Ohayo gozaimasu, minna! ^_^ 
Here's part 3. No malice whatsoever
was intended for this story, ne?
Enjoy...

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Autumn's Promise
Chapter 3
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        "You don't know who you're dealing with!!" Hiei hollered.
        "Maybe I do, maybe I don't!" Came the reply of Hiei's opponent, 
Kuanja, and gashed Hiei's right shoulder with the large sword. Hiei 
uttered a cry of pain, but held his own sword in place.
        "Remember HER right shoulder, child?" Kuanja twirled his sword 
like a baton. "She was stubborn, so she had to pay."
        "SHUT UP!!" Hiei fired back, and charged again, as blood oozed 
down his arm, and dripped onto the ground from his elbow.

        "Hiei!" Kurama's smile faded. "He's in trouble. We have to help 
him!"
        "Yeah, let's go!" Yusuke and Kuwabara nodded. "Botan, take the 
others to safety. Looks like this boring day is turning out to be 
not-so-boring after all." Yusuke grinned mischievously, and walked 
towards Hiei and the unknown swordsman, along with Kurama and Kuwabara.
        "Hiei is in trouble..?" Miko asked worriedly. 
        Botan placed her hand on Miko's shoulder, and winked. "Don't 
worry. Hiei-chan can handle it."
        Miko nodded in reply, but was still doubtful about it. Hiei was 
no ordinary being. In fact, he didn't seem human. Miko did not care 
about that. If only there was some way she could help. Her face crumpled 
when she saw Hiei's right shoulder.
        
        "Kuanja!" Akuna's shrill voice penetrated the air. "I ask you to 
do a simple thing, and it takes you forever!"
        "Rei gun!!" Yusuke fired at Kuanja. Kuanja shrieked, and dodged 
out of the way, giving Yusuke a menacing glare. Kuwabara and Kurama 
stepped forward, ready with their own weapons.
        "Who are you? Why are you here?" Kurama demanded, holding his 
rose whip tightly just in case the demon woman before him had decided to 
attack.
        The woman laughed. "I am Akuna, and I have more important things 
to do! Ciao!" Before she disappeared completely, Kurama lashed at her 
with his rose whip, but the whip went through her, and she escaped.
        Akuna's voice sounded above the momiji. "Kuanja, time to go. We 
shall deal with this later!" 
        Kuanja stopped short. His sword was only a few inches away from 
Hiei's nape. Hiei turned just in time to save himself.
        "This is not over yet, forbidden one," Kuanja said, and passed 
out of sight, leaving Hiei clutching his bleeding shoulder.
        Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Kurama rushed to his side, concern on 
their faces. Kurama tried to have a look at his shoulder, but Hiei 
pushed him away.
        "Why did you have to interfere?! I didn't need your help! I 
didn't need anyone's help! ...Let go of my shoulder!" He shouted at 
them. "I don't want--"
        "SHUT UP, HIEI!!" Yusuke shouted back, and socked him on the 
cheek, making him stumble back on a tree trunk. They heard the girls 
gasp from behind them, especially Miko.
        Blood welled up on Hiei's lower lip. He gave an angry smile, and 
spat on the ground. He wiped the red color from his mouth with his left 
arm, and took off.

