Okay, this is part B of The Tempest. So be sure to read part A first, neh?

And I lied. I'm reading over it trying to find typos, etc. Though I'm half asleep so it's probably pointless... All well. XD

Read part A?

Good. Now onto:

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The Tempest; part b
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Yuki sat for quite awhile in the rain, watching the lightning flash across the sky, the dark clouds and the wind rustling through the trees...

Shades of grey. Even the lightning looked grey to his eyes.

Another tear ran down his face and he pushed it away, taking in an unneeded breath. Numb, unnecessary lungs... It was more out of habit really. He couldn’t feel the air anyway...

The small silver haired man sighed, rubbing a bit at his eyes with his pale hands. “Everything’s falling apart,” he whispered quietly, once again moving his grey eyes to focus on the murky night sky. He bit his lip, trying to hold back the tears in his eyes.

Druu-chan...Druu I am so sorry...

The others were suspicious now, he knew... All of them. Not that he blamed them. They had every right to be suspicious of course. Because they were right. Completely right. He in fact...

I’m a lie.

A loud crack of thunder shook the earth and he let out a sigh, running a hand through his soaked silver hair. Stay calm...Just stay calm...

Sure. Stay calm as Druu dies because you said nothing.

Another small sob suddenly escaped his lips and he dropped his face back into his hands, his loose hair falling to cover his wet face.

“I should have just said something. Anything,” he whispered aloud, his soft voice shaking. “But... I couldn’t...”

The guilt of his silence was weighing heavy on him. Completely justified guilt, wasn’t it? He had known. Known.

Earlier, as he had watched the psychic, he... It was his eyes that had given it away. Druu’s lavender eyes...

In a sudden flash of realization he had recognized that look. It was that tired, aching look that had entered his eyes for only one brief flash of a moment... But it was enough. Yuki had noticed.

Druu must have thought he had better control, but... I could see it... He...

“God damn it...”

This charade... Was getting so very old. How much longer could he keep it? Probably not much longer... Not now. Sanosuke had been angry... And Rae hurt... And...And...

It was the last thing he had wanted.

“I just... I just... Why can’t I be with them?”

Really, sitting in the rain talking to himself probably wasn’t the best idea, but right now... He couldn’t move. He just sat, tears slipping from his bright grey eyes.

Kopaka-san...

Why couldn’t he stay? Yuki knew he was fading. It was falling apart and... There’s nothing I can do...

The grey would swallow him and take him... Where? What would happen to him? That thought was quite terrifying, but not nearly as terrifying as... Never seeing them again.

Kopaka... Druu... Kitsune... Malba...

Of course and then there were the humans. He had never really expected to grow so attached to Rae. In the beginning... Hadn’t she merely been a tool to...

But now... The girl... He...

The tears continued to flow from his grey eyes, his shoulders shaking.

Like a sister. That’s what she had become. And Sano, the brave, headstrong traveler from the past... Why did he have to grow so attached to these humans? The younger boy, Jiro. A playful cocky teen, so likable and...

He had grown attached. To Rae and her human family and the...

The thought of belonging.

To belong again, to be known and cared about... It...

He should have just stayed away, watched from the shadows. That would have been enough, right? But... He had longed to be near them again, to listen to Kopaka ramble and laugh, to watch Malba and Kitsune bicker, to see that kind, tired smile of Druu’s... He hadn’t been able to stay away.

Even after all he had done...

I really am a lie...

If Druuvbin dies this time... If... It will break them. If he dies... If... Yuki couldn’t finish the thought, instead he let out a shuddering sigh, pulling his hands away from his wet face.

He had run. As the psychic fell forward, blood dripping from his mouth... He ran. That pain filled face and agonizing cough had been too much... Too much...

Oh Druu-chan, I’m so sorry... Kopaka-san...I...

At least... At least he had helped the girl use that damn jump device. Of course now that he had done that.... Her suspicions would only be increased. Lightning and... It’s all falling apart... I won’t be here much longer... I know... I just... I want to stay...

The silver haired man shook his head, taking in a deep breath. Enough. He had spent too long out in the rain, hiding.

