12/31/16
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY or Yu-Gi-Oh. They belong to Monty Oum (R.I.P) and Takahashi Kazuki respectively.
Sorry for the late update but I had many thing going on on my part. I had to go through family visits, parties, reunions, replace the starter on a car and even work on the coming chapters.
And to add at the list, I did the Fat Burger Triple X challenge and finished it. And let me tell you, it was GOOD!
Without any ado, here is Chapter 18, enjoy!
(Yu-Gi-Oh Theme)
[Ruby's symbol appears on top as Ruby Rose stays in the middle as she then separated, one with her innocent self on the left, while the right is Stardust facing right]
(Your move! Your move! Your move! Your move!)
[Ruby's shadow shifts as it becomes Stardust Dragon with his amber eyes glowing]
(Your move!)
[Ruby's astral body flies in the vacuum of space as thousands of cards fly around her like an atom with giant beasts breathing fire and ice]
(Yu-Gi-Oh)
[Thunder clashed as monsters pour out from the land, sea and air. Zombies abruptly come up from the graveyard. Volcanoes erupted as Grimm ran to avoid their molten death. Multiple creatures came out and attack the city of Vale. Team JNPR attempt to fight off a giant T-rex as Yang is surrounded by raptors. In the skies, Weiss and Blake were trying to fight a green legless dragon in the Bullhead but was being trapped by lightning bolts. Ruby and Jaune then fall into a large portal as they called their friends for help.]
(Your move!)
[Ruby faces off a man in dark armor as she flows show bright red while the man in dark armor flows black and white. The camera then shows the man in dark armor on his throne while cards surround him like a shield. The scene switches to show a piece of armor fall off to reveal a small black pupil in its blood red eye.]
(Ruby: It's time to du-du-du-du-dududududududuel!)
[The camera shows Ruby's aura fluctuating while Ruby show stillness]
[The scenes then switch as it shows Weiss's face as she poses, Blake's face while pulling out Gambol Shroud, Yang's face in her semblance as she poises a punch, Team JNPR, Ozpin, Glynda, Ironwood, and Cinder with fire tracing her right eye]
[The screen cuts to Ruby as she draws a card to the sky bolts of lightning comes from the card as it reveals Elemental Heroes on the right, Junk Warrior, Junk Destroyer, Junk Archer, Turbo Warrior, and Chevalier de Fleur to the left, and finally Star Eater emerges from a star appearing at the top.]
(Yu-Gi-Oh)
Within the bowels of RWBY and JNPR's ship, Ruby Rose was asleep within the hospital ward on one of the white beds. Nearby, Yang was sleeping while sitting on a chair with her hand grasping on Ruby's. Looking out of the ward's window, Jaune looked inside, not wanting to interfere with their slumber.
"Hey Jaune," Pyrrha called to his attention, "How are they doing?"
"Still the same, they haven't moved for the past 4 hours," Jaune said looking inside.
"Well, it has been difficult since we discovered so much in such less time," Pyrrha said.
"How about the others," Jaune curiously asked.
"Ren and Nora wanted some time off," Pyrrha said, "Blake chose to lock herself in her room and hasn't come out since, and Weiss chose to visit Shae."
"I can't blame them, it was disturbing to see Ruby killing that thing by stabbing herself," Jaune said, "I just can't get all this in my mind. Hybridizing humans and Faunus with Grimm, cloning soldiers by using blood, I get the feeling we only saw the surface."
"Then what are we supposed to do," Pyrrha asked.
"For now, nothing," Jaune said his face turning sad, "We had enough from what happened and Red dispatched soldiers to find the other labs and facilities. So much in little time, I could use something to ease my worries for just a few moments."
"Well if you need anything, I'm right here to help you in any way," Pyrrha assured her partner.
"…Actually I think there is a way for you to help," Jaune said getting closer to Pyrrha as the two look at each other.
Meanwhile, Weiss walked to the caged area Shae stayed. It's been hours since those missions, and as Ruby's partner, she went to check to see if Shae's okay.
Being a shadow of Ruby, Weiss thought if Ruby harmed herself in such a way, then perhaps Shae is hurting as well. Seeing the two guards who defend the door to Shae's prison, the soldiers saw the ice heiress and allowed passage for her to enter. Being one of the leaders of the ship has its perks after all.
