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Fragments of the Past [For Glory/Ult Armor Hunt w Cinn]
Makoto
In-Training
Posts: 0
OOC Name: Tsukistar
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Post by Makoto on Dec 23, 2020 4:56:34 GMT
In exploring the Digital World, Makoto would sometimes find themself wandering to more remote and mysterious locations - driven by no more than their curiosity, and propensity for sticking their nose in where they weren't supposed to. Sometimes, they even would be driven by past memories - revisiting places that they had found once before, to see how things have changed in the passing years.
However, what does it mean, when they are instead driven by a strange sense of deja vu...?
They did not recall this place. They did not recall having ever come here, be it in this life or a past life; and yet, there was clearly something more than curiosity and wanderlust driving their steps. It was an almost practiced hue, as if they had come here many times before - an unerring yet surreal and strange sense of familiarity urging them forward through the Cipher Jungle. And when Makoto found and old trodden path - overgrown, yet somehow maintained - through the dense flora of the jungle, they were only driven further onward.
<Where are we going?> Kuro would question - Makoto being able to easily sense a vague confusion, yet curiosity, from it.
<I don't know...> Makoto admitted in response, briefly pausing to regard the stones that paved this old road. For as much as it seemed as though no one had been through here in ages, everything seemed so well maintained... <... I feel like I've been here before, but I don't remember having even been to these parts of the Cipher Jungle. It's like...>
<... A strange sense of deja vu?> Kuro prompted, as Makoto trailed off - the link the two shared helping to keep them both on the same page.
<... Yeah.> Makoto eventually would nod in confirmation - frowning a little as they continued walking along. <It's... Well; strange is already one way to describe it. Surreal. I don't know what to make of it.> They'd continue, glancing around themself. <I can only hope that following these feelings in my gut, will give me some answers as to why I'm feeling this deja vu.>
Onward further and further, until they found... What they had almost mistaken for a den, carved into a cliff face. And yet, dens did not have lit torches - or an old door, with a strange symbol on the front. For a moment, Makoto had considered leaving - this place gave them a strange and unsure feeling, and it was clear that someone was already home here if the torches were of any indication.
Even Kuro was in agreement with those notions, murmuring <Someone already lives here. We shouldn't disturb any locals.> as it tried to urge the Renamon-X the other direction. In truth, it also had a bad feeling about this place - something in the air feeling somewhat wrong.
Makoto, however, couldn't help but find themself slowly stepping up towards the door, despite it all; that strange deja vu, prompting them to raise a clawed hand...
<Makoto.>
... and knock on the door.
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Post by Carlos Rey on Dec 27, 2020 3:44:07 GMT
Deep within the ancient chambers of the den of lust, wrapped with one of the many silky curtains that hung from the roof soundly slept a Bastemon, her soft purring being barely louder than the crackling of the fire that came from the many torches ilumination the inside of the Temple of Lust. She slowly opened her eyes and, after a while of fruitlessly going back to sleep, sat up and unwrapped herself from the silky curtain.
She let out a yawn as she stretched, arching her back a bit before getting up on her feet. She took one sleepy look at the opened cracks of the impossibly tall stone ceiling that allowed the smallest amount of sunlight to seep inside the temple. The feline mon let out an annoyed groan at the light, a clear sign she had overslept again. She groggily made her way to the front of the building, entering into the small alcove close by the massive entrance gate. She soon came out with a bottle in hand and a piece of meat on the other, sitting down on one of the many cushions, zabutons, matresses and sheets that were scattered haphazardly along the temple's floor as she absentmindedly munched on her lunch. Or was it breakfast? It was hard to tell the time inside of that place.
She was starting to run out of supplies, so it would only be a matter of time before she had to leave her sanctuary unattended to fetch some food. If only those heathens from the nearby villages hadn't stopped sending donations or at least attending the ceremonies, maybe she wouldn't have to-
Her angry mulling was swiftly interrupted by the sound of knocking echoing from the massive entrance door to the temple. The bastemon stared blankly at the door for a moment, blinking once. Twice. Before quickly getting up and practically rushing for the gate, before stopping a couple of steps from it. She took in a deep breath, dragged her long nailed fingers across her hair to get rid of any loose strand of hair that might keep her from looking her "sunday best", and with a quick wave of her hand the gate slowly began to rise with a loud grinding of stone against stone. On the other side stood a Renamon X.