With another shuddering breath, Yuki stood, once more rubbing at his eyes. He then slowly reached into a pocket, pulling out a dark grey hairband. He quickly pulled his wet silver hair back into a low, loose ponytail. His usual style, when not wearing his hair down and free of course. Another deep breath, another wave of guilt...

Just stay calm...

With one last shuddering sigh Yuki turned and stared at the apartment building. It was time to go back and face that bloody, pale face...

Shaky legs carried him back to the apartment, dread filling his non-beating heart.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Okay. Rae really, really needed a cigarette.

She was wet, cold, tired, scared, worried sick, had a killer magick induced headache and now, now....

“What the heck happened to you two anyway? You both look really gross,” the cool voice commented, voice filled with distaste.

The pink haired girl slowly turned, her eyes focusing on the owner of the voice. “Veenom,” Rae stated flatly, meeting the demon’s bright green eyes.

Oh this is just wonderful. We just had to run into her. This just keeps getting better and better, the girl thought, her mind flashing over the memory of her last meeting with the demon. First Veenom had kidnapped and freaking SOLD Sanosuke, then she had randomly showed up and taunted Druu, calling him horrible names... And well. Just generally stating her hate for all of humanity in general.

Wonderful...

Sano turned to face the demon, a frown on his lips. He crossed his arms, glaring at the demon, anger in his eyes. “We really don’t have time to deal with you right now.”

“Yeah well, whatever. I want to know what you two humans are doing parading around in my forest all wet and gross like,” she replied, placing a hand on her lean hip.

“Your forest?” Sano stated, raising an eyebrow.

Rae let out a slow sigh, biting her lip a bit. She glanced over the poison demon, taking in her appearance. “You changed your hair,” she commented, noticing the demon’s shorter, dark green hair. Hadn’t it been longer and purple-ish before?

“Oh yeah. I was getting bored with it. You like?” Veenom questioned, running a hand through her chin-length green hair.

“Uh... Yeah. It looks really nice. I like it,” the pink haired girl replied with a blink. The demon may be a bitch, but... She was rather pretty. And the hair is nice... Rae took in the lean woman’s apparel, her short dark grey top showing off a bit of pale skin. Her cool grey skirt and black leggings... Oh, and the cool black taped boots... “You look good.”

“Huh? What are you doing?” Sano questioned quietly, glancing at Rae with a slightly confused look.

“Hah, thanks. I do look pretty good, right?” Veenom replied, a smile appearing on her purple-lipstick covered lips.

“Uh... Yeah.” Okay, Rae was a little confused. Shouldn’t Veenom be trying to kill them or something? Or at least knocking us out so she can sell us...

“I like your hair too, you know when it’s not all wet and gross-like,” the green haired demon commented, eyeing Rae’s long hair. “I can never stand to have my hair that long though. It totally gets on my nerves.”

“Uh, thanks. Well yeah. It can be a pain. Plus my hair tangles insanely bad, but you know. I manage,” the girl replied with a blink, unsure what to make of the casual conversation.

“Yeah. Long hair always looks bad on me anyway. It so doesn’t go with my face shape.”

“Well the short hair’s great. It emphasizes your eyes.”

“Thanks.”

Sano and Rae shared a quick confused glance, both a little uncertain of the demon’s intentions. What’s her deal? She’s being somewhat friendly.... But didn’t she just say our day was about to get worse?

“So, anyway. What are Druuvbin’s little pet humans doing wandering around near Laineka? And how did you get here? What, you pathetic humans lost or something?” the green haired demon questioned, a smirk appearing on her lips.

Well... I guess the friendliness is over now... Rae bit her lip to keep from snapping back at the ‘pet human’ comment, instead taking a deep breath. So don’t want to make her mad if at all possible.

“Ah shut it, hag,” Sanosuke shot back, giving the demon an angry glare.

Well... There goes that whole let’s not piss her off plan... Rae thought with a small sigh as she watched Veenom twitch angrily.

“What did you call me?” she shouted, her green eyes flashing with anger. “You dare talk to me in such a way, you disgusting human?”

Before Sano could answer Rae put a hand on his shoulder, giving the teen a pleading look. Don’t start Sano... Let’s try to get out of this alive.

“Look Veenom, ignore him. We’ve just had a reaaally bad day, okay? And um. We don’t want to fight. So, if it’s okay with you, Sano and I are just gonna leave your forest, and we can forget this ever happened, okay?” Rae questioned, giving the poison demon an apologetic smile.

