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 Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:15 pm
All Riley wanted to do was go back home. When she awoke again, back in this world filled with memories, a wave of bile rose up from her throat. This wasn't what she'd been promised. This wasn't where she was supposed to be once they'd fulfilled their duty.
She was shuddering with anger. It was almost too easy to miss the touch of a hand on her shoulder, and she tensed, ready to strike - but turning her head to see the culprit made her face flood dark with guilt - and, perhaps, just a little embarrassment. It was fortunate, that the fragment version of her would have reacted the same way, in this situation - simply for completely opposite reactions.
Ah. She whispered, standing up to her feet to turn and face him. She took the hand that he'd rested on her shoulder, and held it in her own, and her expression softened. She liked Mot. She really did. He was a trusted friend - and so loyal. So gentle hearted. So.. awkward that she was thinking about all of this.
The blush remained.
I'm sorry that this is.. the end. She murmured. This version of Mot would never get another day to life. It was only right.
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:15 pm
She hadn't been expecting Shun to approach her, and she swiped away her tears before turning to glare at him, as if daring him to say something about the fact that she was blubbering a little. Instead, however, his words almost had her tearing up again, but she resisted and swallowed the lump in her throat. "Y-yeah...well, no. They aren't really my people anymore, rather then just...my friends."
As he walked away, she turned and cupped her hands around her mouth. "She'll be awake when you get back! Xiu, I mean! And...thanks for your help!"
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:18 pm
Her smile was brilliant, as if Mengyao had given her all her confidence back - all of herself back. "Thank you, my King," she said, quietly. Then she rose, nodded to him. and strode away, head held high. It was time to go, and this time, she was going to go on her own terms.
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:20 pm
Olivia's eyes were shut tightly, shielding them from the intensity of the bright light that moved through them all and brought them back. Realization hit her and she opened them in an instant, her hand clutching Molan's top as she looked around so terribly confused.
They had vanished, she had felt it. They had all been taken back by the Voice to a state of nothingness. But then, they weren't. Brought back, whole and happy and given one last chance to say goodbye and perhaps make amends.
The small blue haired girl suddenly felt a tug, her body turned and she didn't have time to react or see who it was that had taken her so forcefully when a kiss was planted firmly on her lips. It was awkward, at least for her, and she made a small sound from her shock with a small flail of her arms. It was also so gently and sweet, that it didn't take her long to realize who it was (oh thank goodness, it was Andrew). Olivia closed her eyes and ever so gently leaned in much to her own surprise.
They pulled away, her face aflame and red to the tips of her ears and she could feel the hairs on the back of her neck raise ever so slightly. "I .... oh." Still caught up in the moment, he had kissed her ... she had responded back. Well ~
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:21 pm
The smile never leaving her face as she looked at him, her ears twitching slightly at the sound of his voice. He was sad, but at the same time he seemed a little scared. Her eyes flicked over to the other woman that walked over. She was pretty and she smiled a little more maybe she was who he was looking for earlier. That would make things much easier on her. But then she heard him, "my Lumi"Turning her gaze back to him she blinked owlishly, "Yours? Does she know that?"Some thought of amusement plaid out in her mind about this girl that she was a fragment of, in fact it was a little too amusing that she couldn't help but giggle, "I think maybe she doesn't...or perhaps this figment in front of you would have remembered a handsome guy like you. Actually I'm pretty sure she would have."Her eyes sparkling full of life as she realized she was going to have to tell him to go home, she shook her head at his comment about making her cry, "Nah I didn't cry I got some of that liquid on me when I was banging around in the dark."Looking over at her commander she smiled and waved for him to wait for her, leaning in close she whispered very softly, "I'm sure your Lumi misses you and wants you home safe. Go tell her how you feel...Good bye Julian. I'll never forget you."With a kiss on the cheek she smiled at him one last time before running of to be where she belonged. With her Commander and Crew.