The priestess' lips curved into a smile. Finally, a visitor! After so much time.
"Ah, hello and welcome my brethren." She greeted, giving a long bow of her head. "Be welcome to the sanctuary of our Lady of Lust." She then took a step back, beckoning the renamon to follow her inside.
"Have you perchance come to give your respects and pray to our lady? Or perhaps you're looking for a place to shield yourself from the terrors outside for the day? Or maybe even bring a donation?" She said, practically stumbling over her own words to try and say everything she wanted to say, before she finally stopped herself, cleared her throat and continued in a more calm and collected tone.
"Forgive my manners, it's been forever we've had any pilgrims...or visitors...or anything besides common thugs and criminals. My name is Circe, and I am the head priestess of this humble sanctum...or what's left of it anyways." By now she had had a good time to look at the fox a bit more carefully. There was something vaguely odd about them that the Bastemon couldn't place, as if she had met them elsewhere.
"Say...do I know you from somewhere else, perhaps? There's something about you that feels rather familiar." She mulled, scratching her chin before giving her a sly, slightly teasing grin. "Or perhaps it's just you being easy on the eyes~"
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Makoto
In-Training
Posts: 0
OOC Name: Tsukistar
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Post by Makoto on Dec 29, 2020 20:21:31 GMT
As the gate rose and opened, Makoto would jump a bit in surprise; ears and tails twitching. There were ways for a door to open, but they certainly hadn't expected this; and they also did not expect for anyone to actually answer the knock, really. Kuro, somewhat nervous, would fitfully fidget behind Makoto - but was quick to return to its neutral position, when the two would soon see another Digimon on the other side of the door...
... Namely, a Bastemon.
As she greeted Makoto however, the fox would smile gently, bowing their head in turn. Lady of Lust... Did that refer to who they thought she was referring to? While the concept of the Demon Lords made most digimon pause in fear - and Kuro certainly took pause from this as well - Makoto did not immediately feel unsafe around the feline digimon. She was welcoming and courteous; and even if she did prove to be a danger, Makoto was confident that they'd have their ways of escaping if the situation went south.
At the invitation, Makoto would respectfully nod in response, stepping in; even as they felt Kuro's anxiety, over stepping into what might've been the belly of the beast. "I confess that I'm just a simple traveler, brought here by curiosity and wanderlust, darling." Makoto would respond, smiling sheepishly over in the Bastemon's direction. "I appreciate your hospitality though, dear; and I am willing to share some of my traveling rations and water, although I don't have much else to offer, and I apologize for that. If I had known that I would come across a still-maintained temple out here, I would've brought something more substantial."
They could mention the deja vu that had led them here... But for now, Makoto would keep that to themself. Surely, it was only because the jungle all looked the same, after some traveling; it was easy to get turned around, in a place like this.
There, surely, wasn't more to the deja vu that persisted even now.
As Circe introduced herself though, Makoto would smile and nod. "My name is Makoto; it is good to meet a friendly face, and it is a pleasure to meet you, Circe darling." They would respond in introducing themself; smiling warmly. The mention of Makoto feeling familiar, though, would make the Renamon-X tilt their head a bit quizzically, though they would soon smile wryly right back. "I couldn't, shouldn't, and wouldn't deny your own beauty, dear." They would respond with a chuckle, feeling relaxed amidst this playfulness. "The envy of any feline digimon, I must say."
<Don't let your guard down...> Kuro would warn simply, at the back of their mind.
As far as familiarity went though, they'd hum a bit. "I... do confess that this place does give me a slight feeling of deja vu, though." They'd finally mention, glancing about at their surroundings. "I wouldn't be able to explain why, however. It's a bit of a surreal feeling, I must admit."