Come on... Please just go away...

“Yeah, sure. Right. What are you stupid?” Veenom replied, raising an eyebrow at the pink haired girl.

“Well... It was just a thought,” Rae replied, narrowing her eyes.

“Yeah, a stupid one,” the demon smirked, rolling her eyes.

“So, before we start fighting or whatever... You don’t happen to have any cigarettes do you?” the pink haired girl questioned hopefully, a small sigh escaping her lips. I just want a fucking cigarette... Is that too much to ask? This is just getting way too stressful...

“Ew. No. Cigarettes are gross.”

“Cigarettes are so not gross.”

“Yeah, whatever. Ashtray girl.”

“...I am not an ashtray.”

“Whatever.”

Sanosuke watched the two’s exchange, raising an eyebrow, though he remained quiet.

“So... Let’s see here. Ashtray and Rooster, the little pet humans without their owner. And what’s this I smell? Uh-oh, is that blood? Oh well. That’s like, a lot of blood, huh? Now, I wonder what that could mean?” Veenom questioned with a widening smirk, sauntering casually closer to Rae and Sanosuke, running a hand through her dark-green hair. “Now whose blood is that I wonder? Hm, let me think....”

Rae twitched, her hands fisting at her sides. Man, she really is a bitch... “Come on Veenom. Can’t you just let us go? Please?” Why was she even bothering to ask? Judging by that grin on the demon’s lips... She’s enjoying this...

“Yeah look demon woman, we have more important things to deal with right now. So just leave us alone,” the spiky haired teen added, taking a step closer to the woman. “Just go.”

“So, did the mighty Druuvbin finally break? It’s about damn time,” Veenom commented, walking closer, grabbing Rae’s hand to look at the blood stains. “Is he dead yet?” she then questioned hopefully, turning her gaze to the blood stains on the girl’s rain soaked shirt.

Rae jerked her hand away from the woman, an angry sigh escaping her lips. “Look Veenom, I REALLY don’t want to fight with you okay? I know you have some weird thing where you hate Druu or whatever, but I frankly don’t give a damn. Just leave us alone,” she snapped, taking a step away from the lean, taller woman.

The longer we stay here wasting time... Druu is... Rae bit her lip. Her thoughts flashing back to those bloody lips and pale face...Druu... Don’t die Druu... Please...

“You loyal little pets. He has got you so fooled. But I know what Druuvbin really is. He’s nothing but a monster. I could tell he was getting ready to break, you know? The last time? Heh, it was all over him. So come on tell me, is he dead yet?” the woman inquired with a cold smile on her lips, hate burning in her green eyes. “Is he suffering? God I hope so.”

“Why don’t you shut the hell up, you stupid hag? You have no idea what you’re talking about. You might have sneaked up on me last time, but this time I think I can take you. So either go now, or I’m gonna kick your ass, how’s that?” Sano shouted irately, stepping closer to the woman, his eyes flashing with anger.

“Try it, human,” Veenom retorted with a challenging smirk.

Rae clenched her fists tighter, an almost cold rage threatening to take over at the woman’s cruel words. How dare she? How dare she say such awful things? Druu’s bleeding and in pain and suffering and dying and this stupid bitch has the nerve to say all that shit? It was too much. Too much, too much stress, too much blood, too much to worry over and...

“Look you stupid, obnoxious little bitch. I know you have some little angst issue or past child-hood trauma that makes you act like a fucking cold jerk. I know you hate Druu for some stupid reason, and I know you hate us ‘pathetic’ humans. Guess what? I don’t give a flying fuck. I don’t care what your problem is. I don’t care why you’re mad at Druu. I don’t care,” Rae snapped icily, with each word she spoke her voice growing colder and colder.

Veenom frowned, crossing her arms, eyebrow twitching.

“So, you hate Druu? Did he do some horrible awful thing to you? Awww that’s just so sad. Guess what? I really don’t care. I don’t care if he killed your fucking puppy and nailed its body to your door as a Valentine’s Day present. I. Don’t. Care. We’re leaving. And you’re going to go away. Understand?” the girl bit out, her voice slipping into an almost sing-song like tone, her eyes glaring daggers at the poison demon. It was too much. And now... Now she was really, really pissed.