"Shae, is everything okay," Weiss asked while composing, "It's me, Weiss. I have come to check on you."
She was met with silence as she walked to the cage with magical barriers.
"Shae," Weiss called softly as she peered inside the cage and found herself seeing the back of her partner's shadow.
A dark snicker can be heard as Weiss stepped back a few steps when Shae turned. Her eyes were changed to purple once more and it meant one thing. The Immortals are controlling her again.
"Why Weiss, oh how good it is to see you again," the Immortals said, "How it wounds us that you would find our ways so easily."
Weiss brought her rapier up ready to fight her despite the shadow trapped in the cage.
"Let her go foul beasts," Weiss demanded pointing her sword at Shae.
"Don't think you all have a chance in defeating us so straightforwardly. Your fight with us will be futile, efforts reduced to nothing, and everything you know will be nothing, but a farce."
"I said let her go," Weiss said now yelling with rage.
"Come now, we offer a gift, a way to end this pitiful strife. We wish to give immortality to all, a release in oblivion," The Immortals said giving a smile.
"SILENCE," Weiss demanded.
The Immortals laughed at Weiss' denial until the body shuddered and the dark energy from her disappeared. On the knees, Shae looked up at Weiss with this time, red eyes.
"It's alright, they are gone for now," Shae said standing up while Weiss sheathed her sword.
"Are you… going to be okay," Weiss asked curiously.
"I'll be fine, it's just growing harder to resist their hold on me," Shae said rubbing the back of her head, "The Immortals have seen the destruction of what you did and now they are accelerating their efforts. Each passing second, their armies grow stronger and their weapons will soon bear fruit."
"You risk a lot for us Shae," Weiss said acknowledging the information, "But shouldn't you find a way to stop them from controlling you?"
"I have, but we need more information if we are to stop them," Shae said, "This allows me to do things. Just as they look into me, I can look right into them."
"I just hope you don't lose your mind on this," Weiss said.
"I only need time, but I have something that's vital to us," Shae said getting the heiress's attention.
Blake sat on her bed while hugging her knees. She contemplated on everything that happened that time and she never felt this sad and angered before. On the other side of the room is a table with her weapon Gambol Shroud and the duel disk the dragons given to her as she looks at them with her stressed amber eyes.
She never saw such atrocities that beyond anything she can understand. The hybrids, the cloning, everything that transpired in that wretched facility. What's even worse is that the clones are in the White Fang now, for all she knows they would tarnish more on the good name of Faunus and spread more hatred between the races. She even accused of Red, one of the big leaders of the Alliance, for killing anyone who turned evil. When she heard his declaration to destroy all evil organizations, she could feel the venomous tone in his words and the fury behind them. But when she was to be vaporized, Red intervened and protected her. Not only she realized Red's authority against like the White Fang, Red still has morals even those who are filled with power don't. Red could even be something similar to General Ironwood, but more ruthless and willing to kill. And when she saw Ruby willing to sacrifice herself to stop their enemy, it became too much for her to handle.
A gentle hand was laid on her shoulder as she moved her eyes to see the concerned white Ninja who wanted to bring relief to her sorrow.
"Sorry White," Blake apologized, "I'm just tired after what happened."
White understood the sad emotions her master as he crawled around the bed and got behind her. Blake let go of her legs and enjoyed the embrace of her ninja's arms around her stomach.
Back on Beacon, Ozpin observed the outside from his office, coffee mug in hand. The students he is protecting are heading to class while soldiers march about. Despite everything he opposed on military restrictions, Ozpin had Ironwood's help in making the students and teachers of Beacon safe. Routine patterns are seen on the soldiers and robots, Bullheads and gunships gliding through the skies above the campus, and Ironwood's flagship looming a mile away.
It saddens him to take such measures, but he knew better and was not about to gamble on presumptions and confidence, not this time. Especially since Beacon wasn't invaded not only once, but twice in a row. He could still feel his ears ringing from that anomaly. Since teams RWBY and JNPR depart with the soldiers protecting them, things have grown quiet. Far too quiet even to his liking. Hearing the doors open behind and the sound followed with steady, heavy footsteps, each signifying order and discipline.
"I take it everything's in effect?" Ozpin asked not bothering to look away.