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Post by Carlos Rey on Dec 30, 2020 23:27:15 GMT
"Nonsense, my dear. There are no such things as coincidence, and if something brought you here it was most likely more than just mere curiosity or wanderlust, even if you haven't realized it just yet. Call it divine providence, call it fate, call it our Lady's will, but I've been around long enough to know everything has a reason." Circe assured Makoto, fire flaring up in her gaze for a moment as she once again mentioned her "Lady", though it subsided just as fast as it came. She then waved her hand around dismissively, however. "But never mind that. While any donation is more than welcome, we are not about to simply accept something like rations from a traveler, unless you really believe we need them more than you."
After saying this however she'd wave her hand around for a moment, a fancy glass bottle suddenly appearing in her open palm with a puff of pink smoke. She grinned.
"Well, not without giving at least some in return that is." She produced a small silver goblet in her other hand, pouring some of the dark crimson liquid from the bottle into it. "Rosewood Red, late dial up harvest. I was meaning to open it today on a whim, but some things taste oh so much better when you can share them, wouldn't you agree?" The feline priestess reach out with the now filled goblet to Makoto, waiting for them to either take it or not. She wouldn't push, but really, why would anyone say no to a cup of wine?
"The pleasure is mine, Makoto, and the feeling is mutual." She replied with a small bow, chuckling ever so slightly wide as some warmth found its way into her cheeks as the fox reciprocated her teasing. How delightfully refreshing. "Oh stop it you...talk about the pot calling the kettle black as humans say, I'm sure you must be quite the head turner back where you live." She purred, tail lightly flicking this and that way, lightly caressing Makoto's side for but a moment.
After that she'd sit down on one of the many multicolored cushions of the floor, inviting Makoto to do the same on any of their choosing, as she poured another goblet for herself.
"To tell you the truth, the priestess life is quite lonesome...or at least as of late. We haven't had many pilgrims in at least a year." She let out a sigh, stretching her arms a bit as she sank further into the cushion, her tail going up and down against the floor with an air of annoyance, her eyes glancing at the many empty seats surrounding them. "Times are changing they say. Old traditions slowly become taboo and fade, new ones rise and replace them, and if you don't move with the times you risk being swept away and left at the bottom." She took a sip from her goblet, squinting.
"Perhaps I'm foolish to cling to what people may call old superstition, but I can't forget how things used to be...and how I'd wish for them to return." She mulled, her index claw drawing circles in the wine of her goblet absentmindedly.
Truly, things just hadn't been the same ever since her Lady had left and with her most of the ones following. Days had grown longer and lonelier, and the nights were agonizingly silent. For a while Circe had gone out of her way to try and keep the place lively. Holding out ceremonies, inviting the locals in, luring the rest inside in an attempt to bring her back...but nothing. If this was a test of faith put forth by Lilithmon, then she could feel herself more ready to give up every passing day. Just how much longer did she have to wait for things to return to the way they were?
She snapped out of her mulling eventually, glancing at Makoto curiously as they mentioned an odd feeling they've been having ever since they stepped into the temple. She looked at them for longer and longer, thinking.
"Deja vu, huh? ...I'll be honest, Makoto doll, I think I know what you mean. Or at least, I think I'm feeling the same thing as you." She admitted, her eyes never once looking away from the renamon. She knew it was a stretch, a long shot. That there was a huge risk involved in her being wrong with her assumption...but what if she wasn't?
"...if it's not too much to ask, would you be interested in seeing something with me?" She said, slowly getting back on her feet, placing both the bottle and goblet aside. "You're free to refuse, but I promise it won't take long."
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Makoto
In-Training
Posts: 0
OOC Name: Tsukistar
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Post by Makoto on Jan 3, 2021 21:29:20 GMT
Upon being offered the wine, Makoto would blink a little - surprised at the sudden offering. However, as the surprise passed, they would chuckle and accept the goblet - "Why thank you, darling." - briefly sniffing to take in the scent of the wine, before taking a sip; smiling warmly in the Bastemon's direction. Though they weren't the biggest on alcohol - due to inebriation - they figured there wouldn't be any harm in having just a cup, as long as they took it slow. "And good company makes things taste better, as well." They would agree with a warm smile.
