Only a little more to go I hope to have the story completed by the end of the week please read and enjoy. All standard disclaimers apply.

Chapter 14

Matilda and Quastia waited for the royal couple to appear on the outskirts of Mt. Titma they left earlier to scout out a safe place for Jareth to channel his magic to Christine during the confrontation. In between the flashes of lighting they saw Jareth and Christine materialize.

Walking toward them Matilda spoke loudly to be heard over the torrent of rain, "I saw a place down the way a bit which will be safe for you Jareth; I have already sent the goblins ahead to secure the area."

Nodding his head he turned to his wife and spoke with his voice quivering, "Be safe my love and I will see you when our world is free of the darkness."

He quickly kissed her with all his love and was reluctant to let her go. Matilda tapped his shoulder; "We must go now Jareth so you can be in the trance before she reaches the mountain." Turning from his wife he quickly followed Fates Messenger and as he turned the corner he looked back one last time at his Queen and said a prayer for her safe return.

Christine watched Jareth leave and holding back her tears when he turned to look at her again she waived him on with a kiss. Quastia watched the touching scene between the King and Queen and he hoped that one day he would find a love as special as theirs. Taking a deep breath Christine turned toward the goblin general and asked,

"Okay Quastia what is the status of Adrianna's party?"

The goblin spoke loudly, "They will send a goblin our way when she gets to the back entrance."

As he was speaking a goblin ran forward slipping on the mud created by the rain, after regaining his foot he spoke in his native language Quastia turned and translated, "They have arrived and are about to enter."

Nodding her head she gave her final instructions, "Go and guard the King."

With her command spoken the rain drenched Champion transported herself to the entrance of Mt.Titma, once at the doors she spoke loudly using her magic to amplify her voice over the storm, "I am here Temptress as we agreed now prepare to die!" When she received no response she created a power crystal and threw it at the door obliterating it into a million pieces.

The Temptress was in her chambers gazing in her reflective pool when she heard the Champion announce her arrival she was about to respond when she felt her fortress shake with the explosion of the door disintegrating with the force of the Goblin Queens magic. Surprised by the power of the woman, the Temptress, spoke venomously to hide her sudden fear, projecting her voice she replied,

"Welcome to my domain Champion and it is not me who will die it will be you."

Christine walked into the foyer of the fortress that was illuminated by torches that emitted a greenish glow. The young woman stepped deeper into the hall when she felt the familiar sensations of her husband manifested as their connection was completed.

Within her mind she heard Jareth's voice, 'Nice entrance' she stood still as their two magical energies merged together as one.

Slowly she continued ahead looking around for any movements that might announce any danger. She walked a few more steps when she thought she saw a shadow move across the lighted area. Fearing she might be ambushed she walked even more cautiously, as she turned the corner she was met with complete darkness. Not wanting to enter without being able to see she created a light ball, she threw it down the passageway and as the brightness faded she once again saw a movement out of the corner of her eye.

Inside her mind she heard Jareth, 'Use a fire ball it will burn longer'

Taking his advice she created three fire balls and sent them down the darkened hallway, as her eyes adjusted to the light she was startled to see a large Cyclops charging quickly in her direction. Responding to the charge she created an earth ball and threw it at the advancing creature praying it will stop the beast.

Meanwhile Adrianna and Lady Katrina surveyed the entrance to the dark dungeons when they heard a loud explosion come from the other side of the mountain Adrianna whispered,

"I think Christine has arrived it is time for us to go. The goblins said they saw five demons guarding the entrance. We have to get rid of all of them at the same time."

Nodding Lady Katrina replied, "I will distract them and you and the goblins attack from the opposite side."

As the Fae disappeared Adrianna placed an arrow on her bow and watched as her companion created a landslide from one of the many cliffs that surrounded the entrance. Immediately the guards turned toward the direction of the commotion and in that brief moment Adrianna killed two of the demons with her bow. At the same time the goblins converged and attacked two more of the guards. Their final opponent started to run to inform his superior about the attack but Adrianna quickly used her elfin magic and froze him in mid-step, which gave the goblins enough time to take down the final demon.

As Katrina rejoined the group she called out to the young elf, "Well done!"