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:21 pm
She caught the look, and shared it with him, for a moment, before he was stolen by those of his kingdom. His real representatives of the Gold Kingdom, the fragments like he. She would leave him to them for now, knowing he was their Emperor. This was his reality.
Turning to depart from his side for a bit, hoping to catch some time to talk to those she would leave, she decided that - being one who was whole, she had to take it upon herself to remember them. Their legacy was now part of hers - another set of voices, another set of memories to put on her shoulders. She could hold off her desire to go home, to return to her friends, family and the Miao Mengyao that she was raised with, the Noble, not the Emperor, who recently took her on a Slay Ride (she was still a little put off that no slaying happened) and would fight side by side, as friends. Dressed in purples, not golds.
She was missing him, the one she cared of so much.
Sighing, she turned to catch the sight of two of Gold's members, the ones known as Mjoll and Bastion, standing side by side, unlike before - there was a serene-ness about them, a coupling of a sort. Everyone was getting their happy ending, mm?
"Mjoll." She called out, stepping forward. This was the True Lifen, a quiet artisan who took the world on. "Bastion. You are well?" She asked, her eyes showing that she wanted to know everything. Conquest glances.
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:21 pm
Mot smiled softly, that timid reaction so typical of the reclusive lady. It made him sad. She too would not exist after this, as far as he knew. None of them would. But it would be like death, he supposed. It was silent. The dead never knew they were dead. It would simply end. Like death should.. "Ah.." Mot murmured, his eyes downcast for a moment, his soft smile faltering ever slightly. "Me too.. I mean... it was all fake, I know but.." He managed a somewhat gentle smile none the less, his eyes lifting again to meet hers. "It was real to us.. and maybe that's what matters."
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:21 pm
Jericho was back, but only for a short time, and he knew it. It was a strange feeling, and he couldn't say that he was really all that angry any longer. This was just simply the way things were. Even so, he couldn't help but feel a little bit of jealousy for the real him. As he made his way through the area, surrounded by others just like him, he spotted on particular figure in the crowd. He paused, considering his options for a moment or so, but soon decided to approach. She had left so many questions for him. Even if they were going to fade soon... he wanted some answers. If he could get them. Making his way over, he soon paused as it seemed that she was having a moment with another man right now. And so he waited patiently for them to finish before trying to speak to her.
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:23 pm
In the sleep he had the strangest of dreams. A vagueness, a ground he could not see, a sense of being that he often had when lucid dreams came to him. But there was no vibrant color, no odd landscape, no foreign ideas come to breed together to form his next invention. For the first time, he who imagined beyond even the realm he ruled saw only white. Or it was so until he stepped forward to get a grasp of this dreamscape.
Something less than white and stronger than color met his boot. A solid, slightly reflective surface. Glass. Walls all around him.
A trap.
But he didn’t have the energy to fight – only the energy to sigh and press his head against the glass and lament that he had not given a grand oration to his people before oblivion. Or that he had not begged forgiveness, especially from certain parties . . . The king turned his head when he belatedly noticed something else had been caged beside him, for a moment believing he had looked at a distorted reflection of himself.
But it couldn’t be – Mort dared to ask himself if maybe the glass was malfunctioning, for his reflection was not correct. For one the skin was all wrong, interestingly patchworked sure but mismatched, incongruous – and decaying, he mused with a slight frown. Was this just the second glass coffin he was looking at, rather? But the hair, the automail arm, the belt of tools, the glasses . . . Those were familiar to him, things he had worn on occasion if not all the time – well, save for the metal arm, that was truly a leap of technology he would have loved to investigate. But who was this creature whose stitches matched the very way his scars were carved? How could it be if . . .
It was only when he saw the red ribbon wrapped about the teen’s other arm did he realize who it was. And then the silver kings’ words, his champions’ words, all of them came back to him.