As Circe complimented Makoto in turn though, they couldn't help a flattered laugh; tails swishing happily. "I do confess that I am a particularly social butterfly, in many regards." They would muse wryly; brushing their own tails against Circe's with a giggle, as they felt the caress against their side. As the Bastemon sat down, Makoto was happy to sit with; tails swishing idly, as they pulled out some food for the both of them to share.
It wasn't anything fancy - basic rations fare, such as dried meat and fruits, flatbread, cheese, and even some fruits that Makoto had gathered in the jungle to conserve the aforementioned rations. "Feel free to take your pick, dear." Makoto would mention to Circe; offering her a warm smile. "I'm not a picky fox."
When Circe began lamenting about the loneliness of being a priestess, though, as well as the changing times... Makoto would listen along and nod; sympathetic to the pains of being lonely, and wanting the good old days to return. "I imagine it doesn't help, the events that have transpired in the world beyond." Makoto would sigh in turn, reaching a hand over to give the Bastemon a comforting pat on the knee. "Some digimon likely are wary of anything associated with the Demon Lords, what with the incidents that transpired some time ago." If the fox had to be honest, even their own opinions on the Demon Lords were complicated.
Sin was something usually regarded and taught as being something negative; but Makoto also believed in moderation in all things. With the Demon Lords usually being regarded as the height of their respective sins, though, things tended to get messy...
"... I can sympathize with having a taste for nostalgia, though, darling." Makoto would cast Circe a sympathetic smile; adding "I may not be as old as some of the digimon of this world, but I will say that I have lived long enough to have plenty of things that I miss and desire as well." After a few moments of thought though, the Renamon-X would glance over to Circe - suggesting "Perhaps it's time to move locations?"
"Certainly, fate is a powerful thing; but I think that relying on fate and divine will alone won't bring many visitors to this temple, with how out of the way it is from main roads." Makoto pointed out, adding "That, or perhaps you could take to traveling like I have been; spreading your Lady's word, and sharing your way with those who will listen. It'd give you a change of pace, new things to see, new people to meet..."
Certainly, while traveling could still sometimes be lonely - especially when camping out on your own - but one surely would have a better chance of meeting new faces exploring about, than they would staying holed up in here, right? And a change of scenery tended to be just the thing to put a skip in your step, when one was feeling stagnant and bored.
As Makoto sipped on their wine though, and Circe commented on their shared feeling of deja vu, the fox would hum a bit; an ear twitching and swiveled in the Bastemon's direction, to convey that they were listening, even as their eyes drifted closed and they hummed in thought. "Hm..." Perhaps they had been here, in a past life that they just can't recall? Usually, their memories of their past lives were pretty clear - even if sometimes fragmented - but they wouldn't put it past themself to have forgotten their earliest lives...
As their drinking friend spoke up once more though, Makoto's eyes would open once more as they glanced in her direction; tilting their head a bit quizzically, at the notion of seeing 'something' with Circe. Kuro would once more make itself known to Makoto - them being able to sense its apprehension about it all - though they would simply respond to their shadow with wordless reassurance as they smiled up to Circe. "Certainly, dear. What might you be showing me?" They would question as they rose to their feet; setting their own goblet aside.
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Post by Carlos Rey on Jun 22, 2021 3:26:17 GMT
"Don't mind if I do." She smiled, carefully stabbing a small piece of every different ration she could fit into her index nail, taking small nibbles out of her claw brochette. Certainly not the fanciest food she had but there was merit in it's simplicity. Much better than the suspicious gruel those Gluttony fools indulged in back in the day, at the very least. And besides, much like the fox had said, good company helped make anything ten times sweeter. "I find that pickiness is a luxury reserved for those that don't need to struggle to provide for themselves most of the time."
She managed a weak but grateful smile, her palm lightly caressing against the back of Makoto's own hand for a moment.
"Maybe you're right, but seems a bit unfair to judge someone based on who they follow, no? It's not like I took part in whatever recent debauchery they engaged in. We just offer a safe haven for anyone to lay down and forget about their troubles. Perhaps even something to...keep them busy if they so chose." She added with a purr as a single digit from her hand slid playfully up the renamon's arm, her coy grin saying much more than any explicit words ever could.