                                *~*~*

        They pulled her head back, as she cried out in pain. It made him 
shudder just to hear her being treated that way. He couldn't even do 
anything, since the cell door blocked his path. Through the small hole 
on the heavy-framed metal door, the boy could see them holding a knife 
to her throat. He tried pushing the door, but it didn't budge. His sword 
had been taken away, and his powers were spent. 
        "No, don't! I'll do as you say!" The boy said, as he banged his 
fists loudly on the door. "Don't hurt her!"
        The two holding the girl nodded to each other, and pushed her 
against the metal door. They brought the boy out of his cell, proud of 
his decision. He swallowed guiltily, but felt relieved that they were no 
longer going to harm her.
        The girl gathered her strength. "No, don't do it!"
        One of the two, struck her. The boy's eyes widened, as he saw 
the crimson liquid spurt from her right shoulder. When he saw the hand 
of the one who had struck her, he saw that he was holding the knife.
        The boy's temper erupted like a volcano. "You BASTARD!!"
        He didn't care if he didn't have any enegry left. He didn't care 
if he didn't carry his sword. He swung his fists aimlessly at the male 
being who wounded the girl. Left, right, left, right... All useless 
efforts. The male being kneed him in the gut, and slashed his temple. 
The boy collapsed on the ground, his blood mixing with the girl's. 
        "NO!!" She cried, and cradled his head, the pain on her right 
shoulder forgotten. 
        The two beings laughed out loud, and turned on their heels, 
leaving the boy and the girl in a bloody mess. The boy opened his eyes, 
blinking at the hot,
immense sensation bolting through his head. He inhaled sharply through 
his teeth, and sat up, turning his eyes to the girl's concerned face.
        "Are you alright?" They asked in unison. Much to their surprise, 
they laughed. It hurt to move, but it felt good to know that they were 
there for each other.
        The boy's expression turned serious and surly. "I'm going to 
make them pay! You just watch! I'll make sure they rot in hell!"
        The girl put her finger to his lips. "Sshhh... calm down before 
you hurt yourself again. You always let your temper get the better of 
you." She smiled sadly at him, then ripped a small part from the 
material on the pants she wore, exposing her thigh. With sure and able 
hands, she wrapped the cloth around his forehead and temple, soothing 
the cut. The boy was at a loss for words, when she gazed at him with 
those eyes the color of sky.
        "Eisila..." He breathed her name, and touched the fabric tied 
around his head. He knew he would wear it for the rest of his life.

        Blackness surrounded every corner; every corridor, like a bat's 
den. She heard a faint rustle, as she awoke from her sleep. Miko had 
tossed and turned that night. The extraordinary events that took place 
earlier left her bewildered as ever. Somehow, she managed to fall 
asleep, and dream. Another odd dream. It wasn't one of the recurring 
ones, but it definitely was weird. 
        Miko eyed the small clock radio on the night table, beside her 
bed. It was only 2:30 AM! She grumbled, and pulled the blanket up to her 
chin, snuggling against the big, fluffy, pink pillows. The sound of 
rustling didn't stop. It was mixed with the scent of the dewey evening 
breeze... and something else. There was a hint of blood in the air. The 
smell stung her nostrils. She grimaced, and tried to hold in her breath. 
...but stopped. Why was the window open?