Sano raised an eyebrow at the girl, but nodded in agreement, turning his attention back to the demon, a smirk forming on his lips. “Yeah. What she said.”

Veenom frowned, her eyebrow twitching, fury shining in her green eyes. “How... How DARE you talk to me like that YOU disgusting, LOWLY HUMAN?!” the demon shouted, pointing a finger angrily at the pink haired girl. “...And what the hell is a Valentine day?”

Okay... So maybe that wasn’t such a good idea, Rae thought nervously, her rage dying down a bit. In retrospect, maybe it really hadn’t been such a great idea to call her an obnoxious little bitch... Oh and maybe the puppy thing had been a little much too... The girl felt her heartbeat increase, noting the deadly look in the demon’s angry eyes. Yeah... Me and my big mouth... Where the hell did I even come up with the puppy thing anyway? Was that on Buffy or something?

“...You know. I was just going to knock you out and sell you, but now, you know what? I think I’ll just kill you instead. I mean after all, the rooster didn’t make me much money last time, and I’m sure no one would pay much for a lame fat human like you, Ashtray. So, yeah. I’m just really, really going to kill you,” the demon commented icily, a deadly smile appearing on her purple lips.

Oh shit... We’re so dead... Fuck.

Rae and Sano exchanged glances, and Sano frowned, seemingly in thought. He then turned his gaze back to the demon, a determined look appearing in his brown eyes.

“Get out of here Rae. Go on to Laineka,” the spiky haired teen ordered calmly, his eyes locked on the angry demon before them.

“What?! What the hell are you talking about?” Rae squeaked, her eyes widening at the teen’s words.

“I said go. I’ll take care of the hag and meet you there later,” Sano stated firmly, not taking his gaze away from Veenom. “She obviously isn’t going to leave us alone, so I’ll just have to deal with her.”

“Are you crazy? You want me to leave you alone to get killed?” Rae questioned shakily, eyebrow rising. I can’t just leave!

“Druu doesn’t have much time, right? Well, we’re wasting time. Get to Laineka. Find a way in, Rae,” he replied calmly, determination in his eyes and voice. “I can take her.”

“Hah, you take me? That’s really funny,” Veenom commented, crossing her arms. “Are you serious? You really want to fight me?”

“Yeah, I’m serious. I’m going to fight you, and I’m going to win,” Sano retorted, flashing a cocky smirk to the green haired woman. “You’re real sneaky and all, slipping up behind me and knocking me out with some weird powder. But how about a real fight? You think you can take me in a real fight, hag?” the teen took a step closer to the pale demon, his fists clenched.

Rae shook her head, heartbeat quickening. “Sano! You... I can’t just leave!” she stated unevenly, her eyes wide. I can’t leave him here! He’s a human! A human against a demon? That’s...

“Rae I’m telling you, I can take her. You and Malba get whatever’s on that list. I’ll meet back up with you in Laineka,” he stated, turning to give the girl a confident gaze. “Go.”

The pink haired girl gazed into those self-assured brown eyes, listened to that determination filled voice...

“I... Just make sure you win, okay? Don’t you dare get killed,” she answered shakily, taking a step back, her legs trembling. I can’t believe I’m doing this...

“Hah, go if you want, Ashtray. Just a warning though? After I kill him, I’m coming for you. Because you totally piss me off,” Veenom cut in, an icy smile on her lips.

“Will you stop calling me that?!”

“Ashtray.”

“Stupid bitch. Kick her ass Sano. I know you can,” Rae stated firmly, giving the teen a forced smile. “I’ll see ya in Laineka.”

“Yeah. I’ll be there,” Sano replied, giving the girl a smirk.

...I... I believe in you Sano...

Veenom’s energies... The demon had power, Rae was sure of that. She focused her witchy senses, trying to read the energy pattern of the woman... Yeah, there was power. Not on the level of Kitsune or any of the elementals but... Still. The woman had a buzz of energy, Rae could sense it. However... Right now, as she turned her attention to the spiky haired teenager... Sanosuke’s energy felt bright, strong. Determined and unwavering...

