setsuna seems to talk about so much."
Again, Usagi rolled her eyes. "Do not listen to her, she knows not of what she says," she teased playfully grinning at Setsuna all the while.
Elrond, Arwen, and Gandalf watch mesmerized as they saw Usagi act carefree. Her eyes held such depth and showed their true meaning, she captivated them, a way no other mortal could have done before.
Who was she? Surely, she could not be a mere Princess of mortal men.
Setsuna interrupts their thinking, "I am glad you have arrived safely, Usa."
And then, as if remembering, Elrond exclaims, "My lady, I am sorry, I gather you do not know who we are, I am Elrond and this is my daughter Arwen, welcome to Imladris."
"I am pleased to be here and please, no formalities, just call me Usagi or Usa."
Gandalf frowned, remembering of other problems. "I am sorry to interrupt such light conversations but there are more pressing matters to address."
Usagi nodded, eyes concentrated, over their perilous trip, Gandalf had told her of everything that threatened Middle Earth's existence.
The small group nod in return, Elrond leading them towards Rivendell.
Still holding Hotaru, Usagi gazed in amazement of the beautiful village. She had heard many stories of Rivendell, all magical. She never dreamed she'd actually see it much less come. The place was truly beautiful and majestic, everything shone with purity, from the trees to stones, from the waters to the mist. Rivendell was one of the few places in Middle Earth unharmed by the darkness that was breaking through.
The place gave her a sense of rest and serenity. It's calm waters flowed through the village and its mists casting a hazy veil that gave someone the appearance of Rivendell being a mirage or dream.
Usagi caused a commotion on the other inhabitants of Rivendell; her beauty astounded them and wondered who she was. Many people were coming to seek council of Elrond and this, by far, was the most interesting one.
~~
One person watched her, captivated by her beauty, mesmerized by her awe and soulful eyes, touched at her caring as she held the child tenderly in her arms.
Who was she?
~~
They went into what looked like a meeting room, just that the room was out doors not in; there was a small stone round table in the center with probably about a dozen seats circling it. It gave a scenic look to the forestry outside and beautifully cut hedges that bordered the 'room.'
Realizing that the meeting was no place for a child, Setsuna sood up and said, "I already know what is going on, I will take my leave. Hotaru come with me."
Usagi nodded in agreement, she did not believe such matters were for a child's ears.
Hotaru looked at Setsuna, she didn't really want to go with the Time Guardian but the look in Setsuna's eyes told her to. Giving one last hug to Usagi and a quick peck on the cheek, she gets off her mother's lap and left with Setsuna to go outsi... err inside.
"Setsu-mama," she said after the doors were closed.
"Hai hime-chan?"
Like mother like daughter, Hotaru rolls her eyes. "Will I be able to follow mama?"
At this, Setsuna paused to think, and then finally after a while she said, "I don't know, hime-chan. I don't know."
At this, it is Hotaru's turn to think, what would happen to her mother if she did or didn't come?
If only she knew.
~~
Hotaru was bored.
She wondered when they would get out so she could play with her mother.
She looked up as the doors opened; judging by the grim expressions on their faces things did not go well.
Waiting for Usagi to completely leave the room, she walked up and took her mother's hand. Wishing to help comfort her mother, she knew the news greatly disturbed her especially when it concerned Middle Earth.
Usagi looked at Hotaru, she smiled softly, squeezing her hand lightly as an offer of thanks. She watched Hotaru. The girl was so wise and mature yet she still had her child like innocence. The purity and light that would be lost once they grew up, an essence only a child could possess.
There was so many times where, in her dark moods, that the child would comfort her. Sometimes it felt Hotaru understood. She was glad to have her light in her moment of darkness. In a way Hotaru was just that, a pure light with the aura of Saturn's darkness.
~~
A couple days had past, and honestly, if it were up to her, she would have started on the search for the ring. But Gandalf, who had become a good friend to her, told her to wait. That it would come to them.
She scowls, they wouldn't tell her where the ring was or if someone was taking it to them, they were all hush hush, even Elrond who was usually polite and answered her many questions that spanned for seventy four years would not give much information.