The king would have buckled under their weight normally, but here in this strange land of in between, where dream melded into reality, he felt only a deep sense of understanding overcome him instead. It dulled the pain of his memories even if it deepened his guilt. Biting the inside of his cheek in thought, he drew near to the glass pane and reached out, unable to help his curiosity. There was something about actually touching an object that revealed more than the eyes could – the imperative to grasp and understand the unknown. Even if glass clearly separated them.
And just as he did, he awoke; the king found himself staring into the same shade of green eyes he owned, and any semblance of doubt left him.
The king watched as this other self blinked awake with drowsy confusion, stretching his arms with multiple cracks as if his body was reluctant to be moving after so much time spent still. Waving, however, elicited no visible reaction: this Mort saw through him as if he wasn’t there, reached out to touch the glass just as he had but without knowledge that on the other side, a different existence waited. And unlike the king’s attempt, the glass broke under the stitched version’s hands; he stifled a chuckle as he watched the boy shuffle away and disappear to where he belonged – wherever that meant.
Well at least someone would be happy, no? That’s what he tried to tell himself as he moved to press his head against the wall again. An eternity to think to himself . . . What a glorious second place prize this was.
But he felt a presence that soothed his anxieties suddenly come over him - you are not alone - compelling him to instead turn around and view the door that had most certainly not been there before. Mort needed no extra prodding as he approached (he was, after all, king of curiosity) and opened it, the hollowness in his chest beginning to dare to hope that perhaps, in spite of all this mess and death and misunderstanding and betrayal, there was a way to mend things in the end.
He took a deep breath, pushed a curl of hair behind his ear, and stepped past the threshold.
(( In the case you choose to come find him for some final farewells, here's the starter post! ))
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:24 pm
“I declare a toast.”
The words were simple, and rang out in the empty space that had all turning to attention to the man with the imaginary glass in hand. There was no glass, nor any liquid in it, it was as fake as the rest of them, fragments of those that had the chance to continue on.
Either way, it was only fair. The members of the blue kingdom lived their lives around the gambling, drugs and of course, booze of the glitz and glamour life. It felt like a fitting way to go out for Jing , a cup held high and saying all that needed to be said.
“To Taima.” He began warmly, giving the girl the softest grin. “You have a warmth like a summer sun in a town filled with neon lights, pure and true, even in the toughest of times, it was your dedication that help us all in better spirits.” The cup was still in place, the other hand was ruffling her hair affectionately, like a older sibling to its runty, younger one.
“G.” the smile only got wider. ‘You were the gentle giant, strong as a barricade wall, and soft as a plush goose resting on a lake, may your heart stay as strong as your fists.’ The eye contact that came with the speech did not come from the massive man that gave his life for others to live, but for all the things he did, without asking, the dutiful guard of The Watch.
It was difficult to look from person to person, all the faces of those that made life worth living. “To Sera, Riyo and Sammy, Salvia and Tracey.” He directed, pointing the fake glass to the duo nearby. “An assembly of the most powerful and respected ladies of the Watch, those that had class, and knew how to kick a**.” He finished the joke with a chortle, his eyes dancing in merriment.
“And who can mention powerful ladies without one of the top dogs, Miss Candace and Atropos.” He turned, looking her in the eye. “Be it fashion or stomping on hearts, you did it all with flair, and still I have yet to give you a proper kiss.” Giving the lady one of the best hurtful looks he could muster, then puckering up and leaned in, taunting the girl before moving away.
“Jerry and Andrew, Roar and Ferros.” He pointed, pretending to fire a handgun at the duo. “All of you that served so well, giving 100% to what made The Watch so great, so powerful.” He swelled, raising his arms up and dropping them back down. “My gratitude to all you have done.” There could be no one else finer.
The group was still vast, the smiling faces that spent company together, it felt as if he’d never get to them all in time. The next victims came into view.
“And where would we be in our lives without the brains of the operation?” he asked aloud, spinning around to face everyone without the worry of spilling the amber liquid. “Where would we be without the expertise of Malodore and Melvin?” Giving a sweeping one handed bow to the duo. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart to be able to learn from the two of you, to be welcomed in conversation and share wit.”