        Several minutes had gone by before he noticed that she had 
moved. As still as a tiger in the night, Hiei watched the sleeping human 
girl from atop a leguminous tree branch. She kindled his curiosity, 
sparked his interest. He had pushed open the window to satisfy his 
eagerness to learn about this strange girl. He eyed her carefully, in 
her natural-suspension-of-consciousness state. He clenched his jaw, and 
winced as a slapping sensation burned his cheek. His cheek was still 
swollen from Yusuke's slug. Even his right shoulder still ached from the 
blow he had from Kuanja earlier. He inhaled sharply through his teeth, 
and focused his attention back to Miko, who suddenly spoke.
        "What are you doing here at this hour of the morning?" She 
asked, but kept her back to him, the blanket wrapped around her 
small-framed body. "It's cold tonight, so please, either come in and 
close the window, or leave, but close the window also."
        Hiei almost fell off the branch. She had surprised him yet again 
with another one of her unusual remarks. He had no idea on how she knew 
about his presence. He continued to eye her. She didn't seem like she 
had any intention of turning around to face him. He felt insulted. He 
didn't know what other way to describe it. He decided to enter the human 
girl's room, leaping from the branch, and landing onto the window sill 
with one booted foot first, then the other. He stepped into Miko's 
dimly-lit quarters, and was startled at the unfamiliar feel of the 
floor. It had a soft and cushiony coating. Rather odd. It reminded him 
of a rabbit's fur. 
        He went no further. "Are you going to have your back to me all 
night??"
        Miko slowly raised her copper-colored head to face him. Her hair 
somehow glistened, but there was no trace of light anywhere, except for 
the moon and the stars. 
        "How are you?" She asked softly. Hiei was startled at her simple 
question. Was she up to something, he wondered. He eyed her suspiciously 
this time.
        "Hn. That's not your concern!" He bit back. 
        She pulled the blanket away from her body, and swung her legs 
off the bed. "If it's not mine, then whose is it?" 
        Hiei's eyes narrowed. "I don't need to hear this!" He turned 
around to leave.
        "Hiei?" 
        Hiei stopped, and looked back at her from the corner of his eye.
        "Have you ever had a real friend?" She asked, averting her eyes 
to her feet, while she twidled her toes.
        His kept his brows lowered, but gave her a half smile. "And what 
if I did?" He faced her fully, and placed his hands in the pockets of 
his dark cloak.
        "Is it Kurama?" She smiled curiously.
        "Kurama?" Hiei quirked an eyebrow, and gave a chuckle. "I've 
told you once, and I'll tell you again. It's none of your damn business! 
And if you ask one more question, I'll kill you!!"
        Her forehead furrowed. "But--"
        Hiei, with the speed of a bullet, threw his cloak across the 
room, and grabbed Miko's shirtfront, placing the edge of his sword on 
her neck. A tiny gasp escaped Miko's lips, as she felt the cold steel 
burning her skin.
        Miko was close to tears. "Hiei..."
        Hiei smirked cruelly. "You play by my rules, noone gets hurt, 
understand?" He pushed her back on the bed, her Chinese pajamas torn at 
the shoulder and neck from the brutal action.
        Still she didn't cry, but got up instead, clutching her pained 
shoulder. She tooks short breaths, and walked towards Hiei. "Are you 
done? Can I look at your shoulder and cheek now?"
        "Damn you, woman!! Get off my case!" Hiei raised his voice, loud 
enough for the neighbors to hear. "I spared your life, now leave me 
alone, or I'll surely kill you!!"
        Miko put her index finger on his lips. "Sshhh... quiet. You'll 
wake everybody up."
        Hiei's voice stuck in his throat. Somehow, he couldn't get it 
out of his mouth. It was as if something was blocking its path. Why 
couldn't she just have said "Shut up", like everybody did? He gazed into 
her hazel eyes, and blinked, as he saw a hint of blue in those 
courageous depths. He blinked again, and this time saw that they were 
back to their original hazel color.
        "Now," She said, moving her hand from his lips to his arm. 
"Please, let me take a look at your shoulder." 
        Hiei complied by not saying anything. He let her examine his 
shoulder, her hands grazing it inch by inch with such tenderness and 
care. Miko saw the cut. It wasn't very deep, but it needed to be 
cleaned. There were still blotches of dried blood all over his arm, even 
red stains on the bandages he wore. She left him for awhile, and came 
back carrying a small kit. Hiei didn't know why he stayed. He could have 
just left when she went to get whatever it is she was going to get, but 
he felt rooted to the floor, as if something was telling him to stay.
        Miko, after gently swabbing and cleaning the wound, reached to 
untie the bandages on Hiei's arm. Hiei abruptly pulled his arm away. 
        "You touch that, and you won't live till your next birthday!!"
        Miko ignored him, and attempted to unwrap them again. "I've 
already had a wonderful birthday, thanks to you. I wouldn't mind dying 
today." She smiled sadly at him.
        Hiei froze. That smile...

                                 *~*~*

        After that most enjoyable and exciting picnic at the park, it 
was time to return to the Spirit World. However, when Botan did get 
back, Koenma was about to entrust Yusuke with yet another mission.
        "There has been word that there are two most wanted demons loose 
on the Human World right now," Koenma said, as he placed a dozen or so 
leaflets on his brass desk. Botan looked down at them, and gasped, as 
she saw the familiar faces of the two demons who had attacked Hiei 
earlier that day.
        "Koenma-sama, these are--"
        Koenma nodded. "Yes, I know. These are Kuanja and Akuna. They 
are two of the most wanted criminals in the Spirit World." He sucked 
thoughtfully on his pacifier, and crossed his arms. After taking a deep 
breath, the little Koenma jumped off his nylon-coated chair, and paced 
the room.
        "If I am not mistaken, these thieves should be after the 
valuable treasures of the Spirit World," Koenma continued, as he stopped 
pacing, and looked seriously at Botan through his slitted eyes. "...And 
are after Hiei."
        The cute, blue-haired messenger blinked. "Koenma-sama, do you 
know something about these two criminal demons?" 
        "Well..."
  