She wasn't exactly the most subtle of mons, but she probably would have argued in favor of such a direct, uncomplicated style. Circe did give their words some thought however, quietly reflecting on them for a moment before shrugging.
"Hm, perhaps you're onto something, but alas it's a bit of a hassle for me to relocate. I can't exactly move this place around on a whim and I don't suppose anyone on the near settlements would care to help poor old me~" She rested the back of her hand on her forehead, falling on her back in a quite melodramatic gesture. "But I guess this ol temple wouldn't just crumble upon itself if I took a short walk around...and wandering prophets do seem like all the rage right now..." She then added, a claw scratching her chin as if in deep thought.
There was some merit to that idea after all, Makoto clearly knew a thing or two about wandering about and they didn't seem too worse for wear. Yet there was something...else keeping the Bastemon tied down, gnawing at her will to move on. Something she had to show Makoto.
"Oh nothing much, it's a little thing from forever ago." She said somewhat dismissively as she rose to her feet, sauntering to the back of the hedonistic chapel and towards a set of doors behind what seemed like a lavish bed set up like an altar. The wooden doors rumbled and creaked as the feline pushed them open, revealing a little, empty room with no light source outside a singular candle resting on the middle of the room, next to a small goblet not too dissimilar from the ones Circe and Makoto had been drinking from a moment ago.
As the bastemon took a hold of the metallic cup and brought it closer to Makoto however, its contents would greatly differ from the fancy wine Circe had shared. A small sea of data flowed within the gauntlet, formless like water, yet infinitely more colorful and chaotic, swirling around and into itself like a miniature storm.
"This is all our lady left for us, ages ago." Circe whispered, a hint of sadness or perhaps nostalgia on her voice. "A fragment of her very soul, the essence of our Lady of Lust."
She looked back up at the renamon, her eyes completely changed from before, the playfulness now replaced with cold determination.
"Perhaps I'm jumping the gun here, or just...desperate, but I don't believe in coincidences. I think you arrived here for a reason. Would you be a darling and tell me if this just...rings any bells at all? A far off memory? A distant scattered dream perhaps?" She said, carefully reaching the goblet out towards Makoto, her hands shaking slightly. "And if so...can you please...try it?"
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Makoto
In-Training
Posts: 0
OOC Name: Tsukistar
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Post by Makoto on Jun 23, 2021 10:38:35 GMT
Circe's touch would be plenty welcome - as her finger trailed along their arm, Makoto would chuckle knowingly, smiling in her direction. "A place to let loose and forget about the world beyond, hm?" They'd muse gently, turning to face the Bastemon more, and trailing the back of a claw along the other's leg in turn. "That certainly sounds like a pleasant place, if you ask me. Perhaps even quite lovely, after having been traveling on my own..~" The implications were not too surprising, of a place that worshipped Lilithmon - although the implications were nonetheless tempting ones, that Makoto considered taking Circe up on, if she were willing...
But for now, they would be content to continue talking with the Bastemon, who'd muse over being a wandering prophet, after making a dramatic show of laying back. Makoto would laugh warmly at the melodrama, setting their glass of wine aside so that they could flop alongside the feline. "You can always stay in the general area, if you're ever afraid of straying too far from your home - and if you did find enough people who are willing to hear the word of your lady, you could ask them for help in relocating the important things in your temple." They'd point out - adding "And a digimon as high stage as yourself - and able to maintain that form in day-to-day life, at that - would likely not have to worry much about dangers on the road."
Circe appeared interested in the notion, in any case - but only time would tell if she would take up Makoto's idea. Instead, there was... Something a little more pressing, that the feline wanted to show them - something that even had Makoto a slight bit unsure, if only because Circe insisted upon leaving what 'it' was, exactly, vague. Nonetheless, they were willing to cooperate - if things went south, they had plenty of tricks to help in escaping.
Thus, they would be led into a strange room - small, housing only what almost looked like a cup of wine, but... The metallic scent in the air was enough to imply that it was anything but. Makoto's core began to beat harder at this - and they couldn't help but wonder what they were looking upon, be it someone else's liquid data, or...