“Have fun. Oh and don’t get lost in the forest like you did with the whole Kyoto thing,” she stated with a shaky smile. With that said the girl turned away, running back towards the path to Laineka.

I’m sorry Sano... But you can do it. I believe in you...

She disappeared into the gloominess, leaving Sano and Veenom alone in the secluded section of the Kainitif forest.

“So human? You ready to die?”

“Let’s see which one of us dies, hag.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Where the hell have you been?” Jiro questioned, his steel eyes focused on the petite silver haired man standing in the room’s doorway.

Yuki let out a shuddering sigh, his grey eyes focusing on the unconscious psychic held in Kopaka’s arms.

“I... It scared me so much that I lost hold of this plane for a minute. I’m sorry,” Yuki lied, not taking his eyes away from Druuvbin’s pale face. “What’s wrong with him?” he went on to ask, pretending he didn’t know... Pretending that he...

“...Kopaka hasn’t said exactly. He’s actually not talking at all now. He’s too busy giving Druu energy or something,” Jiro replied, however he gave the silver haired man a suspicious look. The boy then looked away, turning his gaze back to the unconscious sprite. “Rae and Sano went to get Malba and some medicine...”

Yuki nodded, biting his lip. He watched the grey haired sprite, noting his gently moving hair, the cool wind encircling the room.
He’s giving all he can... Be careful Kopaka-san... Don’t drain yourself completely...

It was ironic. In the whole room full of only shades of grey... The only color he could plainly see... Was that dried dark red blood on the psychic’s face. Vibrant red amongst a sea of grey.

He slowly moved into the room, his legs shaking, his eyes watering. Don’t cry...

“Is there... Anything I can do?” Yuki questioned softly, knowing that there wasn’t anything. Not one thing... Not really...

“I don’t know,” Jiro replied with a weary sigh, turning his gaze to the dark window, the stormy sky... “I hope Mom comes home soon...” the boy said softly, another sigh escaping his lips.

He could think of nothing more to say so he just stood, watching Kopaka and Druu, watching the slow breeze brush against the wind sprite’s grey hair. Kopaka’s eyes closed, his handsome face showing his concentration, his worry... His...

Kopaka-san... I’m sorry...

“Man he looks bad...” Jiro commented quietly, his steel eyes again set on the unconscious psychic. He then turned his gaze away, focusing on the icy haired boy sitting beside him instead. “Kouji? You’re being really quiet. Are you okay?”

Yuki watched the half demon, noting the blank look on his white, icy face. Though his face held no sign of emotion, tears slowly slipped from the boy’s eyes. “Kouji-chan?” the silver haired man questioned gently, moving further into the room, closer to the boy.

Kouji... Kouji actually made him nervous, really. The boy could see things... He seemed to be able to... He knows something about me.... I don’t know how much but... He knows I’m not...

Still, he pushed his uneasiness away, crouching down next to the boy, attempting to meet his eyes. “Kouji-chan?” he questioned again, trying to get the boy’s attention.

The half demon did not respond however, instead he kept his icy gaze down at Druuvbin’s pale, motionless hand held in his own.

“He’s been like that for awhile,” the shaggy haired teen commented, a frown on his lips as he watched the boy. “He won’t talk.”

Yuki frowned, noting the guilt in Kouji’s eyes... His otherwise blank face... He must have sensed something...

A sigh escaped his lips and he placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder. Another wave of guilt washed over him and again he had to fight back the tears threatening to flood his eyes. It’s not your fault Kouji.... It’s not your fault at all...

How much psychic power did the boy possess? How much did he know? How much can you see Kouji? How...

“Yuki, you’re back, huh?” Kopaka questioned quietly, breaking into his thoughts. The small silver haired man jumped a bit, startled by the sprite’s words.

He turned his gaze to the wind elemental, meeting his now open eyes. Kopaka’s blue eyes filled with magick energy, swirling wind and ice in those bright eyes... Kopaka-san...

“I-um... I...” What could he say? He turned his gaze away, unable to look into those blue eyes. “I’m sorry.” Yuki could think of no other words to say. I’m so sorry...

“His pulse is a little stronger, and his breathing is a little steadier... I think it’ll be okay to move him now,” Kopaka stated softly, ignoring Yuki and his apology. He instead focused on the unconscious blue haired psychic in his arms. “Jiro, let’s move him into Rae’s room. Make him more comfortable...”