‘To those that I never got to fully get to know, while you may not have touched my heart, you touched the lives of others and made us whole.” He stated, raising the glass again to Cee the Swan, Rin the Stag, Ahm the Crocodile, Matt the Butterfly, Sepheran the Snake, Olivia, and Gertrude. “Never think that your contributions meant nothing, you are family, and we love you dearly.” The grin was still in place, as he moved about the people, clasping them on the shoulder and moved closer to those that still needed mentioning.
The steps felt like it took minutes, but Jing was steadily drawing closer to the end, to the last few that needed to be mentioned, after that it was all going to end. Every step became a chore, like cement shoes that dragged along the floor.
“To my dearest sister, sweet Ying.” He began, patting her on the head with his free hand. “You are the other part to me, the right to my left, we are incomplete without the other.” He explained, bumping into her and patting her hand. “Our goal of escaping was foolish, this I have learned now. This place was our home, with everyone else.” He explained, dropping down to her height, the small twin that bared all of life’s trials alongside him. “And you know what, I’m glad I finally figured it out.”
It was then that it became the time he was dreading, there in the group was the person the dealer was not ready to face yet. The time in the tower, climbing all those steps, he felt cheated at the chance of confession, without hearing, without speaking and even without the gift of sight. But there was a chance to fix that now. Sweaty palms or not, he was going to act upon it. “To Nukpana, our Coyote” he began, feeling the fear rise up and want to silence his throat, seizing his voice and forcing the runner to clear his throat. “You were an enemy at times, and an ally at others. Due to the nature of our work, we ran across each other often, had each other’s back and given each other hell when times were tough. “He paused, finding the strength to continue on.
“We fought and play fought, bickered like children, but I don’t think I could asked for anyone better to watch my back. It’s a shame that I could never admit earlier how much I cared for you, even as I know we are both fake, you were a person I respected and had feelings for and you deserve to know that. My feelings for you are strong and pure affection, you silly little tiger.” It was very difficult to meet his eyes at the time, to peer into golden orbs, but the fraction of the second he made the contact, he was glad for it.
He could feel his voice getting thick with emotion, a depp welling from inside that threated to get out as the last set came into view. “To Jordan and Rep, the foundation that supported the king directly, it is because of your contributions, your love that kept us all going. You have my deepest gratitude.” There was nothing else to be said, save for one, the one that deserved the most praise.
“And finally, to Harrison, and Bones.” He began, coming face to face with the kingpin after so long. “You are the one who gave us all shelter, gave us a job, a purpose and a calling; you gave us so much and asked for very little in return. You made us all a family, in the truest sense of the word. I was a fool at first, that wanted you dead but now all I wish is to make amends, the best way I know how.
Jing bit back his pride, and fell to one knee, the arm with the imaginary glass in the air, the other swept over from one side to hold the opposite knee. “My king, I bring nothing but my skill, my will and my heart, may it be used to the fullest to the kingpin. May it keep him safe, and in great health, and find solace that his loyal subject is devoted to his cause.” And with that he rose, a better man than when he began, with a clear conscience and soul. The look of utter bliss on his face said it all.
“To those that are no longer with us anymore, to Mass and our Bartender that kept us in high spirits or just kept spirits in us, I shall never forget thee.”
“To The Watch!” the chorus rang out after the words were spoken from his lips and the drink in his hand was brought to the same place. It was as If he could taste the sweet nectar on his tongue, warming him from the inside. He knew it wasn’t the case. It was not the alcohol that provided that sensation. But the feelings of those that he had for everyone.
It was the scene of everyone with smiles on their faces, in cheers and raucous laughter that left an imprint on his mind. It was the way he wanted to remember them all, It was all that Jing could hope for in his new life. And all that his true self had it and more. The hope that the larger part of him had a family much like the one his shadow had.
He hoped that the scene would be the first thing that Jing would see when he woke, that scene of happiness.
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:26 pm
...
It was white. And bright. And overwhelming.