Arwen became a great friend too; they would both take a ride around the near borders of Rivendell. The Elf-maiden was a joy to be around, not because of the feeling an elf would give a person but because they seemed to have many things in common.
Smiling wistfully, she remembered a time when she'd race with her brother, she missed him so much.
It pained to know that she was here but couldn't see him. Maybe she should go, it didn't matter that Aragorn would be an old man by now, as long as she got to see him one last time.
Maybe
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All done............... I decided that I wanted Aragorn and Usa's reunion by itself, ::grins evilly: I know, I feel evil today..
::dodges as recycled papers are thrown::
Fine!! You guys keep complaining about their reunion so you'll have it......... Scroll down... and I hope you enjoy...
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Aragorn was tired; the trip had taken longer than he had thought. He feared that if they did not pass the road to Rivendell soon, they'd actually be captured by the enemy.
He looks toward the halflings, Frodo was poisoned; caught in the embrace of a morgul knife, he was not able to cure the little one and wished desperately to get to Rivendell by nightfall.
They had to hurry. Frodo was getting weaker and more incoherent, only with the help of the elves healing magic could Frodo be cured.
Worried, not because it was his job, but because Frodo had become a friend, he pushed the four to go on further.
He looked forward to seeing Rivendell; it had been a while since he had last been.
His thoughts drifted as he wondered if she was there...
Arwen, his life. He had not seen her for a while. He missed her; his soul ached for the elf maiden.
Thinking of maidens, the girl back at Bree came to mind.
Who was she?
No matter how much he tried not to think of her, he did, every single day of their trip had he wondered who she was. There was something about her that called to him; there was this magical essence to her, one so natural and yet unreal. Unidentifiable.
He knew that the girl could not be his sister, for one thing, the girls hair had been too short, his sister would never cut it and would be longer than the girls current braided length, the girl also had only golden hair, there was no evidence of silver streaked through it were as his sister would have. It could never be his sister for the girl had an unusual amount of wisdom and knowledge, more than any human, and too much for his sister to ever have, for his sister had the eyes of child-like innocence with the depths of happiness and love that beheld curiosity every where she went.
Maybe she reminded him of his sister so much, he still wishes he could see her. But that wish would never come true, his sister would be an old woman, and wherever she went, it would not be anywhere he'd ever turn up.
Little did he know he would be proven wrong, he should know by now that duties could change all that, no matter how a person was at the beginning.
At last, a slight sliver of the road could be seen. They had finally reached the borders of Rivendell. All they needed to do was get past the Ford: across of it Rivendell.
With the help of the Elf-lord Glorfindel, they had managed to get passed the Black Riders known as Ringwraiths. Elrond too had helped, controlling the waters of the Ford; a great raging tide of waves encompassed the Ringwraiths as they passed.
Being rushed to Rivendell, Frodo was healed. The others came soon after.
For the moment a joyful occasion spread. The ring bearer was fine and they had succeeded in bringing the One to Rivendell.
That did not mean the adventure was over, far from it.
Strider walked into his room, recently washed and wearing clean clothes, he heads for the common room, they would talk but not of the ring for Frodo had not waken yet.
Remembering the last time he had cleaned and not wished to be left struck a pain in his heart.
~~Flashback~~
"Come on Ro, we're going to be late if you don't hurry."
"I'm coming, I'm coming," answered the slightly damp prince, he had decided to take a quick bath, and a quick bath for him had taken about twenty minutes.
They reach the chambers to which their lessons were taught.
Their teacher Michelle looked serene and calm, but they knew better; she was just being polite, she was slightly angry for their tardiness."
She looks down at them, as one would when chastising a child, which they were.
"What if I had not been your teacher but a queen from another kingdom?"
He and Ren looked down at their shoes, regretful that they were tardy and because they did not know the answer.
"Well?"
He had bravely look up, saying, "I am sorry ma'am: I was detained, for I had taken a quick bath to make myself more presentable."
Michelle studies him and then asks, "and what about you Seren?"
Ren had winced when Shelly said her full name, knowing that the teacher was slightly disappointed in her, her answer had been, "I wished not to arrive alone so I waited for my brother to finish and escort him here."