Quickly the party ran to the door before reinforcements arrived. Once at the door Adrianna and Katrina prepared to attack anyone emerging from the entrance. They watched the goblins used their axes to break the door into splinters. Once the dust settled, they hesitantly entered the bloodstained corridor. Under the dim light Adrianna consulted the map Jareth gave her and after getting her bearings they started down the hallway to save Gaylord.

The path curved and sloped slightly downward, and the foul stench surrounded them it was nauseating to the Fae councilwoman. When they approached another corner they saw dismembered bodies littering the ground. Adrianna's senses were on fire something wasn't right. Before she could stop the advancing goblins the floor opened up and engulfed five of them, while at the same time other creatures emerged from the holes and torn five more goblins into pieces before the Fae and Elf's eyes. As the blood of King Jareth's minions stained the floor Adrianna quickly cast an elfin spell hoping it would be enough to save them.

As Christine's earth ball landed on the ground she was astonished to see nothing happening wondering what went wrong she didn't notice the Cyclops's club swing toward her until she heard Jareth's voice,

'Duck Christine duck!' Without a moments hesitation she fell to the ground avoiding the deadly blow.

To evade the Cyclops's second swing Christine rolled between the creatures legs. Wondering what to do next she heard her love's instructions,

'The eye is his weakness, destroy the eye.'

Using a levitation crystal she jumped up and landed on the giant's back and started to climb to the head. The huge creature sensed something on his body and tried adamantly to knock off the offending creature without success. As she reached the top of his head she created a flash crystal and threw it in front of the Cyclops's face holding onto a hair follicle so not to be thrown off. She used her arm to cover her eyes so not to be blinded by the spell.

Once her enemy was blinded she climbed down his forehead dodging his clawing hands and quickly moved toward his nose once there the spell had ended and as the Cyclops's eyes came into focus he saw Christine holding a fire ball.

Smiling sweetly she said, "I hope you like the darkness."

She threw her crystal and jumped from the nose and landed on the floor softly as the air around her cushioned her fall. Looking up she saw her spell hit its mark. While she listened to his blood curdling scream she watched as his eye was completely disintegrate. Not knowing what direction to go her foe ran off into the darkness and fall into a deep crevice. She listened, as the Cyclops screams grow distant and was surprised when hot lava splashed marking the rim of the crevice. Secretly she thanked the fallen Cyclops for showing her the hidden danger that she did not see earlier. Taking a moment she sat down to catch her breath when she heard Jareth say,

'Excellent job my love.' Smiling to herself she stood up and started down the pathway throwing many different illumination crystals ahead of her to make sure she didn't fall into any more surprises.

The Temptress watched the Champion in her reflective pool in the inner chamber of the mountain. And as Christine defeated her Cyclops she was amazed at how quickly she disposed of him. She yelled in frustration when her Cyclops fell into the crevice showing her foe the river of lava. Now the Champion would be more cautious walking down any of the other passageways.

Still amazed at how quickly Christine had out maneuvered her beast she watched maliciously as the Champion approach the sulfuric river. Without hesitation she quickly grabbed her dagger and pricked her finger and as her blood dropped into the darkened water of the pool the banks of the river became alive with vile creatures. The Temptress watched as her pets quickly buried themselves into the wet sand to await their approaching dinner. As the spell was complete the Temptress beckoned for a shadow creature that was hiding in the dark corners of her chamber and spoke,

"Tell Waylinn to go to the chamber on the other side of the river and wait for the Champion and destroy her if she gets there," the Temptress's voice lowered treacherously as she continued, "and if he fails I want you to kill him!"

Adrianna watched as the shield she created protected the party and gave the goblins a short window of opportunity to kill the large furry creatures that ambushed them from the floor. Feeling a little woozy the young elfin grabbed onto Lady Katrina's arm.

The older Fae slowly lowered Adrianna to the floor and said quietly, "Why don't you do some of the reenergizing spells I taught you while the goblins destroy the rest of the creatures."

Nodding her head Adrianna took a deep breath and started to recite the words used for revitalization while the goblins finished disposing of their enemy. Once they were done Adrianna felt much better and ready to continue their quest to save Gaylord.

As the party moved quietly down the hall they soon emerged into a large circular room the made Adrianna nauseated and appalled, the room was lit with torches of all different colors and in the corners there were bones with decaying flesh on them.