"...?"
He isn't quite sure why did he still exist. After all, with the coronation of the new True King, all other Fragments are supposed to vanish back into The Voice.
Yet here he was, standing, breathing.
He looked at himself. Whew, gaudy clothes...not really my style. noted him while cracking a small smile.
But he was there.
Looking around at the infinite blank space of white, he spotted a sword. Dyed in unnatural white that made it look almost other-worldly, a color which is devoid of any color-a sign of absolute purity. It pierces the 'ground', and seemed set to be eternally rooted there. Yet in times it seemed to flicker between exist and nonexist--somehow giving him the premonition that the Sword will vanish soon; and when that time comes, so will him.
Positioned around the pillar-like Sword was seven mirrors, each with different frame design and coloration.
Rei walked towards one of those mirrors. The surface is smooth and glassy, yet opaque. He can't see his own reflection. Moreover, it looks like the mirror does not reflecting him. Only a murky, cloudy image like water that has been soiled with milk can be observed.
"So...why am I brought to life again?" He muttered to himself. After all, there's nobody there. Correction: there's a large number of people there.
It may be a baseless premonition, but he somehow knew. All those small flickering lights that covered the entire area was the same at himself. Fragments.
It maybe by some strange rules, but he can't see their forms.
In that case...
There must be 'her' somewhere in here.
But how can he find her? Yelling? Calling? Drawing a huge 'I'm here!!!' picture on the blade of the sword, then sitting under it?
He still have time.
Meegane Sorry for being so melodramatic...but Rei wanted to see Ary for one last time.
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:29 pm
Gilly awoke with a start! She was still here. For a little bit... she looked around as others were awakening too. She stood up and shook her head.
"Oh! I only have a little bit of time." She peered over the crowd trying to see if she could find Xiu. She wanted to say she was sorry. She wanted to tell her how much she loved her, and the kingdom and all the time she spent there. That nothing they had, would ever be considered a waste.
As she gazed into the crowd she noticed Riley, and went running.
"MIIIISSSSSSS RRIIILLLEEEYYYYY!" She almost plowed right into her, tears streaming out from her eyes. "I don't know, did we, .... sniff... did we do good? Was this was you were hoping for?" Her eyes were big and hopeful.
Kaiyumi gilly's looking for you @3@
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:30 pm
Even though his image was cast in the mold of Mot's physical appearance, it was this gentle reaction to his own fate that made Riley's brows furrow in despair. Just like the ones she'd met, wearing the faces of the ones she loved, this man was more Mot than he could have ever known. Riley put her hand on his cheek, pulled his face forward, and stared intensely into his eyes.
I wonder if it really is the end. She murmured, her eyes focused on looking for something in those eyes that might indicate he had the spark to ignite. Maybe, once all of this fades away, you'll live on, somewhere. You, specifically. Her head tilted, just slightly, and her expression softened into content. Maybe I'll see you again, someday.
It was a telling motion, Riley's proximity and her casual touch, holding his face so close. She wasn't playing the ruse, anymore. She was just plain old Riley. And she wondered if, somewhere in this fragment, a tiny piece of Mot was caught, waiting to be set free and return to its owner.
Perhaps, in that way, this was not an end at all. It was just the beginning.