"Yes, everything's put into place to make sure the academy is a fortress. I have troops and aerial surveillance on routine patrol throughout the campus, doubled the guards standing post at the air docks to inspect any ship landing here. I enacted a curfew for the students, no one should be outside beyond six and seven in the morning. And my ship is ready with reinforcements," Ironwood's voice said.
"When I asked you to make the place well protected, I didn't say for you to make it a penitentiary for the students," Ozpin sighed.
"I hate to know you see it that way, but these times are dangerous, you're lucky this is your school, or I would have everyone wear body armor," The general frowned.
"And still I appreciate what you're trying to do for the students, but it's still unsettling for them to be under advised by so much military," Ozpin said.
"I'm sorry you have to feel that way, but sometimes we need to do what must be done," Ironwood said.
Ozpin slowly turned around to face Ironwood, but to also see two soldiers carrying rifles with standard armor with yellow trimmings. He looked to the general with a raised eyebrow, prompting him to explain why armed men in his office are here.
"They are your security detail, picked from my finest men, we can't rule out the possibility of you being a target," Ironwood explained.
"Yes, but the soldiers and that captain took eight of my students on somewhere we can't find them," Ozpin pointed out.
"It is unfortunate, but I already plan on finding where they are," Ironwood said looking into his friend deeper and then said, "You're worried for the other students."
"Yes, I am," Ozpin confirmed.
While they continue to discuss their predicament, Glynda appears as the doors close behind her. Ozpin and Ironwood finished their discussion as the general began to leave. Both the general and the headmistress shared a brief glance before heading their separate ways.
"Glynda, good to see someone who isn't in the military," Ozpin gave a small grin.
"I have spoken with Oobleck and Port, when the time comes again, they'll be ready to help," Glynda said giving no gesture back.
"That's good, I would prefer having faith in my staff than in Ironwood's men," he looks to see one soldier giving a dirty look, "Not that you're bad, you're doing great."
"As I was saying," Glynda complied to continue, "With Oobleck and Port, we'll stand a better chance in protecting the students."
"Thank you Glynda," Ozpin said while comfortably sitting on his chair.
Within one of the dorm rooms, Cinder had her mind racing on how much progress she had made in her time on Beacon. The White Fang under her command got the military tech from Atlas, negativity in the civilians getting the Grimm outside riling up, and she planted a virus within the Cross Continental Transit System. Now she has access to any information and manipulate any file in the system and many that will also plug themselves into.
There had some alterations when Torchwick rushed the breach a few days early, but it worked better than she thought. After that breach everything went according to her plan.
Until the unusual things happening for the past days.
There was an explosion that happened at Vale's docks, reports stating there were fire and black feathers remained on that night. A fortune's worth of Dust in one of the abandoned mines Vale had taken. A breach of gas that got every student panicking and sealing every corner. Then every one of them, including herself, fell unconscious by a mysterious force. It caught completely off guard and she despised that.
There was an anomaly when a ship larger than a gunship land near the campus with a squad of 'unique' soldiers. What even made her impressed is that the troops can even fight against aura-enhanced huntsman without any on them. That captain defeated the General of Atlas, but there was no way he did it so efficiently, almost like it was scripted. But the big deal was the armored man, the Meta. Strong, determined, and acts more machine than man. The one capable of defeating Pyrrha, even with such devastating wounds inflicted on him. Such strength could be useful in her plans.
But everything went topsy-turvy when two more came to Beacon. One had a demonic armor taller than any person she knew and the other a massive fluorescent dragon with eyes the same as hers. When the soldiers saluted and they walked, the fellow students moved to make way as if they are death themselves. Thinking on them now when she was part of the moving crowd, she could feel their strength. The rosy dragon had the strength to make quakes on the school as if it's a sandbox in a playground and the power and authority that man had was more tuned than the General from Atlas. It was like they are almost a threat to her. The word being almost.
It would matter little on what their agenda is. If they as much as try to get in her way, then they will fall just as easily as the fools that are here. To her, they are nothing, but simple insects she will crush on her heels.
On the skies of Remnant, the four flagships sailed to their new destination with intentions that will soon be unveiled. On top of the hauls are hybrids watching as guards as they surveyed the outside world.
From within the flagships, cloned soldiers worked tirelessly in ways to serve their masters, from working on the ship to guard duty 24/7. On one of them, the armored black knight looked afar from inside the ship as the deer Faunus hybrid stood in a gorilla position with eyes closed, almost like sleeping.