        Koenma patiently waited, as he drummed his fingers vigorously on 
the table's polished surface. His father, King Enma Daioh was busy 
attending to business in the other dimension, so Koenma, being his son 
and the prince, had to take over the office and the paperwork. He was 
even left in charge of the judgement of souls. It wasn't such a bad 
position, but the next spirit to be judged was going to be no easy task. 
        "Koenma-sama, she's here," The secretary goblin, Jorju, informed 
his master. Koenma straightened in his chair, as he awaited the "she" to 
pass through the office doors.
        "Show her in, Jorju," Koenma ordered, as his seat squeeked from 
his trying to seem taller.
        The huge doors opened, and a young girl entered. Her long 
bluish-white hair flowed down her back upto her thighs, and she had the 
most dazzling blue eyes Koenma had ever seen. She lowered her head when 
she saw the child-like ruler, afraid she might be judged wrongly or 
unfairly.
        "Eisila, am I right?" Koenma asked.
        She nodded meekly, keeping her hands daintily clasped together. 
        Koenma took out a few documents from his drawers. "This is your 
case, Eisila: You were born among the Koorime because of your mother, 
however your father was Kuukirime, an air demon, thus you have the power 
of the air and the wind. But, it also made you an outcast, right?"
        Eisila wished he weren't so blunt about it, but she nodded in 
reply. 
        "The two, Kuanja and Akuna, who held you captive... they ordered 
you to steal for what purpose?" Koenma persisted.
        She wrapped her arms around herself. "A deal." Koenma finally 
heard her voice. It was melodious, but melancholic. "They said they 
wouldn't hurt my family, if I stole for them." Her voice shook. "They 
broke their end of the bargain, so I told them I didn't want to be a 
part of their wreched plans anymore." 
        "I see." Koenma said, in a business-like manner. "So they killed 
you."          
        Time stood suspened for quite sometime. Koenma straightened out 
the papers, wacking them on the desk. "Alright, this is my decision." 
Eisila stiffened.
        "I am giving you another chance to come back to life," He 
stated, moving his finger in a "know-it-all" position. Eisila knew there 
was a catch to this, but then again, anything was worth trying. 
        "I want you to work for me," The midget of a god continued. 
"...as a spirit detective."
        "Spirit detective?"
        "I am assigning you for your first mission to save a Koorime boy 
from their clutches," Koenma put his hands under his chin. "He is the 
well-known 'Forbidden Child', and his power shouldn't be under such 
evil."
        "The forbidden child?" Eisila echoed, and thought for ahwile. 
"Hiei?"
        "That's right," Koenma answered. "He is an outcast just like you 
are, however he was born a fire demon. Kuanja and Akuna seem to take 
advantage of outcasts like you and Hiei."
        Koenma chuckled. "Anyway, goodluck to you, Eisila." And with 
that, he got out his gavel, and banged it on the shiny, gold-colored 
brass desk, stamping a neatly typed piece of paper containing Eisila's 
profile and data.

        "Eh? You mean there was another spirit detective before Sensui 
and Yusuke came along?" A bewildered Botan asked.
        "That's right. Eisila." Koenma replied, and returned to his 
comfortable office chair. "Unfortunately, it wasn't an entirely 
successful mission."
        "But Hiei was saved, right?" 
        "True, but my intention for her next mission was a much bigger 
step concerning Kuanja and Akuna."
        "What happened to Eisila?"
        Koenma paused for a moment. "Eisila is gone for the time being." 
He bowed his head. A half gasp escaped the blue-haired deity's lips.                       
        "However," Koenma added. "There is a possibility that her soul 
fled to the Human World just like what happened to Kurama. I have no 
record of her name on the judgement list."
        "Just like Kurama's situation," Botan said absently.
        "Hey, Botan," Koenma broke into her reverie. "Contact Yusuke and 
the others right away. Kuanja and Akuna must be stopped."
        "At this hour?" Botan asked disbelievingly. "Why are Kuanja and 
Akuna so dangerous?" A paddle materialized in her hand, as she prepared 
to leave for the Human World.
        "If they get the chance to get a hold of those treasures, the 
Spirit World could be in big trouble," Koenma mumbled to himself.
        The child-prince gave a phonemic sound, and stood up. "I'll go 
with you, Botan," He declared, as his height increased. He had 
transformed into a young man, but still sucked on the blue pacifier. His 
hat had gone, and had on his forehead the symbol "Jr." instead. Around 
his neck, a red, shawl-like cape rested, which trailed behind him 
majestically as he walked. His hair was the color of shiny varnished 
bark, similar to rosewood interior. His eyes, like the hazel tree's 
fruit. Botan looked up at his handsome face, and smiled. 
        "Well, then," The now-big Koenma said. "Shall we go?"
        "Sure," Botan replied, her smile still fixed on her face. It 
faded after a few seconds. "Umm, are you riding with me on the oar?"