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:33 pm
Dawn did not break through the cloudy grey clouds just yet, but it worked to burn them away, slowly, piece by piece so that everything began slowly. Eyelashes fluttered over pink eyes until they opened fully, focused on the long, slender pale hand that waited, outstretched and patient. Belladonna took it, one hand placed into the white one and one pressed against the wound in her stomach that was erased as she was brought to her feet, gently this time. A crowd of people were all around, mingling and talking and reuniting. Some were lined with an odd aura, not a color Belladonna could properly place, but more like a feeling, an intuitive knowledge that they were like her. Yet the hand that had been placed into the glowing white one was dropped and the being that had helped her back to her feet poked a finger into her shoulder. Spoke to her privately with a coy, if vastly warm small. They're waiting for you…The white pillar, for that was what it was, just a faceless column of good and hope and happiness, smiled at the girl and pressed her forward. A return smile was given as Belladonna turned back to face the people the milled about before she took a breath and a step forward. The faerie rushed out and first found the kitsune and nymph friends, grabbed them both into a hug rather they wanted it or not and was glad they were safe. She praised their hard work and dedication to their kingdom, ruffled each of their hair and took their hands separately to pay compliments to each about their achievements. Next she found Eva, apologized for never having had the time to decorate her with flowers, but still smiled warmly at her, glad she was safe. Next was the Eladrin, who the faerie felt it only necessary to take flight so she could wrap her arms around the girl's neck and hold her close. She begged forgiveness for her actions, she told her she was so sorry for the pain she'd inflicted and tried to explain in a stilted, confused voice that it was for the best and that she was, most of all, thankful for the friendship Sin had extended to her. The Tiefling came next, tall and imposing so that Belladonna had to once more flutter up to her height so she could hug her tight and press a kiss to her warm forehead and laugh at Ofelia's harumphing over the show of affection. Everyone received something from the faerie, a hug, a touch of shoulder, a word of thanks and well wishing, she even went so far as to press a kiss to the forehead of the paladin who had spoken before her in what seemed ages ago, who had offered his allegiance to their king and had fought so bravely. But once more, she saved the most important for last and finally the faerie shyly approached the King, a timid, scared smile on her mouth. There seemed no words to express her emotions as tears pricked at her eyes, as she bit down on her lip to keep from crying while she held out the broken, but still mostly in tact white rose to her king. "I really do love you, you know." Belladonna told him with a small, sharp laugh for this Mort was just a different facet of the one she really did love. But still she offered up the flower, missing a few petals but still good, still what it meant. As it had been before and would always be, her previous offer still stood. She still pledged herself to him with the white rose of undying love. ((Any other Greenies that want interaction, this is your notice! XD ))
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Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:33 pm
She looked at him for a moment trying hard to maintain aloofness, but his words startled her visibly and she frowned and looked away from him unable to bear his expression. Her shoulders lifted in a half shrug and she raised a hand to flick a strand of hair back, a black strand that would have been hot pink if she were real. "You did what you felt was right and fortunately for you I will be gone soon…there will be no evidence of what was done. I…I do not see why my forgiveness should matter to you, I am nothing but a fragment." She whirled away then unable to stand it, to know that this was her end and all her life had been for naught, a false life, a life un-lived. She stalked away as far as she could from Julian and towards the one person she wanted to see last. If her end had to come, she wanted it to come when she was where she belonged. Her eyes scanned the crowd and finally she spotted Mort. She walked over slowly half afraid of what he would say, she didn't want him to deny their world, she needed someone somewhere to believe that what they'd had was better than what they were being condemned and replaced by. She moved in front of him worried about interrupting and pausing to bend to one knee. "Mort…" It felt odd to address him so informally but she continued because if these were to be her last words she had to say them quickly. "in my heart Om is truth, and in my heart you will always be my King. I am sorry that it has come to this, but I needed you to know that if there were any way…I would fight to create our world again and keep it alive." She sighed and then slowly stood before tipping her head and curtseying. That was it then all she could muster, she wished she could find the words for Belladonna but the pain there was too deep, if Julian's words had cut her to her core then she knew she could never bear to hear Belladonna's. Yet the words came, and a hug that she hadn't expected. She trembled slightly and pressed her lips tight to keep herself under control, to keep from asking why she wasn't as good as the OTHER. She slowly pried the faerie's arms from around her neck gentle and nodding softly. The thanks hurt the most, thanks for what? A friendship that obviously wasn't as good as what awaited her in the 'real' world. She wanted to say so much, but she couldn't, if she started now she might never stop, and the tears would break the dam she held up with such effort. She walked away instead slowly and trying to keep a facade of calm, so much for a happy ending.
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