The shaggy haired teen nodded in response, running a hand through his brown locks. “Yeah, okay.... So... Do you think you can tell me what’s going on now?” he questioned, his voice tired and worried.

“Yeah. Let’s get him in bed, and I’ll try to explain... Hopefully that was enough energy to last for a little while... But...” the sprite trailed off, letting out a weary sigh.

Yuki watched the grey haired elemental, noting the depletion of Kopaka’s energy, his tired blue eyes filled with wind and ice... Kopaka-san.... I... The grey eyed man let out a shaky sigh, fighting back his tears... This... I should have said something... I...

Kopaka slowly stood, carefully lifting Druu in his arms, supporting his head against his shoulder. A small bit of fresh blood slowly trailed from the psychic’s nose, and Kopaka frowned, concern in his tired eyes. “Hang on Druu.” With that said he turned, carrying the blue haired water elemental out of the room.

Jiro stood and let out a small sigh. He then glanced down at the silent Kouji, who continued to stare at his now empty hand. “Hey, Kouji, come on,” he commented, tapping the boy gently on the shoulder.

“Okay...I’ll be there in a minute,” the boy finally answered, his light voice holding an almost lost tone, sad and soft. “I want to talk to Yuki first.”

Jiro nodded, giving the boy a small concern filled gaze before turning, exiting the room as well.

He wants to talk to me? Yuki stood for a moment watching the boy. Kouji continued to sit motionless, staring at his hand. The short man frowned, crouching next to the boy once again, meeting his eyes. “It’s not your fault,” he whispered, his voice soft, shaky. It’s my fault. Completely my fault...

“You knew too. We both knew, but we didn’t say anything. So it’s our fault, right? Isn’t that right? We didn’t say anything...” the boy trailed off, shaking his head a bit.

“I...I...” Yuki stuttered a bit, biting his lip. He knows I know... He... A wave of fresh guilt washed over him and he let out a shaky breath, fighting to keep his emotions in check.

He was surprised however when the icy boy moved to give him a hug, wrapping his thin arms around the man’s neck. Yuki tensed, startled by Kouji’s action. “Um...”

“You’re so sad Yuki. You’re grey and you don’t want to go. Right?” the boy questioned, leaning his head on Yuki’s lean shoulder, his tears soaking the man’s already rain drenched shirt. Not that Yuki could really feel the dampness... His senses had long since dulled...

“You... Can see a lot of things, can’t you Kouji?” Yuki questioned, awkwardly patting the boy on the back.

“I see the colors and... And... Things... Things I don’t really understand... I don’t know...I just know Druu is dying and you are grey. You’re not a ghost either,” Kouji stated, his voice muffled.

...This boy...

A nervous wave flashed through him and he pulled back a bit, meeting the boy’s ice blue eyes. “I... What do you mean? I’m not a ghost?” How can he know? He keeps saying that, but... How...

“Don’t worry. It’s a secret, I know. You can’t tell. They can’t know or the grey will come...” the boy replied, a slight look of confusion entering his eyes. “What is the grey, Yuki?”

Yuki bit his lip, a tear slipping from his eye, trailing down his pale face. “I...It’s...”

“You don’t have to tell me. It’s not like I’ll be able to remember anyway,” Kouji stated, a self-loathing tint entering his light voice. “I never remember anything....” With that said the boy gave Yuki another small hug and then pulled away, slowly standing.

“I wanna go see Druu now...” he whispered softly, turning, leaving the room with another small sigh.

Yuki blinked away a few more tears, rubbing at his eyes. That poor boy... He then stood, his grey eyes slowly glancing about the room. His gaze finally stopped on the tv, the screen still showing a paused video-game. No one had bothered to turn it off...

Yuki slowly walked to the tv, his tear filled eyes locked on the screen. He slowly reached out a hand, pressing the power button on the television. The screen flashed and went blank, fading to black. He continued to stand, staring at that blank screen...

I don’t want to leave...

With a shake of his head he turned away, leaving the room to join the others in Rae’s room, his heart heavy and his eyes filled with tears...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
end part b
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Rae: Okay, now on to part C, neh?
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(Posting it in a few minutes, yo. XD)