The black armored man looked to one of his subordinates and spoke in a calm, but threatening tone.
"How much farther are we to our destination," he asked a female bunny Faunus.
"It won't be long sir, we will arrive in just a few minutes," she reported.
"Good, see to it that all hands are ready," he ordered.
With a nod from the clone, she went off to head to the outside of the ship.
Several growls and snarls were heard as the armored man look to the rescued hybrid that had its eye narrowly opened.
"I feel the same as well. It won't be long before we enact our first plan. And when our time comes and we face them, I intend to tear them apart. Piece. By piece," he responded still in the same tone.
Back at the ship, Ren wiped his face with a towel and drank a bottle of water. He gave a tiresome sigh as he rested his back at the adjacent wall. Nora, still hyperactive as ever, was busy fighting the surprisingly resilient AK-130s that won't take defeat as an answer. Even to the point where their ammo is gone and their swords were broken, they still fight on. Ren couldn't help but marvel at such a technological feat. He was practically winded when he took on four, but as always Nora tends to fight a dozen to let off some steam. It was almost like the scientists are creating the knights to become fierce opponents against huntsmen.
"Whew, now that's more of a warm-up," Nora said still brimming with energy.
"If by warm-up, meaning facing strong robots that can take on the other students," Ren said looking at the poor robots lying on the ground.
"I'm kidding, you know I'm kidding, we just need something to put off some steam. It's not like something entertaining is going to fly by us," Nora said happily with a dismissive wave.
But at the same time, there were groups of soldiers leaving to the outside. It caused the two childhood friends to look with curiosity peaked as Nora swiftly grabbed one of them for an explanation.
"Alright buster, I want to know everything," Nora said like it's an interrogation, "What is going on with the agents?"
"Our superiors are going at a one-on-one duel against each other ma'am. Jaune Arc and Pyrrha Nikos!" the soldier explained in a surprisingly calm tone as Nora let go and the soldier left to join the others.
Nora and Ren looked at each other until they went to see the duel.
Soon, a crowd of thirty people came to see this upcoming duel, even the monsters such as Triforce and the Mecha Phantom Beasts came to see it for themselves.
"Huh, never thought we would attract quite a crowd," Jaune said looking at the mass.
"Well it's a first for you," Pyrrha said looking at the crowd and couldn't help but remember the praise she previously had.
"You ready," Jaune asked arming his duel disk.
"Ready as you are," Pyrrha said doing the same.
"Game-," They said before they were interrupted by a loud siren.
"Everyone," Weiss' voice was heard, "We're going to be invaded! I repeat, we're being invaded! All personnel to battle stations now!"
Like a flick of a switch, the crowd dispersed without hesitation as the prepared for battle. Jaune, Pyrrha, Nora, and Ren were the only ones left out while Triforce stayed.
"Look ahead," Triforce pointed his gun up as team JNPR looked and saw what it saw.
Four large Atlesian flagships flying up high while guarded with a series of gunships.
"How did General Ironwood found us," Pyrrha wondered at the sight.
"It's not the General's," Ren corrected grimly as he looked with narrowed eyes.
"Then who's," Nora asked.
Red manifested himself near Jaune as he looked at the fleet.
"That's weird, we shielded this place well, how did they find this place," Red asked as he then breathed through his nose.
Something got his attention as he brought his nose towards specifically to Nora.
"Nora, did you and Ren happen to leave a scent when you first faced a hybrid," Red questioned.
Realizing the question, Ren quickly sniffed his shirt while turned her head around her body for anything unusual.
"Oh no," Ren slowly said before looking at Red with a worried look.
"We have company," Triforce said arming his gun.
Team JNPR and Red looked up to see multiple projectiles flying down at them like cannonballs. But they weren't what team JNPR anticipated. Instead, dozens of hybrids the same as the ones they faced landed on the ship with no signs of pain.
"Hybrid," Jaune grimly said ready to bring his sword out.
Red merely pointed out to the hybrid for them to look as they see something abnormal. Among the hybrids, the human versions have standard Atlas assault rifles with swords behind their backs, while the Faunus versions have more bone armor and are equipped with axes, great swords, and even maces.