Feeling as if she was on fire Adrianna called out to the goblins, "Be careful and watch…"

Before she could finish one of the goblins triggered a booby trap and before her very eyes she saw the wall on the right start to rise and a large creature that looked like a cross between praying mantis and a lizard advancing toward the rescue party. Adrianna looked on with horror, as the creatures face was illuminated by the ghastly light, its teeth bore the remnants of his previous meal immediately two of the goblins attacked and were eaten by the beast.

Adrianna looked across the room and saw the exit start to close knowing that they were no match for the vile creature she screamed loudly, "Head toward the exit quickly!"

Without hesitation everyone ran toward the door. Without looking back each of the party slid through the opening and to safety. Adrianna looked back once on the other side and encourage the last two goblins to run faster but unfortunately they were unable to make it before the door shut completely. The party listened in horror as the goblins screamed and with sound of crunching bones everything was deathly silent.

Adrianna looked at the door with tears streaming down her cheeks so enveloped in her emotions she jumped when Lady Katrina touched her arm, as she spoke quietly

"They died because they wanted to save their kingdom, we all knew there might be casualties and we will morn for them later but right now we need to focus."

Wiping her tears Adrianna took a deep breath and consulted her map again, "Gaylord's cell should be right around the corner."

Slowly so not to trigger any more traps the rescue party moved toward their destination. As the rounded the bend they saw their objective, hurrying ahead Adrianna looked into the cell and saw her beloved Gaylord hanging from shackles. With immense power she did not know she possessed, she used her magic and destroyed the lock to his cell. Quickly she walked in and saw that the good doctor was unconscious as she tried to revive him Lady Katrina walked in with a torch and as the light bathed his body they both saw that Gaylord had multiple cuts on his face and torso and his once lustrous hair hung limply, matted with dried blood he looked as if he hadn't eaten in months and his skin was pale as ghost.

Lady Katrina tried to use her magic to undo the shackles and was surprised to see that her powers were no match for the chains. Adrianna tired desperately to release her love without any success.

As she tried again Gaylord slowly lifted his head and looked at young elfin before speaking in a raspy voice, "My sweet love is it really you?"

With tears she replied, "Yes Gaylord it is me, we are trying to release you."

Shaking his head he spoke quietly, "Enchanted magic won't help you need the key…"

But before he could finish the chain holding his right arm came loose. Not knowing what was going on Adrianna looked to her left and saw a goblin using his ax to release the other chains.

Sheepishly the goblin looked up and spoke in broken language, "Sometime ax is only way." Smiling at the small minion she grabbed a hold of her love while he chopped the other chains.

Once Gaylord was released he fell hard onto Adrianna's body knocking them onto the floor. The goblins untangled the two and laid Gaylord gently to the ground.

In a quick voice Adrianna gave out instructions pointing to the two furthest Goblins, "You two go see if you can find two large long sticks!" Then pointing at two more goblins she directed, "I want you to track down some old sheets in the other unoccupied cells and bring them here."

The goblins scurried to do their tasks while Lady Katrina bent down to examine Gaylord, "He looks bad but I think all his injuries are superficial he should be okay."

Nodding her head Adrianna replied, "Yes I think you are right but that is the least of our concerns right now according to the map the only way out is through the door back there." Pointing to the closed exit which they heard the demise of the goblins that where trapped in the circular room.

Looking back up at the Fae Adrianna continued, "Jareth told me that the corridors down her are probably worse then the Labyrinth surrounding the goblin city, and with our party so small now I don't think that we will make it to another exit."

Lady Katrina just smiled at the young elfin," Then I think we will need a guide."

Adrianna watched as Katrina closed her eyes confused at what her companion meant to do not sure of the outcome but hopefully it would help them get out of the dungeon. Turning her attention back to Gaylord she started to move his hair from his face when his eyes fluttered open and he spoke quietly,

"I can't believe you are here I never thought I would see your lovely face again."

With tears in her eyes Adrianna responded, "I would do anything for you my love now hush and rest we will be out of here soon."

Giving her a weak smile he said before losing consciences again, "I love you to Adrianna."

Before she could respond the goblins returned with the items Adrianna requested and she started to create a makeshift stretcher for Gaylord to ride in.