... ... As Circe explained it, a fragment of Lilithmon themself.
To involve themself too heavily with Demon Lords was a bad idea. Sin in moderation wasn't necessarily bad or evil - but Demon Lords, as stated before, were the embodiments of sin in absolute excess. And yet, even as Makoto stared down at the goblet that Circe offered to them, they... They felt a pull, towards it. "This..."
... This felt almost like coming home, to a home they never knew until now. Kuro's presence in their mind - warning, tugging, wanting to leave, - felt so distant now, despite its every attempt to be as loud as could be, as they took the goblet. Everything around them, in fact, felt so distant and muted, save for what they held in their hands now. They knew only the beating of their core, as they stared down at the essence that filled the goblet for a few long moments...
... Before gulping it down.
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... ...
... ... ...
... Lady of Lust, Thief of Hearts, The Unseen Demon Lord... There were many ways, that Lilithmon was referred to in their prime, during an incarnation from long, long, ago. The Demon Lord that others believed to have been dormant at the time, all except for those who were most loyal to their mistress. The Demon Lord who pulled the strings from the shadows for oh-so-long, before they had been discovered by those who would wish to end them.
The memories came in like a blurred surge; that of luxury and comfort, of debauchery and hedonism, and of manipulation and intrigue - this incarnation of Lilithmon always knew what they wanted. And to get it, they were unafraid to pull strings and toy with the hearts of others - boasting an intelligence network like none other, a mastery of disguises and shapeshifting, and an undeniable charisma. There were plenty of loyal subjects who were willing to do anything - willing to sacrifice everything, even - in hopes of gaining their patron's good will...
Mornings and afternoons for Lilithmon were spent in luxury and confort; sharing in the less carnal pleasures of booze and the like alongside their subjects, and orchestrating whatever schemes they pleased - having plenty of fellow digimon at their beck and call to carry those plans out. Evenings, however, were oftentimes spent with certain lucky servants; those whom had proven themselves loyal and worthy, and had drawn their Lady's attention...
For as lax, and as comfortable, and perhaps even as slow as Lilithmon's day to day life was, however... One would be foolish to assume that they were slothful, especially for those who believed themselves to be as clever - or even more-so - as the Unseen Demon Lord. Those who drew the Lady's ire or ruined their fun would've initially believed themselves safe, as they are invited into Lilithmon's bedchambers one fateful evening...
... Only for them to disappear, when they were devoured; their cores swallowed whole, for their insolence.
This incarnation thrived in luxury, from the shadows; bearing claws and fangs, that any wise digimon did well to stay away from. A cruel yet shrewd mistress, who knew how to keep their subjects loyal and happy, whilst weeding out the fools who thought they'd be able to outsmart the Demon Lord of Lust, of all people. 'Twas truly a shame, that their reign couldn't last forever - no Demon Lord lasted forever, given the impacts they had upon the world even by simply existing...
... ...
... But that was the purpose of this goblet, wasn't it? To pass on those memories to a compatible individual - someone who had been reborn from that incarnation of Lilithmon, no matter how far down the generational line - so that they could return this temple to its glory.
And as Makoto came back to reality, they'd find something... Different, about themself. They had digivolved, it seemed - and yet... This wasn't any of their usual forms. Instead, they'd have taken up the form of an Astamon - a tommygun in one hand, and an ornate-looking smoking pipe in the other.
This was... Strange. Unfamiliar. And yet, it felt... right? ... No, no -- this was something brought on by the memories of a rather cruel-seeming Demon Lord; none of this could be right, and yet-...
<Are you okay?> Kuro would question suddenly, its worry palpable as its presence made itself known in Makoto's mind once more.
It took a second for Makoto to answer, as they sucked in a deep breath - taking a second for them to figure out whether this did truly fall under the notions of 'okay' for them, or not. But when they decided that nothing about them had changed too drastically (besides their form, of course,) they'd respond to Kuro with a brush of reassurance. <I'm okay.>
This was... Certainly going to take some time for their mind to sort out these new memories, but... Whoever this past Lilithmon was, they weren't them.
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