"These are no ordinary hybrid you all fought, they must've evolve to a point where they can even use weapons as tools," Red analyzed.
"And it makes them more dangerous," Ren said pulling out Storm Flower from his sleeves.
"Guys," Blake's voice was heard as she and Weiss ran to their position.
Upon seeing Blake, her clothes were a bit crumpled and she didn't bring her duel disk with her. Looking at Blake, Red made a snort before looking to the invaders.
"We don't have time for stalling, time to fight!" Red roared.
"Let our enemies know of our fury," Triforce declared as it ran straight toward the coming army.
By its declaration, a squad of four Phantom Beast Dracossacks dropped in to join the defense. Each Dracossack then deployed two holographic versions of themselves, giving an illusion of having more than they see. Looking at the machines courageously charging onward, team JNPR, Weiss and Blake joined on the defensive.
(Ship Infirmary)
Back in the infirmary, the loving sisters were still sleeping there peacefully. Until vibrations can be felt and the sounds of gunfire can be faintly heard. Yang's closed eyes twitched a bit before waking up from the noise outside.
"What is going on," Yang asked while yawning.
Two black armored soldiers entered the infirmary with Stukov walking to the blond girl.
"We are under siege by our enemy," Stukov answered her question, "They are hailing us with hybrid to crush us when we weren't prepared."
"Then what are we waiting for, let's crush them," Yang said getting up and grabbing her gauntlets.
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that," Stukov said putting a hand up, "Blake, Weiss, and team JNPR are with the defense forces to stop them. We can't rule out a possibility of having this attack as a way for them to get to Ruby."
Yang weighed on that option and thought he was right. She gave Ruby a concerning stare and the gauntlets she wears just now. Now she is in a crossroads: fight with her friends to stop the attack or stay with Ruby to ensure her safety. But perhaps there is another option. Arming her duel disk again, she brought out two monsters: one is the usual Laval Burner, but the other is unique.
A Laval synchro monster stands on four legs with fiery colors and stone-like scales. Its eyes were round stones, while some of the tips glowed like lava. Albeit weaker than Burner it is still strong, the Lavalval Dragon.
"I need you two to help out the others defend the ship," Yang calmly ordered.
With a simultaneous nod, the two immediately left the infirmary to join the fight.
"Good, you're utilizing your monsters and you are thinking better than you were days ago," Stukov commented the blond brawler, "Come on, let's get your sister somewhere safe."
With a nod, Yang carried Ruby bridal-style and followed Stukov to the inner sanctums of their ship. Sirens were heard throughout the ship, red lights blared over and over while soldiers move to fight their common foe. However, several human/Grimm hybrids infiltrated the base, merely shrugging off the bullets their soldiers are putting on as they charged for their destination. Hearing the thundering stomps coming their way, they changed their route all the way to the point they ended up at Shae's caged room.
Looking back to the entrance over half a dozen hybrid were on their way.
"Quickly we can go over there," Stukov ordered as he pressed a switch to reveal another corridor.
Swiftly they ran to the corridor as the hybrid grossly gained on them. However, two human hybrids stopped to look at the cage with unique interest. One got close to the door and peered inside the cage. They look to see the shadowed version of our heroine and looked deep into her mysterious red eyes as they temporarily flash silver. While the others ran, only two hybrids stuck around to the caged girl as they look at her with interest.
Smashing a console nearby, the magical barriers and shields fell as only the iron bars are the only things holding her. One hybrid tore it out as they began to get closer to the human female. But they made a small error. The last thing they saw was sharpened steel and cold silver eyes.
"This is getting nowhere," Yang commented while running with her unconscious sister.
"Then perhaps we can try something different," Stukov suggested as he looked to the girl.
Swiftly he grabbed her and gave it to his soldier to carry instead.
"Wha-what are you doing," Yang said surprised that her sister is in a soldier's hands.
"Making it easier for you," he responded, "We're going to need your muscle and we need you to fight fully so we can stop this cat and mouse game!"
They look back to see the hybrids still gaining on them. When they reached the door, they appeared outside the ship to see everything that's going on. Ships still fly high on top as the ship was filled with explosions and the sounds of clashed metal still ring. Behind them, the hybrid prepared for their confrontation as they pulled out their own weapons. One had two pistols locked and loaded, another held a broadsword, and the other two had nothing but their fists.