As Christine traveled down a darkened hall her senses detected a distinct aroma that smell very much like sulfur, as she rounded the corner she saw the origin of the smell a large river that flowed swiftly in a torrent of whirlpools and currents. Not sure of what to do she walked the sandy beach looking for a way to cross. So engulfed in her search she didn't notice the slight movement beneath her and before she could react a giant claw grabbed her ankle and brought her to the ground.

Christine looked at her assailant and noticed that it looked a lot like the crabs at her old home, everything was the same except these creatures had fangs about an inch long and they were much bigger almost four times as big as the crabs she remembered. Her observations were interrupted as another crab grabbed her arm and tried to take her from the first. Christine knew she needed to escape before she had no way to access her magic. She lifted her opposite arm away from another approaching crab and created a fire ball and threw it at the crab that held her in its grasp immediately it was thrown back and incinerated.

Unfortunately during her attack the first crab sunk it's sharp fang into her ankle and with a scream the Champion produced another crystal and threw it at the menacing beast hitting it's mark, the orb caused the crab to rear back but it didn't destroy it instead it made it mad. As it approached with a second attack Christine felt an energy surge within her and before the crab could place another fang in her body a shield was brought up around her.

Unsure at what happened Jareth's voice spoke in her mind 'I put up a reflective shield around you to give you some more time but I can't hold it very long'

She looked through the shield and noticed that hundreds of the crabs like creatures were converging upon her and she knew once the screen faltered she would be dead she needed help.

Closing her eyes she spoke to Jareth first 'Hold on my love I have an idea'

Then with all her skilled she called out to the Elemental Fire and before she opened her eyes she heard his baritone voice, "How can I help you Goblin Queen?"

Quickly she asked, "Can you please use you fire abilities to help me get rid of these creatures."

Looking down at her he replied, "I cannot help you directly or the spell cannot be broken."

With a sigh Christine nodded, "I understand thank you for coming to me."

Bowing he started his departure but then turned around, "…but while I am here I might as well give you your wedding gift." And as his red light faded from sight she looked down and saw a red orb at her feet hurriedly she bent down and grabbed it. As she stood up with the orb she notice the shield fade while he husbands voice called out in panic

'I can't hold it Christine!'

In an instant Christine used her floating spell to lift her of the ground hoping that her spell will last long enough because no matter how hard she tried she couldn't master it when she practiced with Jareth. Once she was in the air Jareth's shield diminished and she quickly threw down her wedding gift from the Elemental. She watched in amazement as the ground beneath her was consumed in a flash of fire and all things in its reach was reduced to ashes and when the fire reached the shores of the river all of the water was evaporated instantaneously.

As her spell ended she landed on the floor and saw that there were no sign of the crabs or the river in a quiet voice she said a prayer to the Elemental, "Thanks for the wonderful gift my friend."

A warm breeze caressed her cheek she heard fire's voice, "Your welcome my Queen."

Without hesitation for fear that the Temptress had something else up her sleeve she ran to the door on the other side of the river.

At the clearing where Jareth was in his trance Matilda watched as sweat beads appeared on his brow. The storm around them raged and continued to increase in intensity causing fear to rise in the Fae woman's heart. She watched diligently while her King tried so hard to focus and maintain the connection with Christine. She knew that being in this trance for so long was going to be difficult but at the same time she felt a sense of aw as his stamina helped maintain his control. Matilda sensed that the final day for the Labyrinth was soon coming to a close and she prayed that the Champion would defeat the Temptress soon because if the day ended everything that they have endured would have been done in vain the Temptress would win.

In a quiet voice Matilda encouraged, "Go Christine go time is running out."

The Temptress watched as the fire consumed the river and her creatures the friendship that the Champion had with the Elemental Fire made her furious. He was correct that he couldn't help her directly but he did give her a clue as how the Champion had become so powerful when he gave her the orb he said it was a wedding gift. Christine was married to Jareth and she guessed some how she was getting some of her power from him.

Every minuet the Champion was in her lair she grew more and more jealous of the woman. She envied her ability to call upon the Elementals and she despised her for the love she shared with Jareth. So many times she had tried to call upon all the Elementals and each time she was rejected by them and so many times she wanted Jareth destroyed and was denied. The Temptress allowed her anger and jealousy to permeate her soul and as her darkness grew she came up with an idea that might work in her favor. If some how she could interrupt this exchange of power between Jareth and Christine she might have a chance to win the deadly match between her and the Champion.