Michelle had let them off easily, but not before giving a little bit of correction towards their answers, "very good. It is nice that you have spoken the truth; you will be great monarchs to your kingdom. Aragorn, you have done nicely, and Sere," said person looks up at the use of her nickname, "you must always look the person you are addressing in the eye, so they know you are being honest, even if you always are. Also a lady does not escort a lord to their location, it is the other way around."
Michelle smiled at Ren while he had giggled at her mistake.
"Forgive me for my error ma'am"
"It is alright my lady," answered Michelle.
~~End Flashback~~
Shaking his head of sweet but sad memories, he came to rest with his mind. It had been four and seventy years, why could he not forget? Why did memories of her come into mind more often than any years?
It was the girls entire fault, he thought bitterly, she struck a resemblance too much of his sister that it was uncanny.
He would soon find out how alike they were.
~~
Strider had seen the girl, he now knew as Usagi, talking to Gandalf. He also discovered, and was shocked and surprised, that she had arrived with him. Gandalf was not usually so trusting to complete strangers and it wondered him on how the wizard had taken up the girl so easily.
Usagi had left to go somewhere, the place he did not know.
Rounding the corner to go to the outer gardens his heart froze, it had been a long time since he had last seen her and shocked him to the core.
Anger rose immediately after the shock, the sting of betrayal still fresh in mind. "YOU!!"
Startled, the person turns towards Strider, recognition lit in her eyes, sadly she smiled upon seeing his rage. "Hello my prince."
A little ways away, a couple of people watch the interaction, racing towards them when Strider had called out. Surprise was in each others faces, they never knew that Strider had known who that person was.
"What did you do to her," he bellowed out dangerously, grasping his sword. Knowing that it was she who had taken away the one he loved.
Bowing her head she said remorsefully, "it had to be done, she had to go."
"You took her away from me; did you know how I felt? My mother felt?" he roared louder, his rage becoming more prominent as the bottled emotions finally came to fore. "Our kingdom felt? We mourned! Mourned for months, because you had taken her!"
Setsuna closed her eyes, she knew, she had livef with the guilt. Turning her eyes to the angered prince, her guilt became unbearable, she had come to care for him and it hurt that she had pained him more than she had thought.
The small audience watched in silence, Elrond's head was reeling; he did not know his son knew of the wise woman. She was so reclusive that, had it not been for her just showing up one day, he would never have known her.
What was their connection and who was it that he talked about?
"I'm sorry, she had duties." She said.
"Duties," he questioned incredulously, "she's always had duties, and it must have torn her heart, didn't it? She never liked duties she only wished to be free."
Her guilt twisted more, she knew that too, yet had done nothing to ease it.
"Where is she," demanded Strider once more.
The onlookers watched in shock and wonder, for most, never before had they seen Strider so angry, he was always calm and mellow, and as for Setsuna, they were shocked to see other expressions besides stoic and the blank mask on her face, especially when it showed the emotions such as remorse and sadness.
Questions were mounting and all would surface soon.
"Setsu-mama?"
The two turned to look at the speaker, Hotaru's head peeked out shyly, "is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine," Setsuna said softly, "go play with Arwen."
Upon hearing the name of his love, Strider turned to glare at Setsuna again, there was no way that he'd allow the woman to get to know his love.
"Yo..."
"Sets?"
Aragorn was angry, all he saw was red; he wanted to know where she was but people kept interrupting, turning to snap at the girl, he slightly faltered.
It was Usagi.
She looked so concerned but not only at Setsuna but also at him, it was like she understood what he was feeling.
"Usa," she started, glancing softly at the somewhat soothed prince, "you have not met Strider officially have you not," questioned Setsuna even though she knew.
Continuing, not allowing Usagi to answer, "Usa, meet Strider, otherwise Aragorn son of Arathorn, my prince." She finished, waiting, and anticipated over their reaction, hopefully all will go well.
Usagi's heart stopped. She glanced at Aragorn, then back at Setsuna, not able to believe her ears. Her heart was beating wildly, adrenaline rushing through every vein, not helping to quench the quick beating of her heart.