                                ~*~*~

        The sound of chirping crickets diminished, as the first crack of 
dawn became evident along the cloudy horizon. The two juveniles sat, 
taking glimpses of each other in silence. Hiei kept his eyes on the 
peculiar flooring of the room, which was as soft as mink. His arm was 
now tied in fresh bandages, and much of the pain had subsided, due to 
the swabbing of the wound, and the cold compress Miko had placed on his 
cheek. He had tried probing Miko's mind with his third sight, but found 
it especially difficult to do so. The sad smile she flashed at him 
earlier didn't make matters any easier either. 
        "Miko--"
        "Hiei--"
        They blurted out at the same time. Tension filled the air. They 
clamped their mouths shut, and waited. A rooster's crow sounded, as 
beams of sunlight flowed down from the window, hitting Hiei's nose.
        Miko broke the deafening inaudibility of thoughts by giggling. 
"Hiei, you have a shiny nose."
        "Huh??" 
        "You know, Hiei," Miko started, stretching her legs in front of 
her,  wrapping her arms around her knees. "I asked about your having a 
friend because I've never had any real friends." She rested her chin on 
her propped up knees, and gazed at the golden streams of morning light 
on her bedroom rug. 
        "Did you ever have that feeling when you know that this certain 
person's going to be close to your heart?" Miko asked. She took a brief 
glance at Hiei, then directed it elsewhere, when she saw that his eyes 
were fixed intently on her.
        "No." 
        Miko didn't know if he was lying or not, but she shrugged it off 
nonetheless. "This may sound weird, and I know we've only met, but I 
think... you're my best friend."
        
        
        Loneliness had engulfed him for more than fifteen years after 
his partner had died. He didn't mean to be responsible for the tragic 
death, but fate chose their paths. They were literally partners in 
crime; notorious thieves of the Demon World. But they were also good 
friends, and their friendship was one treasure that was beyond compare 
to any other they've stolen. However, he had lost him. He had lost 
Kuronue. Only on the day of Kuronue's eternal departure did Kurama know 
that they were the best of friends, and he never did get to tell him how 
he felt because it was too late. 
        Kurama travelled in solitude then, a bitter coldness enveloping 
his heart. He pursued his career as a thief, but had failed at the risky 
attempt of stealing a priceless spirit ward. It had been a cinch with 
Kuronue by his side, but times have changed, and he had to fend for 
himself... alone. 
        Alone. The word echoed through his mind, jarring all other 
thoughts, and unnerving his inner being. Cowardice, he had called it, 
but rejected it every now and then. He would not accept it; he didn't 
want to. The truth pierced his soul. He never wanted to return to the 
Demon World again. He fled to the Human World to be reborn, to have a 
new life. ...To forget his past, and to never be alone again. He was 
taught compassion, kindness, and yes, he was taught to love.
Never would he find those attributes in the Demon World.
        Now, his human body was his fortitude, his fortress. He didn't 
want to be hurt again. As if answering his prayers, Hiei came into the 
picture. Little did he know that the fiery Koorime would one day be his 
comrade. 'Thieves till the end' was their motto, and together they stole 
the valuable treasures of the Spirit World, making an excellent team. 
However, Kurama no longer wanted to be a part of it, and used the power 
of a treasure to heal his loving human mother instead. 
        Thinking back was a fairly strenuous task. Kuronoue was gone, 
and the moment to move on had come. Best of friends, partners in 
crime... The descriptions matched Hiei and he perfectly, though Hiei 
never did admit anything. Maybe it was high time Kurama told Hiei about 
how he felt. To tell him how special he really was. True enough, Kurama 
stuck to his word, and searched for Hiei that evening. He found Hiei 
going off into the pit-black darkness of the night. Kurama decided to 
follow, making sure Hiei was oblivious to his pursuit. Hiei stopped, and 
sat his weight on a thick tree branch in front of a large, blue-roofed 
house. Kurama waited among the shrubs and bushes, and watched, as Hiei 
opened the window, and peered inside. 
        Kurama took a better look, and saw Miko's sleeping form. Kurama 
smiled. Was Hiei interested in her? She was a good kid anyway, but what 
did Hiei find so appealing about this girl, he wondered. 
        Hiei stepped inside Miko's bedroom window, much to Kurama's 
surprise. Kurama waited, and listened. For several hours straight, he 
remained hidden, continuing to watch and listen like a spectator. Sleep 
was the last thing on Kurama's mind, even as the sun peeked through the 
far off eastern junction of the earth and sky. 
        Kurama heard what Miko had said to Hiei. It was louder and 
clearer than anything else she had said earlier. "I think... you're my 
best friend."
        Miko had beaten Kurama to it. 
        