Signaling to another of her creatures she instructed, "Go find the Goblin King and when you do bring him to the inner chamber I have a surprise for our guest."

Bowing to his Mistress the dark creature left to fulfill his assigned task.

Inside the dungeons Adrianna just finished binding Gaylord to the makeshift stretcher we Lady Katrina spoke,

"Our help will be joining us soon but when he gets her be ready to leave quickly."

Adrianna assembled the remaining goblins and waited impatiently for the Fae's guide to arrive.

After about fifteen minuets the young elfin spoke up, "Kathrine please forgive my anxiety but when is the guide suppose to be here when need to be out of Titma before Christine defeats the Temptress?"

Smiling at her companion the Fae replied, "He will be here shortly but you can rush the Elemental Air otherwise he may not come at all."

With and audible gasp Adrianna commented, "You mean you called upon an Elemental I can't…"

But before she could finish her statement a gust of wind enveloped the small rescue party then before their very eyes Air appeared before them.

Bowing with their respect Lady Katrina approached the blue incandescent winged Elemental and asked, "My Lord can you please guide us through the maze of corridors so when can care for our injured comrade."

Air approached the Fae councilwoman and asked, "And my lady what do you offer in return for my help."

Not knowing why the Elemental was asking for payment Lady Katrina responded, "I don't have much to offer. What is it you want from me? I will give you anything you desire."

The blue Elemental flew down and stood before Lady Katrina and stared intently into her eyes, "Did you say anything?"

Without flinching at the intense stare she was given Lady Katrina stated firmly, "Anything."

Flying up to the sky the Elemental laughed, "Well my Lady if you would do anything then you are worthy of my assistance, but I must warn you I will collect payment at a later date. Now keep up I sense that the final confrontation is approaching quickly."

The small party hefted their friend and followed Air through the winding corridors to the exit each one hoping that they would escape before the final battle for their world.

Christine approached a large rectangular room her senses were on overdrive she knew that there was going to be danger but the question was when it would attack. Walking into the room she saw a door at the furthest end that looked as if it was the entrance to the inner chamber where she would face the Temptress. She hurried down the path to reach the door before anything pounced on her and just before she reached for the knob, a large gate fell from the ceiling successfully blocking her exit.

She produced a crystal to blow it to pieces she heard a raspy voice she hoped she would never hear again, "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Ignoring the warning she threw her power crystal at the gate and immediately she was bombarded with her own magic, which successfully knocked her unconscious.

Waylinn smiled to himself as he approached the fallen Champion if he thought it would be so easy he wouldn't have wasted precious energy creating the reflective spell on the gate. With an evil gleam in his eyes he bent down and with his one arm he retrieved his dagger to finish off the woman lying on the ground before him by making her bleed.

With an evil laugh he started to cut into her flesh and with each incision he made her precious blood spilt onto the ground. Waylinn felt the power build within him each time her unconscious body flinched with his knife he felt an evil sense of satisfaction that Jareth would die painfully with the knowledge of her demise. He cut deeper into her body and as he continued with his torturer he felt such delight with her unconscious gasps of pain.

Finally he moved up to her head to make the final cut by slicing her neck but before he could complete his evil deed a magical barrier surrounded his victim and then suddenly the soothsayer saw her eyes open up and with a strength he didn't know she possessed she threw him off of her.

Jareth felt his love loose consciousness and he tried desperately to revive her, "Christine wake up I need you to wake up."

As he strengthen his connection with her he the felt pain of each incision she was receiving, he tried desperately to ignore it and focused his magic and right before the final cut he successfully produce a shield around her once his task was completed he felt her regaining consciousness.

In a low voice his love responded, 'I am her Jareth but why am I in pain.'

He responded quickly, "Waylinn has been making cuts all over your body I have taken most of the pain away but you must push him off quickly before the shield diminishes."

Within moments he felt a strong power build up in Christine's body and without a doubt he knew Waylinn was thrown across the room.

Matilda was so engrossed in watching her King and wondered why she was seeing blood through his clothes she didn't realize they were being attacked until one of the goblins gave his battle cry. Turning to the commotion she saw a dark slithery creature attack with his bow and arrow and as she watched in horror she saw the goblin general fall to the ground with an arrow in his chest.

Matilda quickly ran to Jareth to bring him out of the meditation before he was injured, "Jareth wake up we need to fight."