Strider was confused, what was going on? Why was Usagi glancing at him that way, why would it be she who looked desperately hopeful and in disbelief?. Unless... No, it couldn't be.
Bewildered now with such a strange turn of events, he was confused and didn't know what to think.
Usagi gulped, could it be true? There was an almost hopeful look in his eyes that feared and threatened to die out, it reciprocated her very feelings. Searching his face, scanning his appearance, she realized he looked just like he would at that age.
But how could he be so young?
Daring, almost hesitantly and nervously, she says in a raspy whisper, "Ro?"
Said so softly, that one two letter word resounded loudly in his ears, it threatening to make him deaf. That one word caused mixed emotions:
Love.
Relief.
Joy.
Disbelief.
Ease.
Complete.
Looking at her, astonished, and this time, unhidden pure joy, he whispers, "Ren?"
At this, Usagi extracted a full sun blindingly bright smile and ran into his open embrace. She sobbed, happy to see him again, the brother she missed so much.
Strider let a few tears fall, his sister was here. His eyes closed in joy, he thought he'd never see her again.
So happy he swung her around, twirling her in circles, eliciting purely delighted giggles from her. The sound was beautiful to his ears.
By this time, everyone was confused. Setsuna claimed Usagi was her princess and then said Strider was her's too. Then, extraordinarily, Usagi and Strider were hugging each other like they never wanted to let go, especially when the latter avoided the first like the plague.
Arwen, who had joined the group, was hurt; she could feel her love's heart complete all because of this woman who had been a stranger to him. Did he not love her? She did not know and her heart mourned at the sight, yet she was slightly happy that her love was happy.
Usagi eyes had been closed, but at the sense of overwhelming depression, opened them again, glancing straight at Arwen. Eyes clashed and searched the depths of soulful eyes. Usagi gave a small smile and nodded in understanding.
Arwen relaxed; she would get answers, but for now, she let them be.
Another person, who had been watching, gazed at the two sadly. They're would be no hope for him if the girl who had captured his heart was complete with another. He could only watch in helplessness, the usually calm and comforting air around him encompassed in dread and depression. He slipped away, not being able to watch the two with anything but pain. He could not handle the pain; it was too foreign to him and he did not wish to revel in the feeling.
Seeing that others were ready to interrupt the two, Arwen holds out her hand to them in a stopping manner, her eyes solemn as she gazed at the couple. "Leave them alone."
The others looked at her, nodding their heads, realizing it was not the right time.
Elrond just smiled gently, sadly. He knew of her relationship between Estel, and although it saddened him greatly, understood that Arwen loved him too much too let go. So, he let their love grow. He did not encounter the interaction between the two girls, for his mind was befuddled and shocked, it did not stop him from thinking if Estel, as much as he was a son to him, hurts his daughter, he would pay.
Setsuna smiled at the reunited siblings, things had gone even better than she planned. She was happy for the two, the gap in their hearts filled and all they had to do was find or claim their love to the elves that caught or soon would catch their hearts.
Slipping away after the departed group, she left the two to talk of things that should have been known long ago.
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Hehehe how'd you guys like it? I know you'll say one thing... FINALLY!! The reunion... I was thinking that too^^..
I know nothing much with legolas/usa.. I didn't even mention his name ::sweatdrops::
note: the poem in the beginning is mine.. if you want it, please tell me.. I don't mind if you take it.. I just want to know.. feel free to comment on it also..
Thanks for reading and reviewing, I'll try to get more out. Hehehe.. whenever I thought about the reunion I was like... WHAT AM I GONNA WRITE!! But then as I wrote to the reunion I was like "ooh!! I know.." and then I type away.. ::sweatdrops:: I have a weird mind.
I hope this satisfied you and it was as good as you girls.. and guys... anticipated it to be..
PLEASE REVIEW... I thrive on having reviews... you don't know.. er for those of you who don't write, how much it means to me.. I get absolutely happy that people like it enough to actually review... I need it, it's the only times that make my world bright, I'm not kidding. Life sucks for me and my writing is all I have. If people comment on it, even if it is to flame, I feel as if I have worth as a writer.
Much mahal
~~DreamBlaze
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