"Get ready," Stukov said as they ready their weapons except the soldier carrying the sleeping girl.
When the hybrids were about to wield their weapons, a massive dark blur flew by them and stood in the middle. It turned out Shae escaped her prison and held out her dark Crescent Rose. From behind her the hybrid that stood there, fell apart as they were mutilated and decapitated by her dark blade. Shae made a silent look to them before the abnormal happened. A fast gush of wind can be felt through them, while her body suddenly faded into thin air.
The battle was growing exhausting for the huntsmen in training. Ren panted as he was on his knees, Nora held the pain in her rib cage, Blake held her stomach while holding her weapon out, and Weiss was on one knee with Myrtenaster as her support. Jaune and Pyrrha managed to fair better, but the champion of Mistral was beginning to tire while her partner had sweat on his forehead. The only ones not even having signs of exhaustion were the Duel Monsters themselves and they are still going strong. What would it take to have strength and stamina like that is what they wondered in their minds.
The tenacious bastards still kept coming even when they had just took care of perhaps more than a dozen. But unlike the ones they faced, these hybrids are more organized, skilled and strong enough to withstand even Nora's hammer. Even when they killed like three, six came in their place.
However, they saw a dark afterimage swarming around the horde the monsters are fighting. Even the monsters stopped when they saw it speedily through all of them. Silence can now be felt as the hybrid stopped in their tracks. Soon one by one in fast pace, they were sliced, bisected, or amputated to the point they just died in just a second. The dark afterimage halted before the young huntsmen and revealed to be Shae Rose who looked at them with relief before looking at the ships with narrowed eyes.
"All the hybrids are destroyed my lord, shall we send in our troops," the female dog clone reported and asked.
The armored knight looked to the ship below with the cameras provided. Seeing how the huntsmen fought and the monsters' strength is more than what he expected, but the tip of the iceberg was when the new arrival singlehandedly kill every enemy in just a few mere seconds. And now he looks at the being's silver eyes as if they are seeing each other for the first time.
"No, we had enough for today," it said with a hand up, "The witnessing events of what happened today have been most educational. Have the fleet turn away from this space and set course to our headquarters."
The ones looking now witness the ships leaving them. Not wanting to let them leave, Red chased them in an attempt to destroy them. But something happened when he flew close, he found himself returning back to the same place where hovered. When he tried again, a distortion happened and returned him to the same position, like when one experiences a glitch or lag in a videogame.
Infuriated by the barrier in his way, he fired a fiery beam at one of the ships and successfully destroyed it. The remaining ships began to glow bright red and then disappeared with no trace of where they went. Red descended to the ship as he stared at Ruby's shadow with curiosity. Stukov, Yang and the soldiers arrived in the frame with Ruby's sleeping form. Red looked between the two and stared at Shae.
Knowing the look she was given, Shae pinched the bridge of her nose and squinted her eyes tight. Seconds came as Ruby slowly wakes from her slumber.
"So," Ruby first said the crowd, "Did we chase them away?"
"Ruby, how did you know we're under attack," Weiss asked surprised that her partner had known what transpired.
"Shae told me," Ruby responded, "And the same thing that she told you."
Weiss mildly grunted while looking at her partner with bizarre in her eyes, while the others look to Shae with awe and caution. By this moment, Stardust emerged fully near her now in a human form once again.
On top of the ship, the armored being looked to horizon with the deer hybrid he rescued. Satisfied with the battle and data, he couldn't wait for another encounter with them.
"Shae Rose, Ruby Rose," he said their names with interest, "You know how to make this game more interesting."
Raising his left arm, dark electricity emerged from it and then took shape into a black duel disk with sharp edges on the ends. He draws a black card from his formed deck and looks at the first card. With a predator smile under his helmet, he slides the card back.
"We will have our hands full from this point forward," he said with purpose, "Till we meet again Signers!"
Dark aura spreads around him as it rocket to the sky. From within the aura, a growl can be heard as red orange eyes glowed while the draconic body was covered in shadow.
To Be Continued.
Narrator: New developments came to be from this encounter as their enemy now grows more determined than ever. Ruby and her friends now focus on gaining their strength and try to find serenity. Next time on Dawn of Duel Monsters: Draconic Tranquility. Dragons of hope and rage shall find their stillness.
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