Before Matilda could do anything more she was thrown to the ground by the dark creature quickly she produced a crystal and threw it at her foe she watched as the creature was blown to bits. But before she could breathe a sigh of relief each of the pieces grew into a carbon copy of the first. Matilda watched as each of the vile beasts approached her, as a crocodile would attack it's pray, she quickly stood on her feet and prepared to fight to the death if necessary to protect her King. Matilda threw a few more orbs of different spells to find one that was effective against her adversary with limited success before long Matilda was overcome by the dark animals.

The older Fae stood proud as they were about to make the final blow when she heard an accented voice through the wind and the rain, "Don't kill her, my creatures, bring them both to me they will help in the demise of the Champion." Without speaking they knocked out both Matilda and Jareth before bringing them to their Mistress.

Lady Katrina and Adrianna with their small band of goblins tried frantically to keep up with the Elemental Air through the twisted corridors of the dungeons. They were about to call out to Air to slow down when they saw a light that signaled the exit but suddenly it was blocked by some of the minions of the Temptress.

Fearing that they would not escape Adrianna called out, "Attack them up front don't let them get the upper hand."

The goblins grunted their understanding and started to attack with swords and axes colliding in the chime of battle.

Lady Katrina called up to Air, "Please carry Gaylord outside while we take care of these creatures."

Looking down at her the Air replied, "I will do as you wish my lady."

In a gust of wind Gaylord was lifted high into the sky and carried to safety freeing up six more goblins to join the fight. The young elf drew her bow and shot down two of her foes and as she was stringing for another attack one of the creatures assaulted her and broke her weapon. Undeterred Adrianna picked up a discarded sword and went on the offensive using her magic to give her more power, as her new weapon sliced into the demons Lady Katrina was using her magic to destroy the left over adversaries that blocked the exit.

As the battle came to an end the small rescue party escaped Mount Titma bloodied, but alive as the rain pelted them Adrianna yelled out, "Follow me to the rendezvous."

The small group followed the young elfin glad to be out of the dungeons but as they approached the clearing where Jareth and Matilda were suppose to be all they saw was Quastia lying on the ground with an arrow in his broken body.

Quickly Adrianna and Katrina ran up to the fallen goblin and slowly turned him over the older Fae asked, "Quastia where is the King."

Speaking quietly he replied, "We were ambushed they were taken to the mountain…King is captured…I tried to protect him…"

Leaning down Adrianna spoke with tears in her eyes, "Be quiet you need to save your strength."

Grabbing onto the young elfin's hand before she could leave, he spoke quickly, "You must…stay…here…our Queen…can handle…"

Then the old goblin's eyes closed signaling he transition to the after life with tears streaming down her eyes Adrianna wept for the fallen general and all the other goblins that lost their lives this dark day.

Lady Katrina stood up and started down the path back to the mountain when Air stepped in front of her, "Here is my request of you as my payment for helping you escape. You will not go back to Titma."

Trying to walk around the Elemental to continue down the path she said quickly, "But I have to help them they need me."

Air grabbed her gently on the shoulders and spoke quietly, "You are needed more here."

As he turned her around she saw the small rescue party and noticed that he was right, many of the goblins were in despair, Adrianna was kneeling down caring for Gaylord crying while she bandaged his wounds.

Lady Katrina tilted her head to the ground in understanding and looked up at the Elemental then she started to walk back to the rescue party, "I see what you mean they need me to guide them home."

Nodding his head he addressed the Fae woman shyly, "I have one more request of you." With a slight hesitation he continued, "May I call upon you once things have settled down a bit?"

Walking back to the Elemental Air she stood on the tips of her toes and kissed him on the cheek, "You can come and see me any time."

Smiling down he took her hand and kissed it then disappeared from view, slowly Lady Katrina turned and called out to the rescue party, "Pack up we are heading back to the castle."

"What about the King and Christine?" Adrianna asked with worry in her voice.

Lady Katrina replied, "I have always believed that the Champion will be victorious in her destiny but if we interfere she may not be triumphant. We did what we set out to do now we need care for our injured, so we will head back home and pray that our King and Champion will return to us soon."

Slowly the small rescue party started the long trek home glad they were successful and hopeful that Jareth, Christine, and Matilda we be home soon as well.

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