                                 *~*~*
        
        Everywhere he went there was food. Glorious food, with a nice, 
heavenly scent invading his nostrils. Where did these all come from? 
Yusuke didn't know, and didn't care. He sat down, and prepared to devour 
every last one of them. He reached out to grab a piece of chicken; its 
juicy-looking leg tempting him with an "Eat me". Somebody slapped his 
hand away.
        "You can't have that!" 
        Yusuke looked up into a pair of familiar brown eyes. He scowled. 
"What was that for, Keiko? I'm starving here!"
        "You never even say 'thank you' for what I do for you," Keiko 
replied. "What makes you think you can eat and run just like that?" She 
snapped her fingers.
        "Keh, you're such a killjoy, Keiko," Yusuke crossed his arms, 
annoyance fleeting over his features. Again, he reached out to take the 
chicken drumstick, its flavorable aroma still floating in the air. 
        As soon as he was about to take a bite into the delicious leg, 
he felt a sharp pain on his finger, making him let go of the piece of 
chicken.
        "What the hell--?!" Yusuke said, as he saw a miscule cut on his 
thumb.
        He picked the chicken leg up from the floor, and saw that it had 
grown eyes and teeth! Yusuke gave a startled yelp, and threw the chicken 
across the room. The rest of the food started to walk towards him with 
the same eyes and teeth! Yusuke tried to run, but he was glued to the 
spot. Run! Move! He ordered himself, but nothing was happening.
        "Rei gun!!" Nothing. 
        The food started climbing up his body. Yusuke yelled, hoping 
someone would hear him. The food nipped at his face. Where was Keiko? 
        He heard Keiko's voice in the distance.
        "Yusuke... Yusuke..."

        "Yusuke..."
        Someone was poking at his face.
        Yusuke opened first one eye, then the other. A pair of pinkish 
eyes looked down at him, her blue tassles of hair tickling his nose. 
        "Botan!" Yusuke sat up. "What are you doing here??"
        Botan chuckled. "Yusuke, you were snoring."
        "What was that?!" Yusuke demanded.
        "We came here to tell you of your new mission," Came the voice 
of a tall, caped figure silhouetted in the dark corner of the room, 
leaning on one of the cabinet doors. He told Yusuke of his assignment, 
and stepped out of the shadows.
        "Koenma," Yusuke got out of bed, and nodded. "Alright! I'm ready 
for it!" He dressed in haste, and prepared to inform Kuwabara and 
Kurama.

                                  ~*~*~     

         Another day, another try. This time they were going to nail 
down that forbidden fire child, whether he liked it or not. Akuna 
stretched lazily on a deserted building rooftop, as humans emerged from 
their homes to start a new day. Humans, such pathetic creatures, Akuna 
thought. 
        "Akuna," Kuanja walked towards her. "We had better get to work."
        "Aye," Akuna replied. "The forbidden child knows where the 
treasures of the Spirit World are located. Once we get the useful 
information out of his system, we dispose of him."
        "But what about his allies?" Kuanja asked. "They are not to be 
underestimated."
        Akuna laughed. "The child is all we need. After we get a hold of 
the treasures, we shall become invincible, and not even the powerful 
Urameshi Yusuke can stop us."      
        "I like the idea," Kuanja smiled, and they both leaped off the 
building to search the city for the Koorime boy. 

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To be continued...?
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